Our trademark of using local restaurants to provide an authentic experience for all.
One of Toro Blanco’s standout features is that all our guides have either lived or currently reside in the areas we traverse. This local expertise allows them to introduce travelers to some of the finest restaurants in Andalusia, Spain, with a focus on the cities of Antequera, Loja, and Granada.
Antequera: Situated in the province of Málaga, Andalusia, Antequera is a historical and cultural treasure, often referred to as “the heart of Andalusia” due to its central location and rich heritage. The city has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with the impressive dolmens of Menga, Viera, and El Romeral as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Restaurant Plaza de Toros: Located in a former bullring, this restaurant offers traditional Spanish dishes with a modern twist. Carlos, Marta, and I often take guests to experience an authentic bullring while enjoying fantastic tapas like Gambas con ajo or Salmorejo, which are favorites among our returning visitors.
Mesón Adarve: This cozy, family-run restaurant always welcomes us back warmly each month. They serve grilled meats, salads, and homemade desserts.
La Cantina: A popular bar offering a variety of tapas, sandwiches, and drinks. We frequently stop here when arriving later than usual in Antequera from Pizarra.
Loja: After leaving Antequera, we arrive in my favorite town, Loja, located in the province of Granada. Situated in the valley of the River Genil, Loja boasts a history that stretches back to prehistoric times. It was a significant strategic and trade center under the Moors, known then as Medina Lauxa or Loxa. The Christians conquered it in 1486, and it later became the residence of the renowned military leader Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, the “Great Captain.”
One of my favorite Mediterranean restaurants is Casa Raimundo, known for its seafood, paella, and salads. It’s so popular that getting in without a reservation can be a challenge. Flati, preferred by Marta and Carlos, offers a more modern take on Spanish cuisine with creative, seasonal dishes like lamb with honey and rosemary, or cod with orange sauce.
If our usual contacts are unavailable, we always head to the Italian restaurant Atracón. It serves home-cooked pizzas from a stone fireplace, pasta, steak, and fresh, high-quality salads.
At Toro Blanco Active Holidays, we truly appreciate the hospitality we receive when dining with our guests. The local restaurant staff always go out of their way to understand English and help with any doubts about the dishes. Our relationships with these establishments add value to areas that see little tourism, making them hidden gems with a unique, dynamic feel.
In our next blog post, we’ll discuss the local restaurants we visit during our two-day stop in Granada and Guadix. We’ll also share an exciting update: starting in 2025, we’ll be adding an extra day to our travels to Córdoba due to its growing popularity. This will provide even more options for our guests.
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