The Sierra of El Torcal within Malaga Province - lunar landscape ideal for walks and rock climbing

Just 13km away from the town of Antequera, in the north of the province of Malaga lies the sierra of El Torcal which is an extensive area covering 20km of rocks, carved into unusual shapes by natural winds. Upon arrival you need to visit the information centre where you will be given a geological explaination as to how this area became what it is today. The winds of thousands of millions of years have made their mark on the limestone giving rise to natural sculptures that have inspired artists for generations and the area has been the subject of many films.

It is probably due to the eery atmosphere of El Torcal that this area is also a favourite site for UFO spotting within Andalucia. The area is one of the region's most important natural places and as a result it was declared a natural park in 1979 in order to protect the wide array of natural fauna and wildlife.

		El Torcal - mountain range




Just 13km away from the town of Antequera, in the north of the province of Malaga lies the sierra of El Torcal which is an extensive area covering 20km of rocks, carved into unusual shapes by natural winds. Upon arrival you need to visit the information centre where you will be given a geological explaination as to how this area became what it is today. The winds of thousands of millions of years have made their mark on the limestone giving rise to natural sculptures that have inspired artists for generations and the area has been the subject of many films. It is probably due to the eery atmosphere of El Torcal that this area is also a favourite site for UFO spotting within Andalucia. The area is one of the region's most important natural places and as a result it was declared a natural park in 1979 in order to protect the wide array of natural fauna and wildlife.

	More than 100,000 people visit El Torcal every year and this has prompted the building of a new visitor centre with cafes, toilets and a campsite. It is possible to either take an organised walk around El Torcal or make your own way. Which ever way you get to see it, you will certainly see a wide selection of wildlife such as rare birds of prey that have been released in the area. It is said that more than 20 species of mammals reside here including a good population of the Spanish ibex. More than 600 varieties of fauna have been counted here, including 30 species of wild orchids, 6 of which are exclusive to El Torcal.

Walk through the stunning landscape which is also a favourite with rock climbers and splendour at the unusual formations that will be here long after we have gone.

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