traveldk.com

This ancient town’s main attractions are located at the foot of the Alcazaba.

So ancient that even the Romans called it Antiquaria, this market town presents a wonderfully condensed architectural history of the entire area, beginning with Neolithic dolmens dating from between 4500 and 2500 BC. In addition, there are significant Roman ruins, including villas with outstanding mosaics, a Moorish Alcazaba (closed to the public), the 16th-century Arco de los Gigantes, and fine Renaissance palaces and churches to explore. Many treasures originally found in the town – including the exquisite Ephebe of Antequera, a rare, life-size Roman bronze of a young boy – are displayed in the Municipal Museum, housed in an 18th-century palace.

The city’s oldest taberna , dating from 1840. Some 20 barrels of local wine line the bar. The steamed mussels (mejillones ) are great.

The city’s premier fish restaurant. Fritura malagueña (fish-fry Málaga-style) is a popular choice.

This seaside retreat is decorated in a traditional style, with whitewashed walls, and there’s a nice pool. Most rooms have terraces overlooking the sea.

These lovely apartments are named after the Baroque painter who hailed from the Barrio de Santa Cruz, right in the middle of this flower-decked old quarter.

Top spot in the port. A large club with a spacious outdoor terrace and tropical ambience. Smart dress.

Hours of fun with rides called Kamikazee, Waterfall Lake, Wavebreaker, Ring Rapids, Blackhole Rapids, Soft Runs and a special Children’s Lake for the littlest ones.

Some 700 years later, when the Roman Empire began to come apart, tribes from northern Europe laid claim to the peninsula. The Vandals and then the Visigoths ruled for some three centuries. Politically unstable, a question of rightful succession in AD 710 led to the enlistment of Muslim armies from North Africa. The Moors saw their chance and within 10 years had taken over.

Capital of the sierra, this is an attractive town blessed with fresh air. The oldest town hall in the province offers information about the sierra.