El Torcal de Antequera, M�LAGA

Introduction

Due to its unusual limestone rock formations, Torcal de Antequera Natural Park (Parque Natural Torcal de Antequera) boasts an impressive landscape that is considered to be unique in the world. Its 1,171 hectares have often been used in science fiction films. It is easy to get lost while walking in its labyrinth of rocks, depressions and valleys, passages, landings and narrow passes.

Rock Climbing in Torcal

The limestone nature of the terrain makes it especially susceptible to erosion by climatological agents such as rain and wind. It belongs to the Guadalhorce-El Torcal, area (13,616 hectares). In 1929, it was declared a Place of National Interest.

There are many routes you can take to visit the Park, they are marked with colored signals that indicate their level of difficulty. At the reception and interpretation center you are informed.

Location map of El Torcal de Antequera

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Province

City center

center map:

(37.00639, -4.49272)

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Flora and Fauna

Tree species are those typically found in mountain areas, primarily maples, elders, gall oaks, hawthorns, blackthorns and small holm oaks. The undergrowth mainly consists of scrub such as Centaurea castellana, thyme, a species of shrub known as candilera, ivy, bracken, moss, peony and irises. Also present are a number of endemic species: elms, wild blackberries and wild grapevines (on the edges of the stream).

A wide variety of animal life, notably the rabbit, fox, wild cat and weasel as well as some Spanish goats. Vultures, falcons, eagles, sparrow hawks ...

Nearby places of particular interest

- Various routes are marked out for visitors to the Park in different colours according to their difficulty.

- There is also a Reception and Interpretation Centre.

- Sierra Pelada, Torcal Bajo and Torcal Alto.

- Oscuro and Ancho Alleys (Callejones Oscuro y Ancho).

- La Burra or Rucha Hollow (Hoyo de la Burra o Rucha).

- El Agrasol, El Sombrecillo,
El Tornillo, La Maceta, El Maceton, la Cara de Perro, el Camello, las Siete Mesas...

- El Toro Cave (Cueva del Toro) is home to one of the most important Neolithic sites in the province; the remains of a Roman road can be seen at La Escaleruela Pass.

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