Access restriction

Why is car access to Torcal Alto sometimes closed?

The Torcal Alto Visitor Center is located at the end of a narrow mountain road (in the Torcal Alto area), and has a limited parking space for cars and buses, in the heart of the Torcal de Antequera Natural Park.

Some days, the massive influx of visitors with cars can cause the parking lot and the access road to collapse, blocking the only access road to Torcal Alto, which entails a risk situation in case emergency teams have to go to a rescue, accident or evacuation.

Therefore, to avoid this dangerous situation and as a measure to control capacity within the natural area, access to cars is closed on weekends, holidays and those days when a large influx of visitors is expected (only for a few hours a day).

When is car access to Torcal Alto closed?

Weekends and holiday mornings in high season (autumn to spring), and some summer nights (star showers or full moon nights). In short, on days and times of many visitors with cars.

⚠️ Spring 2026: Due to the high influx of visitors, the access restriction may also apply on weekdays.

What time does access close?

There is no defined time, since this closure depends on the influx of cars on each date. Access is closed once the parking capacity of the Torcal Alto Visitor Center is full.

At what time does car access reopen?

• Weekends and holidays: Access will reopen between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm, depending on the season. Although this opening may be delayed and/or closed again on very specific days when the situation requires it.
• Weekdays (Spring 2026): Access will reopen at 2pm.

When can you access it by car?

Early in the morning until capacity is reached (schedule varies depending on the date and visitor numbers), and in the afternoon after access is reopened.

What vehicles are allowed to pass through restricted access?

Buses, taxis, VTC’s, duly identified courtesy vehicles from travel agencies, natural park employees and vehicles with a parking card for people with disabilities (visible on the windshield).

Other specific situations

• Families with small children in baby stroller
• Elderly people with more limited mobility (cane, walker…)
• People with heavy climbing or caving equipment
• Access with dogs

In all these cases, we recommend scheduling your visit for when access by private vehicle is possible, such as in the afternoons, from 2 or 3 pm onwards. In the case of climbing and caving, it is advisable to get up early and access very early in the morning.

How to access Torcal Alto when the road is closed to cars?

Once the road is closed, cars must park in the lower parking lot, which is located next to the A-7075 road between kilometers 41 and 42, and access Torcal Alto through any of these means:

• Shuttle bus, which will be enabled from the same access closure and will be in operation until the afternoon. The ticket has a cost of €2/person round trip (it is the same rate whether the user decides to use the round trip ticket, or just one trip, either one way or the return).
• The Torcal Alto Trail is for mountaineers who want a completely natural experience. This is a one way trail, 3.60km long, with a positive slope of 260m and very rocky terrain. We can consider it as medium difficulty.

Access with pets on the shuttle bus

As a rule, dogs are not allowed on the shuttle, except in the following cases: guide or assistance dogs with proper accreditation, direct authorization from the driver, or dogs weighing less than 10 kg, which must travel in a carrier in the bus’s luggage compartment.
The transport company does not provide carriers for animals; therefore, this responsibility falls to the visitor, and the company is not liable for any damage to the animal or the carrier during the journey.

In the case of visitors with dogs, they can walk up the Trail to the Torcal Alto (if the access closure is already in effect). However, it’s best to return during a time when private vehicle access is already open, as you’ll be able to access your vehicle and pets without hindrance: before the access closure in the morning, on weekends or holidays (very early in the morning), or in the afternoon.

Please feel free to check the schedule: reservas@torcaldeantequera.com / 952243324 (9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.).

In any case, remember that according to current regulations in the Protected Natural Areas of Andalusia, all pets must be on a leash at all times during your visit.

What is the frequency of the shuttles?

• Weekends and holidays: There are two shuttle buses covering the route to Torcal Alto, except on exceptional dates when up to three shuttle buses may be available. Therefore, service is frequent.
• Weekdays (Spring 2026): There is one shuttle bus covering the route to Torcal Alto. Therefore, the frequency is usually approximately every 30 minutes (the time it takes to make a round trip).

End of shuttle service down (between 5pm and 5:15pm)

*Mandatory rest for drivers: according to Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006 (Spanish regulations): “After a driving period of four and a half hours, the driver will take an uninterrupted break of at least 45 minutes.”

• Weekends and holidays: between 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm approx. (depending on the date), the frequency of service will decrease as the shuttles are taking turns to take a mandatory break from driving (one shuttle will be on break while the other continues working).
• Weekdays (Spring 2026): THERE WILL BE NO SHUTTLE SERVICE FOR 30 MINUTES, BETWEEN 1:30 PM AND 3:00 PM

Summary of access conditions

What happens if the lower parking lot is also full and access to Torcal Alto remains closed?

During busy times, the lower parking lot may be full. In this case, please be patient and always follow the instructions of the access control staff.

This parking lot also has limited capacity, and its expansion is not the responsibility of the Visitor Center, but rather the Public Administration responsible for environmental matters.

For safety and traffic reasons, waiting with your vehicle next to the access barrier is not permitted, as this area is used for shuttle bus maneuvers and must be kept clear for emergency vehicles to pass.

In the meantime, you can wait in the lower parking lot until a space becomes available, or take the opportunity to visit other nearby natural sites, such as the “Nacimiento de la Villa” or the “Hoyo de la Turca”, and return later when access is once again open to private vehicles.

Special “Perseids” and summer nights

The access restriction will also be activated on certain summer nights where the influx of visitors by car may cause serious risk. This access restriction will be on nights that coincide with the “Perseid” meteor shower and any other night that coincides with an astronomical event of special interest. The conditions of the access closure and the schedule will be published upon the date of the closure.

More information about access restriction in Perseids: 0034 600703700 / www.astrotorcal.es

More questions?

• reservas@torcaldeantequera.com
• 0034 952 24 33 24 (09:30h a 17:00h)