El Tornillo del Torcal - Natural Monument
Within the Torcal de Antequera Natural Area is this protected geological feature, the Tornillo del Torcal, officially declared a Natural Monument by the Andalusian regional government on 25 April 2001. Its name - the Screw of Torcal - comes from its distinctive appearance, as its limestone layers have been eroded making them look like the threads twisting around a screw. It is used as a symbol for the Torcal Natural Area. Within this area are other limestone features that resemble everyday objects, like the so-called sombrerillo (small sun hat), ataúd (coffin), and the dado (dice).
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.
Location and access
From Malaga, head north on the N-331. Immediately past Villanueva de Cauche, at the Puerto de las Pedrizas, turn left towards Villanueva de la Concepción and then right towards Antequera. The Torcal de Antequera is to the northwest of this road.
Private vehicles are restricted on weekends (Mar–Oct 10:00–16:00); a free shuttle bus runs from Villanueva de la Concepción.
The Torcal Alto Visitor Centre is open year-round with free entry, exhibitions, a shop, an observatory, a restaurant, and marked trails.