El Torcal Natural Park
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El Torcal Park Nature Reserve is
known for unusual limestone rock formations. El Torcal Park Nature Reserve is
located about 30 km north of Málaga city in the direction of Antequera near the
village of Villanueva de la Concepcion. Within El Torcal Park's 17 square
km are some of the most beautiful and impressive limestone landscapes in Europe.
The whole area was under sea until one hundred million years ago.
Then the violent movements of the Earth's crust forced it upward into hills
and mountains up to 1.300 m, the limestone still kept its layered horizontal
formation. Because of this, over the millions of years the rain and wind have
been able to chisel away at these layers to form incredible shapes.
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To reach the heart of the park it is possible to drive up to 1.100 m. above sea level along a good access road into the park. Simply go to the village of Villanueva de la Concepcion and follow the sign to El Torcal out of the town about 1 km. At the parking area you will find an information centre, small museum, with an interesting of view of the wildlife, flora and fauna of the park. Orchid enthusiasts will be captivated by the 30 varieties of the plant growing in the park.
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Three routes through the park for walkers have been marked out with different coloured arrows on wooden sticks. The green route is the shortest and easiest, 1,5 km. and takes about 30 minutes. The yellow route covers most of the green area, is 2,5 km. long and takes you to "Las Ventanillas" The Windows, at 1.200 m. for panoramic views of the valley of Málaga. Finally the red route is the longest and most difficult, 4,5 km. taking about three hours, with a viewing point 1.339 m. up where you can see the whole of the El Torcal Park and the African coastline.
You need good walking shoes or trainers, in the warm months take a bottle of water. For more information about 'El Torcal' read the recent article in the Andalucia magazine.El Torcal de Antrquera, (The enchanted mountain range).
The Torcal natural park is entered from the village of Villanueva de la Concepción. From Malaga head 20km North on the N341 to "km 148" and the village of Casabermeja, then head west 15km. From Antequera, Villanueva de la Concepcion
is 15 km South on the C3310