Frequently asked questions about visiting the Torcal de Antequera Natural Area
Preparing for a trip requires gathering information about the place to be visited.
In this case, we have tried to answer the frequently asked questions from visitors.
In any case, the Torcal Alto Visitor Centre is at your disposal for any further questions. Please feel free to contact us: reservas@torcaldeantequera.com / +34 952 24 33 24 (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
How much does it cost to enter El Torcal?
Access to both the Torcal de Antequera Natural Area and the Torcal Alto Visitor Center is free. The only cost, if you wish to use it, is the shuttle service, which operates once the upper parking lot reaches capacity (weekends and holidays during peak season: September to May, and some summer nights). The shuttle connects the lower and upper parking lots and costs €3 round trip.
You can also take a guided tour, which is offered on weekends and holidays. Here you will find more information about activities and prices.
What are the opening hours of the Torcal Alto Visitor Centre?
From Monday to Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Special Christmas Hours:
- December 24th and 31st and January 5th: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- December 25, January 1 and 6: Closed
Do you need any permits to hike the trails in Torcal de Antequera?
The Natural Area has three public trails that require no permit: the green route, the yellow route, and the orange route. These hiking trails are free and open to the public and are marked with signs.
What route can be taken in El Torcal with a baby stroller or wheelchair?
The Natural Area has 2 short “accessible trails”.
The first trail of the Mirador de las Ventanillas is 100m linear.
The second trail of the Tornillo Natural Monument is 500m each way.
The remaining trails are impassable due to the rocky and uneven terrain.
Those who wish to do so can rent baby carriers at the Visitor Center.
Can you bring dogs or other domestic animals to El Torcal?
Within the RENPA, the Network of Protected Natural Spaces of Andalusia, which includes El Torcal, all domestic animals must be kept on a leash and comply with the corresponding hygiene and health conditions.
If access is restricted (mainly on weekends and holidays), and the passenger transport service to Torcal Alto is operating, those with pets who wish to use this service must comply with current regulations. More information here.
We are private individuals and would like to take a guided tour in El Torcal, what do we need to do?
The Visitor Center offers a wide range of activities (hiking trails, workshops, training sessions, etc.), specializing in themes such as the Ammonite Route, the old Red Route, outreach workshops and activities, astronomical observations, and more. Each activity has a different schedule, duration, and price. More information about guided tours here.
Can I drive my own car up to the Torcal Alto Visitor Centre?
As a general rule, private vehicles can access the upper parking lot on weekdays at any time, or on weekends and holidays in the early morning or afternoon.
Access to the Torcal Alto Visitor Center is restricted on weekends and holidays with high visitor numbers and once the upper parking lot reaches capacity. It reopens in the afternoon if capacity allows. More information about access restrictions is available.
If I don’t have my own vehicle, how can I visit El Torcal de Antequer
There is still no public transport service to El Torcal de Antequera, so if you don’t have your own vehicle or a rental car, there are several options to choose from to visit us:
- Access by taxi from Antequera. There are several taxi companies and associations in Antequera that offer fixed packages and different fares.
Attention! There is no Uber or Cabify pickup service. - I’d like to book a guided tour that includes transportation. There are travel agencies that offer guided tours of Antequera (Dolmens, the Alcazaba area, the Collegiate Church of Santa María, Roman Baths, etc.) and El Torcal with transportation included. Visit Antequera offers this option.
Is climbing allowed in El Torcal de Antequera?
Rock climbing is a regulated sport within the Torcal de Antequera Natural Area. These regulations are established in the “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).”
Can I spend the night in my motorhome or campervan?
According to the new Plan de Ordenación de Recursos Naturales (PORN), it is prohibited..
“The overnight parking of caravans, motorhomes and similar vehicles from sunset to sunrise.”
Similarly, camping is not allowed within the boundaries of the Torcal de Antequera Natural Area.
