The Torcal de Antequera Natural Area has a network of trails for public use that run through part of the natural space. The routes for public use are open access, free and are marked so that anyone can travel them without the need for authorization or prior reservation. Download the “Public Use Map” (2.77MB) here.
It is recommended not to leave the marked trails, since it is a terrain where it is very easy to get disoriented. In addition, the terrain is very rocky, uneven and extremely slippery with humidity.
The visitor is also requested to take special consideration with the natural space they visit, leaving no residue, whether organic or inorganic, respecting the native flora and fauna and any other element that belongs to the landscape (fossils, minerals, etc.).
Green Route
It begins in the upper parking lot, sharing a large part of the route with the Yellow Route. At the fork, this route descends to “Hoyo de la Burra”, an energetic point visited by many meditation lovers. At this point it also joins the Yellow Route again, beginning the return to the Torcal Alto Visitor Center. This is a route that allows you to learn about the morphology of “El Torcal de Antequera” and recognize some significant figures such as “La Esfinge” (Sphinx), the Canary (or the Eagle), the Indian or the Watcher.
- Route: 1.50 km – circular
- Elevation: +40m
- Estimated duration: 45 minutes
- Terrain: very rocky and irregular
- Medium-low difficulty
- Marked trail (free visit)
- Download the “Green Route” brochure here (7.26MB)
- Complete video about the Green Route
Yellow Route
Circular route 3km long. It starts in the upper parking lot and ends at the Visitor Center itself. The route runs through the Torcal Alto, a labyrinthine area where it is easy to get disoriented when leaving the marked trail. Recommended route to discover different biotopes and the areas closest to the Visitor Center. The first and last section coincides with the Green Route. Once past the junction of both routes, the Yellow Route enters the alleys and corridors where shady areas dominate, making them more humid areas and dense vegetation. There are numerous elements to highlight from figures such as “El Dedo”, “El Camello”, “La Jarra y La Botella” or the “Callejón del Tabaco”, to trees like the Montpellier Maple (“Arce de la Ruta Verde”), protected and recognized for its large tree size at this altitude. Without a doubt, a route to thoroughly enjoy “El Torcal de Antequera”.
- Route: 3 km – circular
- Elevation: +53m
- Estimated duration: 2 hours
- Terrain: very rocky and irregular
- Medium difficulty
- Marked trail (free visit)
- Download the “Yellow Route” brochure here (3.47MB)
Route up Torcal Alto or “Orange”
Access route to Torcal Alto. Start and end in the two car parks, the lower car park, which is located next to the entrance to the Natural Park, and the upper car park, located next to the Visitor Center. With a linear route of 3.6km, and starting in the lower parking lot, it runs through old quarries and pasture areas, such as the “Hoyo de Gramaeros”, to begin the ascent towards the Manuel Grajales viewpoint and the “Majada del Fraile”. The ascent continues until passing the “Puerto de Tinajuela” that gives way to the “Cañada de Tosaires”, which ends at “El Tornillo” Natural Monument. The route continues on level ground to end in the upper parking lot.
- Route: 3.60km – one way (7,20km round trip)
- Elevation: +263m
- Estimated duration: 1.50 hours (one way) – 3 hours (round trip)
- Terrain: very rocky and irregular
- Medium difficulty
- Marked trail (free visit)
- Download the brochure for the “Route to the Torcal Alto” here (2.22MB)
Regulations of the Torcal de Antequera Natural Area
The Natural Area is regulated by specific regulations, whose objective is the conservation and protection of the natural and ethnological values of the natural area.
- Ley 2/1989, de 18 de julio, por la que se aprueba el inventario de espacios naturales protegidos de Andalucía y se establecen medidas adicionales para su protección
- Decreto 222/2013, de 5 de noviembre, por el que declaran las Zonas Especiales de Conservación Torcal de Antequera (ES0000032), Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja (ES6170004), Sierra Crestellina (ES6170005) y Desfiladero de los Gaitanes (ES6170003), se amplía el ámbito territorial del Paraje Natural Torcal de Antequera y se aprueba el Plan de Ordenación de los Recursos Naturales de los Parajes Naturales Torcal de Antequera, Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja, Sierra Crestellina y Desfiladero de los Gaitanes.
- Resolución de 11 de julio de 2018, de la Delegación Territorial de Medio Ambiente y Ordenación del Territorio en Málaga, por la que se regula la práctica de la escalada en los Parajes Naturales Desfiladero de los Gaitantes y Torcal de Antequera (Málaga).
- Brochure on climbing in the Torcal de Antequera
Among the main activities prohibited within the Torcal de Antequera Natural Park are the following:
- Overnight parking for caravans, motorhomes and vehicles with similar characteristics from dusk to dawn. Camping is also not permitted within the limits of the Torcal de Antequera Natural Park, nor make fire.
- The circulation of any type of vehicle or equestrian activities within trails for public use exclusively for pedestrians
- Hunting, collecting fossils, minerals and plants
- The use of public address devices or speakers
For more information, consult here (only in Spanish).
Regarding activities with prior authorization from the Government (not by Visitors Center staff):
- The flight of drones or any other type of aircraft with or without motor (ZEPA zone, protected area for birds)
- The practice of caving
- Filming and recording for profit and/or professional purposes
Request for information and authorization: pn.tejeda.cmaot@juntadeandalucia.es
We must also take into account the restriction of access to private vehicles on weekends, holidays and days with a large influx of visitors. More information here.
More information about how to visit the Torcal de Antequera.
Recommendations
It is necessary to use hiking boots to go hiking, since the terrain is very rocky and steep, as well as to carry enough water and food.
It is also important to take into account the altitude of “El Torcal de Antequera”, more than 1200 meters above sea level, which entails a significant drop in temperature compared to nearby towns such as Antequera or Málaga. In addition, it is a mountain range with a typical mountain climate, with strong northerly winds and dense fog much of the year. Therefore, it is advisable to wear enough warm clothing, a raincoat or windbreaker, as well as a hat and sun protection.
In the case of families with small children and/or people with reduced mobility, there are short accessible trails around the Torcal Alto Visitor Center.
On the other hand, since the Torcal de Antequera Natural Area is a protected natural space, we remember that no waste should be left, nor should the environment be altered in any of its forms (loud noises, collection of plants and fruits, looting of minerals or fossils). , etc.).
Furthermore, according to the Natural Resources Management Plan in force in the Torcal de Antequera Natural Area, it is prohibited «“overnight parking for caravans, motorhomes and vehicles with similar characteristics from dusk to dawn.” Camping is also not permitted within the limits of the Torcal de Antequera Natural Park.
In this case, we recommend using the caravan and motorhome parking area in the city of Antequera.
And on days with a large influx of visitors, such as weekends from autumn to spring, holidays and some summer nights, access to Torcal Alto is closed to private vehicles to avoid crowding of vehicles in the natural area.
Once access is closed, a shuttle bus (€2/round trip) is available from the barrier area to Torcal Alto. More information here.
More information and contact
- reservas@torcaldeantequera.com
- 0034 952243324 (10h a 17h)
