Antequera is a municipality in the province of Málaga, Andalusia, known as “the heart of Andalusia” due to its central location between Málaga, Granada, Córdoba, and Seville. It covers approximately 749 km² and sits at an elevation of about 575 m.
Population
As of early 2024, Antequera has around 41,600 residents, with a population density close to 55 inhabitants/km². The gender balance is nearly even. The town itself has about 35,800 inhabitants, while surrounding villages and hamlets contribute to the total.
Climate
- Average annual temperature: about 15–17 °C, with hot summers and frequent winter frosts.
- Rainfall: moderate, around 500–550 mm per year, with most precipitation occurring in autumn and spring. Summer is typically dry.
- Sunshine: around 2,800–4,000 hours per year, depending on the source, offering abundant sunny days.
Terrain and Natural Features
Antequera spans varied landscapes, including fertile plains, rolling campiña, and rugged limestone mountain ranges (the Antequera Mountains). These geological features include notable landmarks like Peña de los Enamorados and El Torcal Natural Site, known for its dramatic karst formations. Elevations range from flat agricultural zones up to peaks exceeding 1,300 m.
Urbanisations and Rural Settlements
While Antequera doesn’t have formal “urbanisations” like coastal resort towns, it includes several districts, hamlets, and planned developments:
Traditional Districts and Suburbs
Historic growth has expanded outward from the old town into neighborhoods such as San Pedro, the Cruz, Girón, San José, La Paz, García Prieto, Dólmenes, Los Remedios, San Isidro, San Carlos, and Miraflores. These areas feature mixed housing and represent much of Antequera’s mid-20th-century urban expansion.
Rural Localities
- Bobadilla (Pueblo and Estación): Small village surrounded by olive groves to the west, tied closely to a major railway junction.
- Llanos de Antequera: A hamlet about 7 km north, originally agricultural with a population around 200.
New Planned Development
- La Moraleda: A contemporary residential project under development, including around 140 market-rate homes and 72 social/protected units, with amenities such as playgrounds, pools, and an underground parking area.
