Hiking El Torcal De Antequera: Spain’s Unique Rock Formations
El Torcal de Antequera is one of southern Spain’s lesser-known natural wonders. Situated in the heart of Andalusia, this unique landscape showcases an intricate display of karst limestone formations and expansive vistas. The formations at El Torcal make up part of Antequera Dolmens, which in 2016 became a UNESCO World Heritage site.
With stunning scenery that makes you feel like you’re on another planet, El Torcal de Antequera shouldn’t be missed! The area has something for everyone with accessible hiking trails; road cycling; interesting geology; and wildlife. So if you’re staying in southern Spain (Malaga, Mijas, Antequera), it’s time to grab your walking shoes and explore this surreal landscape!
This guide will cover everything you need to know about visiting El Torcal de Antequera. Use the contents below to skip to your preferred section or read from the top for a complete guide.
About El Torcal de Antequera
Also known as Paraje Natural El Torcal de Antequera, this nature reserve belongs to the Sierra de Torcal Mountain Range. Four sections make up the park: Torcal Alto, Torcal Bajo, Sierra Pelada, Tajos and Laderas. The highest part of the region is Camorro de las Siete Mesas standing at 1336m above sea level.
However, this wasn’t always the case. 150 million years ago, the region was completely submerged under water!
Tectonic activity caused the land to shift and rise upwards. Since then, erosion has sculpted this labyrinth of grey, limestone monoliths and winding paths. Many of these are named after similar-looking items such as the jug; the crack; or the screw.
Scattered across the park are various fossils, which act as a reminder of the area’s underwater history.
Hiking El Torcal de Antequera
There are three official hiking routes around El Torcal de Antequera: Green, Yellow and Orange. The Yellow and Green routes are well-signposted and are appropriate for beginners (including children). The orange trail is slightly longer and less well-marked.
Across each of the three hikes, there is minimal elevation. The terrain is rocky and uneven so you will need to watch your step whilst also looking out for spiky plants which are common.
🟢 Green Trail 🟢
The green hiking trail at El Torcal de Antequera is the shortest and easiest route. It’s best completed anti-clockwise.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.44
- Time: 30-45 minutes
- Route: Loop
- Starting Point (Trailhead): Upper Car Park
- End Point: Visitor Centre
The route heads westbound through a series of rock formations. These include El Vigilante (the watchman) and La Esfinge (the sphinx) which are two smaller formations. In my opinion, they don’t bear much resemblance to their namesakes!
As you continue through the sea of rocks, follow the signpost leading you down a path to the left. You will ascend through a natural stepped rock formation until you reach the Maple of Montpellier (Acer monspessulanum). There is a sign (in Spanish) here outlining the significance of the Maple tree and its fruits.
This is where the path forks away from the yellow route.
Keep left and head down into the valley. You will rejoin the yellow path again at Hoyo de los Arregladeros (Arregladeros Hole) and Las Catedrales (the cathedrals). Turn left again.
Follow the path through the valley back up towards the visitor centre. You will pass Hoya de la Burra as well as an optional detour to Las Ventanillas viewpoint.
🟡 Yellow Trail 🟡
The Yellow Trail at El Torcal de Antequera is an extension of the Green Trail. Once again, the trail is best completed anti-clockwise.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 2.75km
- Time: 2 hours
- Route: Loop
- Starting Point (Trailhead): Upper Car Park
- End Point: Visitor Centre
The yellow trail follows the same path west as the green route until the fork. Instead, follow the signs to continue straight towards Wide Alley.
You will meander between various rock formations including La Jarra (the jar), La Grieta (the crack), El Camello (the camel) and ‘El Adelantadao’. I had lots of fun creating my own names for formations based on what each rock reminded me of!
As you loop around to the left, you will navigate some tighter rock formations within Tobacco Alley before reaching the clearing where the Green Trail rejoins. From there you can follow the trail uphill back to the visitor centre.
🟠 Orange Trail 🟠
The orange trail isn’t as signposted as the other two trails are.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 8.7km
- Time: 3.5-4 hours
- Route: Loop
- Starting Point (Trailhead): Lower Carpark
- End Point: Lower Carpark
From the lower car park follow the path on the south side of the road. It’s an incline at first, but the path levels out after approximately 2km when you reach El Tornillo. El Tornillo, meaning ‘The Screw’ is the formation that makes this extended hike different from the rest.
Eventually, you will reach the upper car park. From here you can complete the yellow trail outlined above.
Follow the path back down to the lower car park to complete the full loop. Alternatively, there are shuttles between the two car parks.
Hiking Tips for El Torcal de Antequera
Hiking in El Torcal de Antequera is a unique experience, so here are some things to remember:
- Don’t leave the trail: It’s easy to get lost as soon as you leave the signposts, so keep them in sight (especially when it’s foggy).
- Wear shoes with ankle support: The terrain can be uneven and have trip hazards.
- Wear shoes with a good grip: Rocks can become very slippery in the rain, so shoes with rubber soles are ideal.
- Avoid holes: There are large gaps between rocks; steer clear of any big drops. We met someone who knew of a hole that led into a cave system over 100ft deep!
- Trails are suitable for children.
- Keep dogs on leads: Trails are suitable for dogs, but only if kept on their leads.
- There are more hiking routes available: Particularly on the north side of El Torcal, there are more ‘unofficial’ hikes which include visits to Paso del Negro, El Sombrerillo and Camorro de siete mesas (the highest point). The so-called Red Route is one of my favourites.
Viewpoints at El Torcal de Antequera
Las Ventanillas (The Windows)
The main viewpoint in El Torcal de Antequera is called Mirador Ventanillas, which translates to The Windows. It’s a 50m walk from the visitor centre.
From here you will have a panoramic view of the expansive landscapes below. This includes Villanueva de la Concepcion, Rio Campanillas, Colmener and Casabermeja.
You can see Malaga and the sea in the distance, and occasionally Morocco on a less hazy day!
Proa de Barco (Ship Bow)
Personally, my favourite viewpoint in the Torcal area was at Proa de Barco.
You feel a lot closer to the spectacular landscape here than from Las Ventillas and you get a better sense of how high up you are. There are lots of fossils here too!
These rocks run parallel to the final section of the green/yellow trails, making it an easy detour up an ‘unofficial’ path.
El Sombrerillo (The hat)
One of the most popular landmarks within El Torcal de Antequera is El Sombrerillo which looks like a giant hat.
Though it’s not on the Green, Yellow or Orange trails, I think it still deserves a mention. Many hikers wander over specifically to have a look as it makes an awesome photo spot!
Wildlife at El Torcal de Antequera
Within Paraje Natural El Torcal de Antequera, there is an abundance of wildlife. The reserve has been recognised as a Special Protection Area (SPA).
Between the rocks, you will find a number of plant species, many of which are spiny to deal with the arid conditions in the area. Wildflowers, orchids, and other flowering plants are common. Larger trees such as oaks and maples are also present.
Beyond the plant life, El Torcal de Antequera hosts several species of lizards and snakes. These include the snouted vipers, ladder snakes, Iberian lizards and ocellated lizards.
El Torcal is a haven for both small and large birds, making it a great place for twitchers! The most common are Griffon vultures which are regularly seen circling high above the rock formations. Other larger birds such as the peregrine falcon, Bonelli’s eagle, black and yellow wheatear, eagle owl, rock martin, and common kestrel are also welcomed.
In terms of mammals, voles, foxes, badgers, rabbits and weasels live amongst the rocks, but are difficult to spot. The largest and most commonly seen mammal is the Iberian ibex.
Ibex are normally found at higher altitudes, but in Spain, they are found lower down. I expected them to be timid and run away at the sight of humans, but they seemed non-plussed by our presence. That being said, you should still respect their habitat and keep your distance.
FAQs
When to visit Torcal de Antequera?
Time and Day
The El Torcal Natural Park is open at any time of day, 7 days a week! There’s no gate to the park, meaning you can visit morning, afternoon, evening, or night. It’s advisable not to come at night time as you can get lost (and the views disappear).
NOTE: The visitor Centre isn’t open before 10am. It is also closed at Christmas, New Year and 6th January.
NOTE: You cannot stay overnight within the grounds (camping/motorhome).
Time of year
The best time to visit El Torcal de Antequera is during the shoulder season in Spain (April-May or September-October).
That being said, you can visit the rock formation all year round and have a great time!
During the winter months, temperatures can drop. The area occasionally gets some snowfall! During the summer months, it will be hot however it is bearable given the altitude, breeze, and intermittent shade.
Where is El Torcal de Antequera?
El Torcal de Antequera is located in the Andalucian region of southern Spain. Tucked away in the mountains and away from the coast, the nearest city to El Torcal is Antequera. If you haven’t heard of Antequera, then Malaga is just over 50km south of the rock formations with the journey taking around an hour.
How to get to El Torcal de Antequera?
By Car
The easiest way to get to El Torcal de Antequera is by car. If you are staying along the south coast of Spain, head towards Malaga and then follow one of the three main roads inland towards Antequera.
You will pass through the small town of Villanueva de la Concepcion which is overlooked by the rocks. From here, take the A7075 towards El Torcal. You will turn off onto the MA-9016 in the direction of the car park and visitor centre.
As you near the top, the road becomes steep. (Fun and games if you’re in a low-power rental)!
Car rental is easy in Spain. There are various websites you can book through including Goldcar, Europcar and Sixt. For a small hatchback, you should expect to spend between £5-£20 per day.
By Public Transport
Unfortunately, public transport doesn’t pass by near El Torcal de Antequera.
The nearest train station would be Santa Ana Station near Antequera. From Malaga, it’s a 25-minute train journey. Then from Santa Ana Station, it’s a 40-minute drive to El Torcal.
Alternatively, there are bus services that run between Malaga and Antequera. This takes around 1 hour but requires a 25-minute drive to Torcal de Antequera from town.
In my opinion, you would be better off getting a taxi directly from Malaga as the drive is less than an hour.
How much is El Torcal?
Visiting El Torcal de Antequera is free! There is no entry cost, no parking cost and no other permits required.
Guided tours will have a cost, but that’s for you to decide if you want one.
Do you need a guide to hike El Torcal de Antequera?
You don’t need a guide to hike in El Torcal de Antequera, nor do you need a tour to visit.
However, if you do want to explore away from the main paths, it’s advised that you get a guide. It’s easy to get disoriented in the chaos of the rocks (several tourists have got lost in the maze).
Does El Torcal de Antequera get busy?
From my experience of visiting in ‘peak season’ in August, it didn’t feel overly busy. Whilst there were people around, there wasn’t a time when I thought it was busy.
The car park had a lot of cars, yet we easily found somewhere to park. There is another car park available if the upper one fills up.
On the trail, we only saw a handful of other walkers. And given the sheltered nature of some of the alleys, it’s easy to forget you’re sharing the area with other walkers.
During busier times of year (i.e. not the height of summer, when it’s ‘too’ hot), I can imagine the car park filling up. Arrive earlier to avoid trouble finding a parking space. On the other hand, the trails can handle more footfall without feeling too crowded.
What to pack for El Torcal de Antequera
What to wear
The weather varies significantly from season to season at El Torcal de Antequera, therefore you should wear weather-appropriate clothing.
- Summer (hot and sunny weather): Sweat-wicking t-shirt, shorts, sunglasses, hat
- Winter (cool or wet weather): Walking trousers, t-shirt, fleece, waterproof
- Walking shoes or trainers: None of the routes are particularly strenuous, however, the terrain in some places can be uneven. Some of the rocks can become slippery after rain.
What to bring
- Backpack: Take a small bag to carry the rest of your belongings.
- Water: Bring at least a 2l bottle of water depending on the distance of your hike.
- Suncream: Be prepared for the sun so you don’t burn.
- Camera: You’ll probably want to take a few snaps of this beautiful place!
- Snacks: Whilst you can get food from the Visitor Centre, it’s good to have some extra fuel on trail. Just remember to take your rubbish with you.
- Battery pack: Make sure you have enough battery to take photos, navigate and find your way home again.
You can leave some items in the car if you don’t want to carry them on the trail.
Facilities at El Torcal de Antequera
The natural park is well-prepared for visitors with a number of facilities available:
- Visitor Centre: with a cafe, gift shop, an astronomical observatory, and an interpreter guide service.
- Toilets: Free
- Parking: Free. Disabled spaces are available. Upper car park and lower car park.
- Shuttles service: Linking the two car parks.
- Signal: No signal in the car park. Some (but limited) signal around the trails and visitor centre.
- Dog-friendly: Keep dogs on lead.
Before you go
Thank you for reading my guide to exploring and hiking El Torcal de Antequera. If guides, itineraries and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.
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Happy travelling!
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