 |
| The unusual limestone rock formations of El Torcal. |
El Torcal Park Nature Reserve is known for it's unusual
limestone rock formations. Located about 30 km north of Málaga
city in the direction of Antequera near the village of Villanueva de la
Concepción, within El Torcal Park's 17 square km are
some of the most beautiful and impressive limestone landscapes in
Europe. The whole area was under sea until one hundred million years
ago.
Then the violent movements of the Earth's crust
forced it upward into hills and mountains up to 1.300 m, the limestone
still kept its layered horizontal formation. Because of this, over
the millions of years the rain and wind have been able to chisel
away at these layers to form incredible shapes.
To reach the heart of the park it is possible to drive up to 1.100 m. above sea level along a good access road into the park. Simply go to the village of Villanueva de la Concepcion and follow the sign to El Torcal out of the town about 1 km. At the parking area you will find an information centre, small museum, with an interesting of view of the wildlife, flora and fauna of the park. Orchid enthusiasts will be captivated by the 30 varieties of the plant growing in the park.
Three routes through the park for walkers have been
marked out with different coloured arrows on wooden sticks. The
green route is the shortest and easiest, 1,5 km. and takes about
30 minutes. The yellow route covers most of the green area, is 2,5
km. long and takes you to "Las Ventanillas" The Windows, at 1.200
m. for panoramic views of the valley of Málaga. Finally the
red route is the longest and most difficult, 4,5 km. taking about
three hours, with a viewing point 1.339 m. up where you can see
the whole of the El Torcal Park and the Africa Coastline.
You need good walking shoes or trainers, in the
warm months take a bottle of water. For more information about 'El
Torcal' read the recent article in the Andalucia magazine. El
Torcal de Antequera - The enchanted mountain range. The
Torcal natural park is entered from the village of Villanueva de
la Concepción. From Málaga
head 20km North on the N341 to "km 148" and the village of Casabermeja,
then head west 15km. From Antequera, Villanueva de la
Concepción is 15 km South on the C3310
top of page
|
