El Torcal is simply marvellous - Brimham Rocks times 100! . A magnificent, easy, signed circular walk taking well under 2 hours visits many of the most exciting formations. El Torcal is very popular at weekends and religious holidays so best avoided then.
El Torcal can be reached direct from Malaga but the road is badly signed and hard to find and is best used for the return. It’s easily found from the Antequera ring road and I’ve usually spent the morning there (magnificent dolmens) then the afternoon in El Torcal. The quickest way there is probably the road to Antequera turning off to Villanueva de la Concepcion then turning right north. It’s well signposted from this road (C3310).
When I first went three walks were mentioned but a recent booklet indicated visitors were only allowed on the easiest. However in 2005 it seemed that you could go anywhere and the signage for at least two of the walks was vastly improved. So far as I’m aware no map is available.
From the Visitor Centre (demolished in 2006-8 but being rebuilt?) Car Park a board indicates red and yellow routes. Red is short and comparatively boring. Yellow is magnificent taking you through some incredible scenery. Five years or so ago when it was unmarked on the ground and only the odd paint splash was visible, map and compassless, it felt quite an undertaking but the new signs have led to vastly increased use and no worries about getting back.
Worth the 90 or so minutes drive each way on its own. I'be been several times but never for more than a few hours - next visit I’ll go for a full day and try some wider exploration. Here's a selection of pictures - click on them to open a large version and then use the backbutton to return.
El Torcal
El Torcal
El Torcal
