Wednesday 1 October 2014

Is a visit to El Torcal worth the while?

'El Torcal', it sounds as a rock in touristy circles.

And yet there are so many foreigners living in inland Andalucia who have never visited it.

I must admit it took me years too, and even then only by coincidence. Only to then wonder how it is possible that we live so close to something special and never think of stopping there.

Now, 'just stopping there' is not possible: you will have to turn it into a half-day excursion. An excursion of the very calm or romantic sort, preferably with a partner or very good friend. 

You will enjoy that zigzagging through the gorgeous countryside and up the hills of Málaga - or combine it with a visit to beautiful Antequera. In most cases you will have to drive through Antequera anyway, for the scenery of El Torcal is located on the hilltops of 1300 meters, high above this city.

What is El Torcal? 

It's the name of a nature reserve in the Sierra del Torcal that is known for its unusual landforms.

These landforms are shaped by limestone, layer upon layer, left behind when the sea withdrew in the Jurassic age (150 million years ago). Quite a playground for photographers! Also biologists will have a field day, with the impressive array of wildflowers, the many species of reptiles and the Griffon vultures circling high above the valleys.

There are color-coded hiking trails of 1.5 km, 2.5 km and 4.5 km, all starting at the main parking and visitor center, that also includes a cafetaria. 

Spring and fall are the best times to visit, since the summer can be too hot for the walks and climbs, and in the winter it can be very cold and windy here. 

To get there, you either drive through Antequera or, on the other side of the hills, via the village of Villanueva de la Concepción

It's the only place in the world where I witnessed this: an old fox coming to beg for food at the tables of the summer terrace. Quite the experience! 

So, yes, go to El Torcal. If you want to turn your short excursion into a long one, you can combine it with Antequera, or the 'flamingo lake' of Fuente de Piedra as well as the 'Embalsos de Guadelhorce' which make for such a gorgeous of swimming or walking.

Enjoy your day! 


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