Villanueva de la Concepción is a picturesque little village in the region of Antequera. The destination’s pretty streets, whitewashed houses and lively squares are a joy to explore with your loved one by your side. The village is also just a stone’s throw from El Torcal natural park, a landscape that will blow you away. Fancy discovering some of the most romantic spots in Villanueva de la Concepción? Keep reading.
As you explore Villanueva de la Concepción with your loved one’s hand in yours, you will soon come across the parish church, built in the late 19th century, which is well worth poking your head into. Though the village doesn’t have any more sights per se, Villanueva de la Concepción is bursting with picturesque spots where you can take lovely pictures, such as, for instance, plaza de García Caparró and plaza de Andalucía, where you will find plenty of bustling bars and shops.
Built in the mid 18th century, the Camino Real saw the construction of a number of other great architectural structures. The León, Horcajo and arroyo Cauche bridges were built a number of years after the Camino Real was inaugurated as it was noted that sections of the road were impassable during periods of rain. The bridges built for the Camino Real are still in use today, providing connections to the surrounding towns and villages. Their construction marks the start of the village’s recent history.
The perfect place to say “I love you”
Villanueva de la Concepción is one of the most romantic villages in Andalusia. It even has its very own walk dedicated to people in love, the so-called ruta para enamorados, which was opened in 2015 and comprises “10 steps to love”. The ten landmarks that constitute this walk are as follows:
- Dream of me and I’ll dream of you (Avda. Blas Infante viewing point).
- Let our love make a mark (Calle Ribera).
- Whisper sweet nothings (Avda. De la Libertad).
- Look at me with love (Avda. De la Libertad viewing point).
- Kiss me now (Calle Real).
- Show me how to stop time (Avda. Blas Infante).
- Drink from my lips (Parque Antonio Bolívar).
- Give me your hand and hear what my heart desires (Avda. Blas Infante).
- It was meant to be (Carretera de Almogía).
- Let’s walk this way together (Carril del Agua).
Peña de los Enamorados, a must-visit with your loved one
Close to Villanueva de la Concepción sits Peña de los Enamorados, one of the best known natural sites in the area. When you’re here, we recommend doing the ruta de miradores, a walk that will lead you to a number of viewing points affording vistas over the crag. Peña de los Enamorados is well-known in the area for looking like a reclining face and the story of two ill-fated lovers. When the Christians were conquering Al-Andalus, legend has it that two young lovers escaped from the dungeons of the fortress. He was Christian and she was Muslim. A couple of hours after their escape, they were trapped by the Christian troops that the girl’s father had sent to find them. The lovers then climbed up to the top of the crag and then hurled themselves into the void. In the style of Romeo and Juliet, they preferred to die than to be separated.
Delicious cuisine, the way to your heart
If you and your loved one enjoy dinners for two, this inland destination certainly won’t disappoint. Olives, chickpeas and almonds are some of the most popular ingredients you will find in Villanueva de la Concepción’s traditional dishes. Other stand-out dishes include wild asparagus, gachas (a dessert similar to crème caramel) and guiso de caracoles (snail stew). You will also find quality local meats, charcuterie and sausages on the menu. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, make sure you try roscos de huevo and roscos de vino, magdalenas, tortas de aceite and, of course, borrachuelos.
If you’re looking for a way to surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day - or for any other occasion - a weekend getaway to Villanueva de la Concepción will become an unforgettable part of your love story. Stay in a rustic country property, do plenty of walking in the wilderness, wander through pretty streets that will transport you back in time, treat yourself to some delicious cuisine, gaze at picturesque spots and meet friendly locals. This is a destination where you will find the most authentic and unexpected side of the Costa del Sol.
