El Torcal de Antequera

The basics

Three walking routes of various difficulty criss-cross through El Torcal de Antequera. The 1-mile (1.5-kilometer) green route is the easiest, while the moderate 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) yellow route ascends to the lookout point of Las Ventanillas (The Windows). The most difficult is the red route, which takes about three hours and offers panoramic views of El Torcal and the African coastline. El Torcal de Antequera is a staple of day trips to Antequera, which typically depart from either Malaga or Marbella.

Things to know before you go

• If you plan to hike around El Torcal de Antequera, wear sturdy walking shoes and take plenty of water, especially during the summer months.

• In order to increase your chances of spotting wildlife during your exploration, it's recommended to stay quiet.

• At the entrance of the park, there’s a parking lot, souvenir shop, toilets, and cafe.

How to get there

From Malaga, El Torcal de Antequera is a 31-mile (50-kilometer) drive via the A-45 and A-7075 roads. The closest city is historic Antequera, which is a 30-minute drive from the park.

When to get there

For moderate weather that proves perfect for hiking, visit El Torcal between March and June or from September through November. During the summer months of July and August, scorching temperatures often make outdoor exploration uncomfortable.

Exploring the Antequera Dolmens

Just outside of Antequera is the Antequera Dolmens Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back more than 5,000 years. The two burial mountains were built from megalithic stone during the Bronze Age. When rediscovered in the early 19th century, archeologists excavated the remains of several hundred bodies from the Neolithic age.