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El Torcal de Antequera

Discovering el Torcal © istockphoto
Discovering el Torcal

El Torcal de Antequera Park

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.

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.

El Torcal de Antequera Natural Area boasts one of the most dramatic and exceptional karstic landscapes in Europe © Michelle Chaplow El Torcal de Antequera Natural Area boasts one of the most dramatic and exceptional karstic landscapes in Europe

Thirty kilometres north of Malaga is the 12km² Torcal de Antequera Natural Area, with one of the most dramatic and exceptional karstic landscapes in Europe. This surreal and lunar grey limestone… More →

Discovering el Torcal © istockphoto Discovering el Torcal

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… More →

Watch Videos of El Torcal, Andalucia Watch Videos of El Torcal, Andalucia

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… More →

El Torcal - The enchanted mountain range © Michelle Chaplow and istockphoto El Torcal - The enchanted mountain range

La Sierra del Torcal is situated some ten kilometres from the town of Antequera which, with its eastern foothills, the Sierra Pelada, results in an awesome view of majestic mountain ranges… More →

El Tornillo —literally “The Screw” due to its twisted shape— is a perfect example of the karstic formations that define El Torcal © istock photo El Tornillo —literally “The Screw” due to its twisted shape— is a perfect example of the karstic formations that define El Torcal

Within the Torcal de Antequera Natural Area is this protected geological feature, the Tornillo del Torcal. Its name - the Screw of Torcal - comes from its distinctive appearance, as its limestone… More →

The extraordinary limestone rock formations of El Torcal, Antequera. The extraordinary limestone rock formations of El Torcal, Antequera. The extraordinary limestone rock formations of El Torcal, Antequera.

Within easy reach of Antequera you will find two amazing rock attractions: El Torcal park, with its extraordinary limestone rock formations, including la Copa (the wine glass), el Lagaro (the… More →

The fascinating shapes of El Torcal, created by erosion over millions of years © Michelle Chaplow The fascinating shapes of El Torcal, created by erosion over millions of years © Michelle Chaplow

The Parks in Antequera are Paraje Natural del Torcal, El Chorro, Jardín de la Plaza de Toros, Jardines del Rey, Río de la Villa and Corazón de Jesús.

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See a selection of excellent private party or family excursions from Esteponaa with or affiliate partner Viator,  perfect opportunities to see the major attractions in Andalucia without the hassle… More →

Excursions from Costa del Sol © Michelle Chaplow & Kevin George Monterrubio Excursions from Costa del Sol: Caminito del Rey, Córdoba, Ronda, Jerez, Sevilla © Michelle Chaplow & Kevin George

There are many different excursions from La Costa del Sol offering the perfect opportunities to see the major attractions in Andalucia without the hassle of having to organise it yourself. Coach… More →

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Limestone towers of El Torcal rise dramatically beneath a vivid blue sky and white clouds.
Limestone towers of El Torcal rise dramatically beneath a vivid blue sky and white clouds.

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

Book hotels in Villanueva de la Concepcion

 

Hotels in Antequera town

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Hotel Manzanito

Featuring a terrace, Hotel Manzanito is located in Antequera in the Andalucía region, 49 km from Jorge Rando Museum and 50 km from Museum of Glass and Crystal. With a shared lounge, the 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge.

The extraordinary limestone rock formations of El Torcal, Antequera.
The extraordinary limestone rock formations of El Torcal, Antequera.

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 Inormation

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.