The city of Antequera is located in northern Malaga province, and is commonly known as “the heart of Andalusia” due to its location in the center of the Andalusian Autonomous Community. The city has always been an important route for travellers wanting to discover the marvels of this region, since it allows for an easy access to Malaga’s Costa del Sol in just 30 minutes and to other important cities, such as Seville, Granada and Cordoba in a little over an hour.

Antequera is famous for its history and cultural heritage. Last year the Antequera’s Dolmens Site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site comprises three megalithic monuments: the Menga and Viera dolmens and the Tholos of El Romeral, and two natural monuments: La Peña de los Enamorados and El Torcal mountainous formations. They are one of the most remarkable architectural works of European prehistory and one of the most important examples of European Megalithism—a real treasure of history and majesty.

Antequera is also known as the “City of Sport” thanks to the great variety of national and international competitions it holds throughout the year, which usually gather a high number of participants and big crowds. At a national level, the city recently held the Spanish University Golf and Padel Championships. On the international side, the city has held many championships, namely the 13th World University Golf Championship, the 9th European University Futsal Championship in 2013, the 14th World University Futsal Championship and the 23rd World University Handball Championship in 2016.

The city’s passion for sports has also been a major asset in the development of the local handball, futsal and football teams, with the UMA Antequera being one of the most important futsal teams at regional level. The city also counts on top-level sports facilities, such as the Technified Indoor Athletics Sports Centre and the Municipal Indoor Sports Centre “Fernando Argüelles”, where the Championship matches will take place, as well as other facilities, including “El Maulí”, where trainings normally occur.

Antequera aspires to become the 2018 European City of Sport, title that will be decided later in the year. Its location, history, cultural heritage and love for sports make Antequera the perfect choice to hold the European Universities Handball Championship 2017.