The Camino Real de Carlos III near Antequera was part of the great royal road built in the 18th century under King Charles III to improve the connection between Madrid and Andalusia. In the region around Antequera, the route ran through a particularly scenic area – along the edge of the Torcal de Antequera, between hills, olive groves, and limestone cliffs. At that time, the route served as an important trade and travel link between the Guadalquivir Valley, Antequera, and the Málaga coast.
Today, some sections of the historic Camino Real near Antequera are still recognizable and marked as cycle paths. You can cycle along these old paths through a typical Andalusian cultural landscape of grain fields, olive trees, and whitewashed villages. The section that descends from the Torcal de Antequera towards the city is particularly rewarding, offering magnificent views of the Antequera Valley, the Peña de los Enamorados, and the vast plains extending to the Sierra de las Nieves.
The Camino Real was not only a transport link here, but also a symbol of the Enlightenment-style reform spirit of King Charles III, who built roads, post stations, and new villages to develop and modernize Andalusia. Today, the route invites you to hike or cycle along historical trails—between history, nature, and impressive geology.