How to visit the Torcal de Antequera?

Visit to the Torcal de Antequera

Many visitors come to the Torcal de Antequera by hearsay or recommendation, but they have little idea of what they’re going to see or what to expect from this natural setting. So, in this section, we aim to explain how to visit the Torcal de Antequera.

First of all, it’s important to clarify that the Torcal de Antequera is a protected natural area within the RENPA (National Park of Natural Parks). Specifically, it is classified as a Natural Site, and therefore, there are mandatory regulations aimed at protecting and preserving the natural area.

As a natural setting, the areas open to visitors include several trails and viewpoints, as well as the Torcal Alto Visitor Center, which serves as the visitor information and reception center and offers a range of basic services (exhibition, restrooms, restaurant, souvenir sales, etc.).

El Torcal de Antequera is located at an altitude of over 1,200 meters above sea level and is typical of mid-mountain terrain. Therefore, to visit it, you should be properly equipped: hiking boots, warm clothing, a comfortable backpack with water, etc.

Where is the Torcal de Antequera?

The Torcal de Antequera Natural Park is located 15 km from the city of Antequera, in the province of Malaga.

Access to the natural area is via a winding mountain road between the towns of Antequera and Villanueva de la Concepción. You must take the detour to the Torcal Alto Visitor Center to reach the heart of the Torcal de Antequera.

What are the opening hours of the Torcal de Antequera?

The Torcal de Antequera Natural Park has no opening hours, but it’s recommended to visit during daylight hours. It’s also important to be aware of the restriction on private vehicle access on busy days.

On the other hand, the Torcal Alto Visitor Center does have opening hours:

Regular hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Special Christmas hours:
- December 24, 31, and January 5: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- December 25, January 1 and 6: closed

How much does it cost to enter the Torcal de Antequera?

Access to the Torcal de Antequera Natural Park and the Torcal Alto Visitor Center is free.

The shuttle bus only has a charge on days with restricted access (€2/round trip) or if you book one of the guided tours offered for individuals (weekends, holidays, etc.) or for groups (on request).

But then, how do you visit the Torcal de Antequera?

The visit to the Torcal de Antequera Natural Park can be independent or guided.

The free tour allows visitors to freely explore any of the marked hiking trails, any day and at any time.

On this type of visit, each person decides what to visit and how long to stay in the natural area. We recommend first visiting the Torcal Alto Visitor Center, where the knowledgeable staff will guide you upon arrival at the natural area.

There are three marked hiking trails (rocky and uneven terrain), two accessible access points for people with reduced mobility, and access to the Torcal Alto Visitor Center is also accessible.

On the other hand, guided tours depend on whether the group is private, organized (travel agencies, associations, etc.), or school, as we offer several options tailored to each group.

Individuals Schools Groups

And with my car, how far can I go?

There is road access to the Torcal Alto Visitor Center, located in the heart of the Torcal de Antequera Natural Park, from where marked hiking trails and guided tours depart. There is ample parking for both private vehicles and buses.

However, the extreme influx of visitors on certain days (weekends, holidays, etc.) means that the Torcal Alto Visitor Center parking lot far exceeds its capacity. Therefore, on these busy dates, private vehicle traffic to the Torcal Alto Visitor Center is restricted. Click here for more information on access restrictions to Torcal Alto.

Buses, taxis/VTCs, and vehicles with parking permits for people with reduced mobility may enter at any time, regardless of whether there are access restrictions.

If I don’t have my own car, how can I get to Torcal de Antequera?

There is no public transportation service to the Torcal de Antequera Natural Park, so the options are taxi or guided tours that include transportation, such as those offered by Visita Antequera.

⚠️ Important: Although you can reach El Torcal de Antequera by Uber, please note that Uber service is not available in Antequera. This means you may be able to arrive, but you won’t be able to return by Uber, which could cause serious difficulties and unexpected extra costs for your journey back. Therefore, we strongly advise against using Uber to get to El Torcal.

Can I access with my dog?

Yes, dogs are allowed, but according to current regulations within protected natural areas in Andalusia, they must always be on a leash and under the guardianship of their owners. We must remember that we are “guests in someone else’s house” and must disturb the local wildlife as little as possible.

Can I fly my drone?

No, the flight of drones or any other objects is not permitted. The Torcal de Antequera Natural Park is a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA), and therefore, the well-being of the birdlife is paramount within the boundaries of the natural park.

Authorization may be requested in certain cases, such as filming or recording.

Is climbing and caving allowed in Torcal de Antequera?

Since 2018, climbing has been a regulated sport under the Natural Resources Management Plan. More information about the regulations here. Download the brochure “Sustainable Climbing in the Torcal de Antequera National Park” (73.65 MB).

More information about some of the climbing areas here.

On the contrary, caving is an activity that requires prior authorization.

Can I stay overnight at Torcal de Antequera?

According to the Natural Resources Management Plan (PORN) in force in the Torcal de Antequera Natural Park, it is prohibited to ““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.

In this case, we recommend using the caravan and motorhome parking area in the city of Antequera.