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EL TORCAL |
| 35 kilometres north of Malaga and 10 kilometres west of Antequera, near the village of
Villanueva de la Concepción, lies another world. A world of fantastical limestone formations and flower covered valleys,
of fragrant pine forests and rugged canyons. This is a world where time has stood still, where eagles soar on thermals
and goat herds tend their flocks. El Torcal Park is a haven of peace and tranquility, 17 square kilometres of some of the
most beautiful and impressive limestone landscapes in Europe. |
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| The whole area lay under the sea until one about hundred million years ago. Then the violent
movements of the Earth's crust forced it upward into hills and mountains reaching 1,300 metres in height with the limestone retaining
a layered horizontal formation. After this, over the millions of years, the rain and wind chiselled away at these
layers to form incredible shapes.
To reach the heart of the park the road winds up to 1,100 metres above sea level with
spectacular views all along. At the end of the road is a parking area with an information centre and small museum
exhibiting the flora and fauna of the park. Orchid enthusiasts will be captivated by the 30 varieties growing in the
park.
There are three marked walking routes through the park marked with coloured arrows. The
green route is the shortest and easiest at 1.5 kilometres and taking about 30 minutes. The yellow route is 2.5 kilometres,
taking you to "Las Ventanillas" (The Windows) at 1,200 metres for panoramic views of the valley of Málaga. The red route is
the longest and most difficult, at 4.5 kilometres it takes about three hours, with a viewing point 1,339 metres altitude
where you can see the whole of El Torcal Park and the Africa Coastline. |
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