This page contains all the information about access restrictions to the Torcal de Antequera, the operation of the shuttle service and the conditions of visit.
Although the information is extensive, we recommend taking a few minutes to read it carefully before your visit. This will help you resolve most of your questions, better plan your arrival, and avoid unexpected problems.
1. What is Torcal Alto and why is access restricted?
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).
2. When does the access restriction to Torcal Alto apply?
Weekends, holidays, and long weekends in the morning during peak season (autumn to spring), certain weekdays during peak season with an exceptionally high influx of organized groups and individuals, and some summer nights (Perseids meteor shower). In short, on days and times of maximum visitor traffic with their private vehicles and buses.
3. What time does the access close and reopen?
Access closure
Access to Torcal Alto is closed when the upper parking lot reaches capacity. Therefore, there is no fixed closing time: it depends on the number of vehicles each day.
Reopening of access
The reopening is scheduled each morning, depending on the circumstances expected for that day, and usually takes place between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.. The specific time is communicated to visitors when the restriction is activated.
Why doesn’t it reopen when there are vacancies?
Although there may be spaces available in the upper parking lot during the morning, access will not reopen until the scheduled time. This measure allows for organized traffic flow and ensures fair treatment for all visitors.
When the restriction is activated, many people have already parked in the lower area, bought their shuttle tickets, and are waiting to go up. Allowing private vehicles back in every time a space becomes available would create constant changes to access, potential queues, and difficulties managing traffic.
Therefore, the occasional availability of free places does not imply the immediate reopening of access. The restriction remains in place until the time announced for that day.
In exceptional situations, reopening may be delayed or access may be closed again if circumstances require it.
4. When can I access it with a private vehicle?
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.
5. Which vehicles are allowed to pass in restricted access areas?
During restricted periods, the following vehicles will be allowed access*:
- Buses, taxis and VTC vehicles.
- Courtesy vehicles from travel agencies, properly identified.
- Vehicles of the staff and workers of the Torcal Alto Visitor Center.
- Vehicles transporting people holding the official parking card for people with reduced mobility (PRM), which must be valid and visibly displayed on the windshield or dashboard.
- Motorcycles (see clarification below)
*Access for vehicles included in this list will be subject to the specific conditions that apply in each case, and provided there is free space in the upper parking lot.
Motorcycle access during the restriction
Motorcycle access during restricted periods will be subject to traffic conditions and parking availability in Torcal Alto.
Organized groups of 10 or more motorcycles must notify the Torcal Alto Visitor Centre in advance of their visit, in order to assess its feasibility based on the expected occupancy and the operational capacity of the parking lot.
Prior notification does not guarantee access authorization. The possibility of conducting the visit will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account existing conditions and applicable access management measures.
The unannounced arrival of large groups can cause traffic, parking, and visitor management problems. Therefore, it is recommended to plan and notify these visits in advance.
6. Access for people with reduced mobility (PRM).
People with an official parking permit for people with reduced mobility can access Torcal Alto with their own vehicle, even during restricted access periods, as the shuttle service is not adapted for this group.
To qualify for this exception, the following conditions must be met:
- The cardholder must travel in the vehicle, either as the driver or a passenger.
- The original, valid card must be visibly displayed on the dashboard or windshield.
- The vehicle must be parked in the spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility located in the upper parking lot of Torcal Alto.
Important: Having a recognized disability or mobility difficulties will not be enough. To access the area with your own vehicle during the restriction period, you will need the official permit and must comply with its terms of use.
This exception does not authorize parking outside of spaces designated for people with reduced mobility.
7. Other specific situations
En los siguientes casos,recomendamos programar su visita para cuando el acceso en vehículo particular sea posible, como las tardes, a partir de las 14:30h aprox.
For people who come to enjoy the sport of climbing and caving, or who access with large vehicles, such as motorhomes, we especially recommend arriving very early in the morning (before 09:00h).
- Families with small children in baby stroller
- Elderly people with limited mobility (walking stick, cane, etc.) but without a parking permit for people with reduced mobility
- People with heavy climbing or caving equipment
- Pets allowed
- People who cannot tolerate crowds
- Access for motorhomes, caravans and large vehicles
*Access to other areas of the road during the restriction
The access restriction affects the entire road leading up to Torcal Alto, including intermediate areas such as the antennas and quarries. Therefore, during restricted hours, access by private vehicles to these areas will not be permitted, even if the intention is not to reach the Torcal Alto Visitor Center.
Exceptionally, access may be authorized to those who have express written authorization from the Environment Delegation. This authorization must have been previously communicated to the managing company. It will not be possible to request or obtain it at the time of access.
8. How to access Torcal Alto once the access restriction is activated?
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:
- A shuttle bus will be available from the same access closure and will operate until the afternoon. The ticket costs €3 per person round trip (the fare is the same whether the user chooses a round-trip ticket or a single-trip ticket).
- 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.
9. Are you coming to El Torcal de Antequera with your dog? 🐾
We want you to enjoy your visit together! If you’re bringing your pet, please keep these conditions in mind to plan the experience that best suits you.
💚 Our recommendation: come outside of restricted hours
If you visit El Torcal with your dog, we recommend coming early, before access to private vehicles is closed, or in the afternoon, once it has reopened.
This way you can drive your own vehicle and avoid having your dog travel in the luggage compartment of a bus. We want both you and your furry friend to enjoy your visit with peace of mind.
🚌 Can you bring your dog on the shuttle?
During the access restriction, the transport of pets on the shuttle is subject to the following conditions:
- Guide or assistance dogs: access is permitted when they are properly accredited.
- Dogs under 10 kg: may only travel inside a suitable cage or carrier, located in the bus’s hold (read “Conditions of transport below”).
- Other dogs: they are not allowed on the shuttle.
📌 Transport conditions
- Visitors must provide and arrange for the transport of their pet cage or carrier. The transport company does not provide these items.
- The transport company is not responsible for any damage that may occur to the animal or the cage during the journey.
- Before opting for the shuttle, consider whether this type of transport is suitable for your dog.
🥾 What if you prefer not to use the shuttle or it’s not allowed in your case?
If access is already restricted, you can always walk up with your dog along the trail to Torcal Alto, as this type of access is free, open to the public, and more authentic. It’s a 3.6 km route with 260 m of elevation gain and rocky terrain.
Remember that, during the visit to the natural area, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
📞 Do you have questions about the best time?
Call us before you come and we’ll help you plan your visit so you can enjoy El Torcal together: (0034)952 24 33 24 – (0034) 683146594. Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
10. Information about the shuttle service to Torcal Alto
10.1 What is the shuttle frequency?
The number of shuttles available may vary depending on the date and service needs.. For this reason, a fixed frequency is not established, nor is a specific number of shuttles associated with weekdays, weekends, or holidays.
Depending on the date, the service may operate with one or two shuttle buses. Its operation is detailed below.
10.2 Ticket price
The price is €3 per person, round trip.
The fare is the same even if the visitor only uses one of the routes. That is to say:
- If you go up by shuttle and walk down: €3.
- If you walk up and take the shuttle down: €3.
- If you use the shuttle both to go up and down: €3.
There is no different fare for using only one route.
10.3 What time does the shuttle service end?
The shuttle service ends approximately between 5:00 pm and 5:30 pm, depending on the conditions and organization of the service each day.
Although the last descent is officially scheduled for 5:30 p.m., we recommend not waiting until the last minute to make the descent, as the capacity of the shuttles is limited and, at times of higher demand, there may not be places available on the last departure.
👉 To avoid waiting and ensure a safe descent, we recommend planning your trip in advance and using the shuttle preferably before 5:00 p.m.
The closing time may be affected by the number of visitors and the circumstances of the service.
10.4 Service operation according to the number of shuttles in operation
The shuttle service may operate differently depending on daily circumstances and access management needs. Therefore, the service may be provided with one or two shuttles. Below, we explain how each option works and what you should keep in mind in each case.
🚌 When there is a shuttle
The shuttle will run continuously during service hours, with a frequency that may vary depending on traffic, visitor numbers and service conditions.
The driver must make a mandatory stop* to comply with the established rest periods. This stop will last approximately one hour and does not have a fixed schedule, as it will depend on the start time of the service and the circumstances of each day.
📌The scheduled time of this stop will be communicated to visitors during the morning, at the time of purchasing the ticket, and will also be indicated by signs at the points of sale and access to the shuttle.
There will be no shuttle service during this stop.
*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.”
🚌🚌 When there are two shuttles
When the service is provided with two shuttles, both will alternate to take the mandatory breaks for the drivers.
In this way, the shuttle service will continue to operate during the rest period, although the frequency of service may be lower.
The frequency may vary depending on visitor traffic and service conditions.
⏱️ Important information about the service
The shuttle’s schedule and frequency may vary depending on the date and service conditions.
Therefore, we recommend checking the information available on the day of your visit and paying attention to the signage installed in the lower parking lot and in the shuttle area.
| Condition | Service with 1 shuttle | Service with 2 shuttles |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Number of shuttles | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency | Variable depending on traffic and service conditions | Variable depending on traffic and service conditions |
| Mandatory break | Service will be suspended for approximately 1 hour. | Shuttle buses will alternate during breaks. |
| 📢 Break times | Announced during the morning via signage | Service is not completely suspended |
| ⬇️Shuttle service | Available during service hours, except during mandatory stops | Available during service hours |
| Service ends | Approximately between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM | Approximately between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM |
| Descent recommendation | It is recommended not to wait until the last minute and to plan your descent in advance. | It is recommended not to wait until the last minute and to plan your descent in advance. |
| 💶 Price | €3/person | €3/person |
| Single journey | €3/person | €3/person |
| Pets | Restricted on shuttle (see “Access with pets”) | Restricted on shuttle (see “Access with pets”) |
| Reduced mobility | Access permitted with parking permit for people with reduced mobility | Access permitted with parking permit for people with reduced mobility |
11. 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.
Parking on the sides of the main road (A-7075) is also not recommended. This is a road that connects several municipalities, and illegally parked vehicles can obstruct traffic and create dangerous situations. Furthermore, parking in violation of traffic regulations can result in fines from traffic officers.
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.
12. Special access restriction due to the Perseids 2026
Due to the expected high attendance during the Perseid meteor shower, a special access control system will be in place at Torcal Alto during the afternoon and evening on August 11, 12 and 13.
The aim of this device is to ensure the safety of visitors, facilitate mobility and prevent overcrowding of the upper parking lot.
More questions?
- reservas@torcaldeantequera.com
- 0034 952 24 33 24 – 683146594 (09:30h a 17:00h)
