The extraordinary limestone rock formations of El Torcal, Antequera |
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EL TORCAL DE ANTEQUERA
El Torcal park and the protected EL Torcal Natural Area 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.
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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 park's parking area you will find an information centre, small museum, with an interesting of view of the wildlife, flora and fauna of the park. There is a good cafe. Orchid enthusiasts will be captivated by the 30 varieties of the plant growing in the park.
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THREE WALKING ROUTES
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 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 a hotels in Villanueva de la Concepción, and Antequera nearby.Hotels in Villanueva de la Concepcion
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Hotels in Antequera town
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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 decent 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.