How To Visit El Torcal de Antequera

The Walking Routes in El Torcal de Antequera

Whilst it’s possible to arrive and just go to a few viewpoints and the visitors centre, we highly recommend setting aside an hour or two to explore at least one of the main trails within the nature reserve.

It doesn’t have to be a long time out walking, and from the car park and visitor centre you can dip in and out quite easily. As well as a being a pleasant way to spend an hour or two and work off that extra plate of croquetas de bacalao, it is the very best way to see and appreciate the unique, unusual rock formations.

There are three official routes, ranging from easy to a bit more challenging, and they all start from the visitor centre (here on Google Maps). You can find a maps, QR codes for routes, and further information inside the centre, and the English-speaking staff at the counter were generous with their time whenever anyone had questions about which they should opt for.

The visitor centre is open seven days a week from 10am to 7pm in summer (until 5pm November to March), and has toilets, a restaurant, small shop, and more information on the geology, but you can still easily access the trails outwith these hours and it’s not required to go in or via the visitor from the car park.

There are also signs and maps in the car park at the start of the two main trails, and it’s recommended that people start there to walk in the same direction and avoid bottlenecks.

For travellers that are less mobile, you’re still be able to visit a couple of excellent viewpoints and platforms overlooking the rocks and Andalusian landscape stretching out for miles – we’ve shared details below.

All terrain on the trails is quite similar – rock, dry, dusty, and uneven – but parts can be very slippery and it’s easy to lose your footing on the loose stones. It’s mostly flat, straightforward and easy to follow though, with the option to add in a scramble or little climb, and the Green & Yellow trails should be viewed as an enjoyable walk in a spectacular landscape, not a hardcore hike or something that you have to put a lot of preparation.

The right footwear helps though, and whilst you can absolutely do it in decent sports trainers (that’s what we wore), hiking boots or shoes will give more support and stability. If there has been any rain, note that the trails will be muddy.