Day 7
Dólmenes de Antequera
One of the most surprising stops of all: the Dólmenes de Antequera.
I remember thinking, "Why are we seeing a mound in the middle of nowhere?" Duh on me.
Upon our arrival at the site’s modern visitor center, we watched an animated film showing how this fascinating structure was built. Picture a one-level house of cards—then cover it with dirt and somehow have it not collapse!
We stood inside this 5,000-year-old stone structure built without machinery, aligned perfectly with a distant mountain. I stared down that ancient passageway and thought, "These people saw what I’m seeing right now." It was humbling. And unforgettable.
one night in ronda
Ronda followed—dramatic cliffs, a historic bridge, and empty morning streets where a hot-air balloon drifted silently into the sky. It felt like a movie scene created just for us.
The only planned activity for this stop is an hour long guitar concert early evening. This makes for plenty of free time!
¡Olé! The bull fighting museum. Beautiful artwork and matador costumes filled the displays. We saw where the bulls are kept before being released into the ring. This would be a one way exit for them. How exciting to be in the center of an actual bull ring. The surface felt like being on a giant bocce ball court.
The setting sun beckoned us to hike to the bottom of the picturesque gorge and bridge that symbolize Ronda. Such an impressive view to look up at the town! This good work out up and down the hill meant a gelato reward. Gelato abounds on Ronda’s famous Calle la Bolla. Quite the strolling place, too!
After the guitar concert, we see thousands of people lining the main street for a parade. The parade honors the children who received their First Communion in 2025. How cool to see the floats, the marching band, the Senoras wearing montillas, and of course, the children all lining up for the parade. Very touching to see how the people of Andalucía support their children, community and traditions.
channeling Ferdinand the Bull
Being where bull fighting got its start meant visiting a bull farm to learn more about this Spanish spectacle. The bull farm reminded me more of a Kentucky thoroughbred farm than a cattle ranch.
The bulls roam free here on this peaceful and beautiful farm. They eat vegetation and acorns. Due to this natural diet and free range life, their meat commands top euro. The bulls live a good life until they turn 5. Off to the sales ring, then to the bull ring. Rafael Tejada, a businessman turned matador, owns the farm. Rafeal came to say hi and answer questions. Not every day you get to meet a matador who makes women swoon and men wish they could be him.
Would I ever go see a bull fight? No. Part of travel may expose us to traditions we may not agree with. Learning more about bull fighting got me thinking and evaluating my food choices and sources.
