Malaga Viajera offers you for this winter a visit to the Torcal de Antequera, a Natural Site declared World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Ecotourism finds in the province of Malaga an infinity of very diverse natural areas, among them, one of the most unique is El Torcal.
You will get to know a karstic environment that seems to take you to other immemorial times and only 15 km. from the city and 50 km. from Malaga.
Although the best times to visit are spring and autumn when temperatures are more clement, I mentioned before to visit El Torcal in winter, because if you are lucky enough to have snow, the visual impact is simply spectacular.
ORIGIN
Approximately 200 million years ago, this area as much of Europe and the Middle East were under the sea, with the passage of time was creating a carbonate sedimentation and whose accumulation has led to different strata.
The karst formations are produced by the erosion of the limestone rock by the action of rain and wind, causing us to find very varied figures.
FAUNA AND VEGETATION
To walk through El Torcal is to enter into the innermost recesses of nature and where you can observe a great diversity of birds, from golden eagles or Bonelli’s eagles to griffon vultures or eagle owls among others.
Among the mammals, you can find voles, foxes, badgers and rabbits.
The vegetation consists mainly of brambles, bushes, ivy and oaks
HOW TO GET THERE
The location of El Torcal is at km. 42 of the A-7075 road, it should be noted that vehicle access is limited to the capacity of the parking lot.
If the parking lot is full, traffic is restricted and you will have to park in the lower parking lot next to the road. In this case you can take the shuttle bus that connects with the Torcal Alto Visitor Center (2 € per person round trip). You can also go up on foot, but it is a little less than 4 km. and it is not a matter of getting very tired.
VISIT
Access to the Natural Park is free, the routes are signposted and you do not need to book in advance, you can do the tour on your own or through a guided tour for individuals (fixed dates), the prices of the latter vary depending on the chosen route.
Group visits are also organized.
The Torcal Alto Visitor Center has several services such as an Interpretive Area, restaurant, store, multipurpose room and a very peculiar space, the astronomical observatory and that during some summer nights allows the observation of the sky.
Open every day of the week (except some national holidays), the Visitor Center has the following opening hours:
10:00h to 17:00h (November to March)
10:00h to 19:00h (April to October)
There are 3 free routes established according to their length, slope, terrain, duration and difficulty:
With a circular route of 1.4 km. with a duration of about 45 minutes and a medium-low difficulty, you will observe some of the most beautiful figures such as the Sphinx or the Indian.
With a circular route of 3.0 km, with an approximate duration of 2 hours and a medium difficulty, you will be able to contemplate other forms of figures such as The Finger, The Camel, The Pitcher and The Bottle, as for vegetation it is worth contemplating the Maple of Montpellier (Singular Corner).
With a linear route of 3.60 km, with an approximate duration of 3.5 hours (round trip) and of medium difficulty, here you will perhaps find the most emblematic figure “El Tornillo” (Natural Monument).
INFORMATION
E-mail: reservas@torcaldeantequera.com
Phone: 00 +34 952 243 324 (10 am to 5 pm)
Whatsapp: 00 +34 637 596 465
TO KEEP IN MIND
Being located at 1,200 mts. altitude and where the wind usually blows from the north, it is advisable to bring warm clothes and raincoat, in parallel and since the terrain is steep it is advisable to wear hiking boots.
Do not forget to put in your backpack, a cap, sunscreen, water and some food.
There are 2 accesses for people with reduced mobility.
MY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EATING
Although there is a restaurant next to the Visitor Center, I am going to indicate 2 establishments that I am sure you will like.
Located in an old farmhouse of the eighteenth century, it is a unique space very well restored and decorated.
Establishment: CASERÍO SAN BENITO
Address: A-45, Exit 86, Direction Malaga – Cordoba.
Telephone: 952 111 103
I recommend the rice with rabbit and migas.
MY EVALUATION
Food: ***
Service: ***
Atmosphere: ***
Quality/Price: ***
(* Acceptable ** Good *** Very good *** Very good **** Excellent)
Establishment of all the life, with prices lower than the previous establishment, but with abundant traditional cuisine and that allows the tapas.
Establishment: MESÓN JUAN MANUEL
Address: C/ San Agustín, 1 – Antequera
Telephone: 00 + 34 952 843 484
I recommend the porra antequerana (cold soup) and the tortilla de patatas.
MY EVALUATION
Food: ***
Service: ***
Atmosphere: **
Quality/Price: ****
(* Acceptable ** Good *** Good *** Very good **** Excellent)
From Malaga Viajera we organize your trip around Malaga and its province.
In short, personalized trips for unique clients.
