When we book a few days for a city break we normally try and explore further afield and in my research before we left the UK I had read about the little town of Antequera, accessible by bus from Malaga. The bus times were not ideal but gave us time to walk through the old town via the cathedral, crossing the non existent river! The bus station was quite a hike but it was difficult to work out if there were any buses from our side of the city so it was easier to walk. After some difficulty purchasing tickets (more a lack of help than language difficulties) we caught the bus to Antequera. It was around lunch time so we made our way to the Tourist Information office first to find out the important sites that we should visit before or after siesta time.
Despite Colin being peckish I persuaded him to climb the many stone steps up to the old Alcazar - after a brief look and reassurance about opening hours we returned to the old town and enjoyed a great value ‘Menu del dia’. Fully restored we returned up the many steps and wandered around the gardens of the Alcazar and even climbed the bell tower. The views were amazing over the town and especially the rolling clouds coming in over the mountains. As we had another hour or so before our bus back we headed back towards the bus station but diverted to the bull ring. I had thought that the museum was open but unfortunately it was not but we timed it perfectly for our return bus back. What a great day - sunny and warm and a lovely little ‘pueblo blanco’.
Unfortunately we could not find a quick way to return to the harbour to the seafood restaurant, so in the end we actually walked all the way which explains today's total footsteps of over 22,000! Unfortunately yet again the seafood restaurant was not open so we gave up and returned to the old historic quarter looking for an alternative restaurant for the evening meal. We wandered for a bit but we were both very tired and then we simply decided to return to yesterday's excellent lunchtime venue. I was determined to try the mixed fried seafood that is characteristic of the area and it was very good. We must have made a good impression on our last visit as yet again we were given a complimentary desert and drink before we left.
We popped into the steak restaurant that I have chosen for my birthday meal tomorrow and booked a table as they are very popular and it is a Friday night as well so bound to be busy.
We were pretty tired by the time we got back to the apartment and went to bed.
