The Antequera Dolmens are one of the main attractions of this town in Málaga and also one of the best places to learn about Prehistory in Andalusia. If you are planning to come here for that purpose, this post offers everything you need to know for your visit to the Antequera Dolmens. Take note!
#1. Dolmens (plural)…
Sometimes people refer to a particular dolmen, but in fact there are two: Menga and Viera, located very close to each other. Let us remember that a dolmen is a megalithic monument made up of large vertical stones on which another stone rests as a roof. In both cases, their dating takes us to the Late Neolithic, between 3800 BC and 3400 BC.
#2. … and much more
As you will discover during your visit to the Antequera Dolmens, this prehistoric complex is not made up solely of dolmens. In fact, you can also see a tholos, the Romeral tholos, a circular tomb with two chambers and a corridor with masonry walls, probably built in the Copper Age (around 3200 BC). In addition, it is worth mentioning the rock formations of La Peña de los Enamorados and El Torcal, true natural monuments. The complex is completed by the Visitor Reception Centre and the Michael Hoskin Solar Centre.
#3. A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The value of the Antequera Dolmens is so significant that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. In addition, the complex is protected under other designations in Spain, the oldest being National Monument in 1886. One of the main reasons for its protection is that it represents a unique and very ancient form of landscape integration between nature and architecture.
#4. How to get to the site
The Antequera Dolmens are located on the outskirts of the town centre, so it is advisable to use transport to reach the entrance. Bus line 1 stops there, although its frequency is limited (every half hour in the morning and every hour in the afternoon, with fewer services on weekends and public holidays). For this reason, private transport is the most flexible and comfortable option.
#5. Visit the Antequera Dolmens with a guide
As these are very old and delicate structures, it is only possible to visit the Antequera Dolmens with a guide. The site itself offers guided tours, but those who wish to arrange a private visit with their own requirements (time, duration, language, etc.) must book in advance.
#6. Opening hours
The Antequera Dolmens have fairly long opening hours, but you should bear in mind that there are closing days and that opening times may change for various reasons. These are the opening hours:
- Summer:
- Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 to 15:00 and 20:00 to 22:00
- Sundays, public holidays and Mondays before public holidays, 9:00 to 15:00
- Autumn and winter:
- Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 to 18:00
- Sundays, public holidays and Mondays before public holidays, 9:00 to 15:00
- Spring:
- Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 to 21:00
- Sundays, public holidays and Mondays before public holidays, 9:00 to 15:00
- Monday, closed
If you would like to visit the Antequera Dolmens and organise every detail of your trip to this town in Málaga, please get in touch with Andalucía Exclusiva. We will plan everything to your exact requirements.
