Hiking routes through unique rock formations at El Torcal

by Autentical expert Michael Madsen.

Just outside the historical town of Antequera, in the middle of Andalusia, you find El Torcal National Park. This enchanting place is located on top of a mountain with views all the way to Malaga and the Mediterranean on a clear day. El Torcal is also called the ‘Flintstone country’ due to its peculiar rock formations and limestone cliffs.

This area that spans 17 square km is said to be some of the most beautiful and impressive limestone landscapes in Europe. The whole area was under sea over one hundred million years ago. Over time, the movement of the Earth´s crusts forced it upwards into hills and mountains. Then millions of years of rain and wind chiselled away at these layers forming these incredible shapes.

There are three clearly market Hiking routes to choose from:

The green route is the shortest and easiest, it is 1,5 km long and it takes the average hiker about 30 minutes.
The yellow route covers most of the area, it is 2,5 km long and takes you to “Las Ventanillas” (The Windows). This is a viewpoint at 1.200 m, which gives you stunning panoramic views of the valley of Málaga.
The red route is the longest and most difficult, it is 4,5 km long and takes you about three hours to do. It ends at a view point 1.339m above sea level, were you have views of the entire El Torcal Park and on a clear day the African Coastline.

______

El Torcal is a truly unique natural experience that should not be missed. Unfortunately, it has already become quite popular, so there can be quite a few persone, both locals and tourists. However, due to the size of the park you don´t often bump into persone, so it is far from crowded.

Avoid the weekends, where it fills up quickly with persone. Weekdays are best, as there are fewer persone and on many stretches, you feel as though you are all alone in the midst of these magnificent rock formations. It is best to avoid rainy and humid days, when the cliffs become dangerously slippery.

The spectacular rocks of El Torcal