El Torcal de Antequera

El Torcal de Antequera is a special place that you do surprise you with its strange and varied forms in which the limestone rocks eroded by wind and water over thousands of years.

Nature El Torcal

Located in the province of Málaga in Andalusia, eight kilometers south of Antequera and just 50 kilometers north of Málaga El Torcal is made ​​of limestone that has emerged between 250 and 150 million years ago and was a place that currently a very long passage which was joined to the sea from the Gulf of Cádiz to Alicante, so from the Atlantic to Mediterranean.

The rocks

The rocks here were originally the seabed and have changed slowly over millions of years. The exuberant flora and fauna constitute an encore in this beautiful place, which is considered unique in Europe. El Torcal was also the home of prehistoric man. Remains of the Neolithic inhabitants are found in various places, the most important Cueva del Toro.

Flora and fauna

El Torcal was the first Andalusian nature reserve (in 1929) and was declared a Natural Park in 1978. Since 1989 it has been recognized as a place of interest with respect to the flora and fauna. The trees grow in the Torcal Natural Park is typical of mountain environments and includes maples, elderberry bushes, oak trees, hawthorn and blackthorn, interspersed with other plant life, including thyme, ivy, ferns, moss, peonies and irises. When it comes to the animal world, knows the area some 150 different species of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, including several species of mountain goats, foxes, mountain cats, lizards, scorpions, snakes, spiders etc.. Many vultures, eagles, eagles, hawks, swifts, falcons and other birds like owls can be found in this area. The place has been declared a protected area for birds.

Routes

For visitors to the park there is a number of marked hiking trails with different difficulty levels. The green route can be anticipated in 45 minutes and poses no particular problems. The yellow route takes about two hours, is slightly heavier, and requires at least comfortable shoes. The red route is difficult, it takes more than three hours and requires a bit more preparation, such as drinking water, some food and warm clothing.

Location visitor El Torcal de Antequera

The visitor center is located near the Mirador (lookout) the Ventanilla. There is opportunity to get something to eat and drink, and you will find wonderful books about the course in Andalusia, and routes to other areas in Andalusia.