spain andalucis el torcal national park

catherine · Joined: 10 Mar 2005 Posts: 21

El torcal national park
The enchanted mountain range

La Sierra del Torcal is situated some ten kilometres from the town of Antequera which, with its eastern foothills, the Sierra Pelada, results in an awesome view of majestic mountain ranges punctuated by intriguing rock formations and angles.

Observed from any direction, the heavy, solid form of the Sierras belies the morphological world, which lies, all but hidden between the mountain peaks. In order to enter this magical world, it is necessary to climb the steep inclines.

For millions of years, water has penetrated the rocks and chiselled out strange figures and formations like some crazed sculptor at work. This has been caused by that era, long gone, when the mountain ranged emerged from the depths of the sea. Also, we mustn't forget that, millions of years ago, this territory was flooded by the sea of Tetis which meant that it was subject to constant erosion when the water played a leading role creating (and destroying) the rock which results today, in the most fantastic and unusual shapes and forms.

All this can be discovered at the Torcal and, although its most marked characteristc is the bareness of the rock, the Spring and Autumn rains provoke the explosion of colourful plant life with the clay ground soil in the caves and passages covered with a green herbaceous carpet, pinpointed with lilies, nazarenes and vivid red peonies with their distinctive soft velvety texture.

The vegetation of bushes is less varied but certainly no less interesting. The wild rose trees for example, are abundant and the contrast of the grey colour of the rock and the pink and yellow of the flowers is truly spectacular. Another variety of bush which can be found here in the natural park, is the cornicabra which is typical of the Mediterranean being well adapted to the rigorous conditions of the environment. There are, in addition, many more flowers and plants which grow and live here, many of them endemic, which is to say that they only grow and live here or in nearby regions and can be found nowhere else in the world.

Animal life is sparse compared to other natural spots in the area due in part, to the severe environmental conditions. Nevertheless, there are numerous species of reptile and they can generally be spied, basking in the sun lying prone on the warm, grey rocks of El Torcal. One of the most spectacular reptiles is the Montpelier Snake which can be up to two metres in length and is the largest reptile to inhabit the mountain range. Similarly stunning is the Eyed Lizard which can be usually seen during the warm Spring and Summer months and is also an avid sunbather.

As far as birds are concerned, we must not forget to include the Griffon Vultures which constantly fly above the area in search of vulnerable animals. Other smaller birds also inhabit the rocky spot including the abubilla.

The mammals, on the other hand, are not so abundant, although the mountain goats are here in designated areas and in the lower regions are such interesting and nocturnal mammals such as the badgers and polecats, weasels and a variety of rodents.

The best time for visiting El Torcal is during the Spring and Autumn although, in the cold winter months, the snow casts its immaculate veil over the landscape and it is almost worth putting up with the chilblains and cold, just to enjoy the close-up, the awesomely beautiful mountain vistas.

The charm of El Torcal and its magical beauty are increased still more at night. A particularly unforgettable sight is the August moon, for example, rising far above the peaks and best seen from the Las Ventanillas viewpoint. The harsh forms of the mountain soften in the distance while, in the foreground, the contrasts of light and shade are more defined. In all, the rocks take on an almost mystical appearance.

From this natural balcony, look back towards the south and you will see the lights coming from the villages of the Valle del Guadalhorce and the farmhouses which are perched high in the mountains and which twinkle in the distance. Closer by, the lights of the boats remind us that the Mediterranean is a mere forty kilometres away.

It is obviously wise to closely adhere to the instructions in the park as otherwise it can be eary to get lost and could be dangerous. But this does not mean that you cannot enjoy an expedition which is truly exciting and memorable and which you are sure to want to repeat on many an occasion.

To reach the heart of the park it is possible to drive up to 1.100 m. above sea level along a good access road into the park. Simply go to the village of Villanueva de la Concepcion and follow the sign to El Torcal out of the town about 1 km. At the parking area you will find an information centre, small museum, with an interesting of view of the wildlife, flora and fauna of the park. Orchid enthusiasts will be captivated by the 30 varieties of the plant growing in the park.

Three routes through the park for walkers have been marked out with different coloured arrows on wooden sticks. The green route is the shortest and easiest, 1,5 km. and takes about 30 minutes. The yellow route covers most of the green area, is 2,5 km. long and takes you to "Las Ventanillas" The Windows, at 1.200 m. for panoramic views of the valley of Málaga. Finally the red route is the longest and most difficult, 4,5 km. taking about three hours, with a viewing point 1.339 m. up where you can see the whole of the El Torcal Park and the Africa Coastline.

The Torcal natural park is entered from the village of Villanueva de la Concepción. From Málaga head 20km North on the N341 to "km 148" and the village of Casabermeja, then head west 15km. From Antequera, Villanueva de la Concepción is 15 km South on the C3310