Free walking tours in Archidona and what to see

Must-sees

Archidona is in the north of Málaga province, at the foot of the Sierra de Gracia, very close to Antequera. Its most famous feature is the Plaza Ochavada, an 18th-century octagonal square combining exposed brick and whitewashed walls, which serves as the town's grand living room. In the centre, also see the church of Santa Ana, the Mínimas convent, with its Baroque tower of green and white tiles, and the Casa del Pósito, now the town hall and municipal museum.

The most striking sights are up high. On the hill stand the remains of the Moorish castle and the sanctuary of the Virgen de Gracia, the town's patron saint, built on an old mosque. From the top you overlook the plain and much of the area. For a nature outing, the Grande and Chica lagoons, a few kilometres away, make a good walk, especially for birdwatching.

Free tours and guided visits

Archidona has no regular free walking tours. The best-known activity on offer is the Sierra de Gracia via ferrata, which climbs the rock with a guide and equipment, for those after a bit of adventure with views of the town. For the monuments, the practical approach is to ask at the tourist office about guided visits, or combine Archidona with a trip to Antequera, which is very close.

How long to spend

Half a morning is enough for the town centre and the Plaza Ochavada. If you climb to the Virgen de Gracia sanctuary and the castle, allow four or five hours in total. The via ferrata and the lagoons take another half day. In August the fair in honour of the Virgen de Gracia is held, and the Dog Fair, in late spring, is one of the town's most curious events.

Where to stay

The most convenient option is to stay in the centre, near the Plaza Ochavada, where there are rural houses and small places to stay with everything on foot. If you prefer peace and scenery, there are farmhouses and country houses around the sierra. Accommodation is limited, so if you can't find a room, Antequera, about twenty minutes' drive away, has many more options and works as a base for the area.