El Torcal Nature Reserve, formed in limestone over millions of years by the action of wind, rain and ice, is situated between Malaga and Antequera close to the village of Villanueva de la Concepcion and in the small mountain range of Sierra del Torcal. Visitors wishing to explore the park have a choice of two marked routes with varying levels of difficulty and length, and an information centre/museum/gift shop adjacent to the car park provides an explanation of its natural science origins, and the flora and fauna of its natural history. Covering some 17 square kilometres, the park exhibits one of the most spectacular of Europe’s limestone landscapes.

Up until about 100 million years ago the area was under the sea but movements in the Earth’s crust caused the limestone sea beds to be uplifted to a height of over 1300 m. Eroded by the elements, the limestone blocks have weathered to an amazing array of shapes with likenesses giving rise to names such as “The Wineglass”, “The Camel”, “The Sphinx”, and “The Jug”. Recognition of the site’s importance came as early as 1929 when the area was first designated a Natural Site of National Interest, and later in 1978 it was awarded Natural Park Reserve status.

El Tornillo (The Screw)
The two routes for walkers in the park are marked and differentiated by coloured arrows. The shortest and most easy-going is the Green Route covering about 1.5 km and taking about 30 minutes. At 2.5 km, the Yellow Route is a little more demanding in both time and effort but it includes a rewarding panoramic view of the Valley of Malaga at a point called “Las Ventanillas” (“The Windows”).
The park exhibits a glorious range of wildflowers – many of them endemic - including thirty varieties of orchid. There is rather less variety of shrubs on display, but the pink and yellow flowers of the wild rose trees provide a spectacular show, and the cornicabra (one-horned goat) olive, whose fruit produces a sought after oil, is much in evidence. Among the many species of reptile, the Eyed Lizard and the Montpelier Snake, both avid sunbathers, are of most interest. Mammals are not so common but mountain goats may be seen in designated areas and there are also polecats, badgers, weasels, and many rodents. Griffon Vultures with a wingspan of up to three metres make lazy circles in the skies over the park. These sociable birds of prey live in large colonies and soar on warm thermals in search of fresh carrion, their exclusive diet.
To reach El Torcal, drive 20km north on the N341 from Malaga to “km148” and to the village of Casabermeja; then head west for 15 km. If you are coming from Antequera, head 15km south on the C3310 to reach Villanueva de la Concepcion