Torcal de Antequera
El Torcal park and the protected EL Torcal Natural Area are known for their 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 12 square km are some of the most beautiful and impressive limestone landscapes in Europe. The whole area was under the 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.
Private vehicle access to Torcal Alto is restricted on weekends and public holidays (Tue-Oct) between 10:00 and 16:00. There is a free bus from Villanueva de la Concepción. At the park's parking area, you will find a museum with a permanent exhibition hall, a panoramic terrace, interactive geology displays, and a café. Orchid enthusiasts will be captivated by over 600 plant species, including 30 endemic orchids and several rare endemics.
History
The history of human occupation in the Torcal de Antequera dates back to the Middle Neolithic period, with archaeological sites discovered in the Cueva del Toro. Other significant prehistoric settlements, dating back to around 8,000 BC, have been identified in various locations such as the Cueva de la Cuerda, Cueva de Marinaleda, and the Sima del Hoyo. Surface sites like Hoyo del Francés, Hoyo del Tambor, and Fuente de la Higuera also provide evidence of early human activity in the area.
Human habitation in El Torcal persisted almost continuously until the 20th century, with the last known settlement, Las Sepulturas. Following the abandonment of Las Sepulturas, the only occasional inhabitants of El Torcal were shepherds, bandits, and resistance fighters (maquis). In addition to these more recent remnants, there is evidence from Roman times suggesting the use of El Torcal's limestone in local construction projects.
Three walking groups
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 45 minutes. The yellow route covers most of the green area, is 2,7 km. long and takes you to "Las Ventanillas" (The Windows), at 1.200 m. for panoramic views of the valley of Málaga, and past monuments, such as the El Tornillo del Torcal. 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 African 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 article in the Andalucia magazine. El Torcal de Antequera - The enchanted mountain range.
Hotels
There is no accommodation in the small natural area or park. Stay in one of the villages nearby. There are hotels in Villanueva de la Concepción and Antequera nearby.
UNESCO
El Torcal de Antequera was included as a landmark within the Antequera Dolmens Site, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list on 15th July 2016 (including Peña de los Enamorados).
More information
For more detailed information, read our page on El Torcal Natural Area.
How to get there
From Antequera, El Torcal is 15 km South on the A-7075 on the right-hand side on the descent into Villanueva de la Concepcion.
From Málaga, head 20km North on the A45 to "km 148" and the village of Casabermeja, then head west on the A7075 to Villanueva de la Concepcion. and follow signs for Antequera. The road leading up to El Torcal is 3km after Villanueva de la Concepcion on the left-hand side.