El Torcal de Antequera lies about 30km north of Málaga city. It is a natural park composed of majestic and dramatic limestone formations that were submerged beneath the sea until some 100 million years ago. As a result, El Torcal is without doubt, and many travel writers agree, one of the eeriest and most “spectacular examples of limestone scenery found anywhere in Europe.”
The mesmerising rock formations, which are as worthy of appearing in a film as those of the Grand Canyon, formed thanks to the unique microclimate of the Sierra de Torcal, which has a higher rainfall than surrounding areas. The limestone rock, rich in carbonates and therefore porous and soluble, has been sculpted by rainwater over the millennia.
Sights to see at El Torcal:
Early inhabitants of El Torcal
Apart from the pleasure of wandering through this mysterious landscape, visitors can also enjoy discovering the world of the area’s earliest inhabitants at the Cueva del Toro and the Cancha de la Gotera, where cave paintings and evidence of human remains point to a community that originated around 5500BC.
The Romans also discovered it and built roads leading to the mountain range; evidence of their endeavours remains at Boca del Asno and Puerto de las Escanuelas, strategic points that also played a part in the reconquest of Andalucía by Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain.
Flora and Fauna
The area is replete with a stunning assortment of flora and fauna that complements the rock formations to create a natural adventure playground for all ages. The vegetation provides breathtaking scenery in a walkway through the rocks. Flower lovers will be stunned by the 30 species of wild orchid identified in the area and the wild rose bushes of this outdoor garden.
Animal lovers will be equally thrilled, especially bird spotters who are likely to see Griffin Vultures and Golden Eagles as well as raptor species. El Torcal is also a natural home to the Ibex, the wild Iberian mountain goat whose agility and balance at height is legendary. Badgers, foxes, hedgehogs and rabbits are further examples of the teeming wildlife in this park.
Follow the trails
You are advised to start at the visitor’s centre, which also has a restaurant and souvenir shop selling maps and books. It’s a good idea to get a map, even though the three trails are well signposted. The green and yellow trails are open year round, but the red one runs through a restricted area. The green route is the shortest and easiest option at 1.5kms, whilst the yellow one is three kilometres but passes through some of the most spectacular parts of the park. Visitors are advised not to stray from the trails because it is all too easy to get lost.
Getting there
To find El Torcal on the map, search for the nearby town of Antequera, which is only 13 kilometres from the park, or the nearest village, Villanueva de la Concepción, should you be looking for somewhere to stop for refreshments. If you are coming from the Costa del Sol, then following the route to Villanueva de la Concepción is the best option. Alternatively, you can drive to Antequera and follow the MA-9016 up to El Torcal, but make sure you don’t miss the experience.
Centro de Visitantes del Torcal de Antequera www.torcaldeantequera.com