Jurassic Landscapes
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El Torcal Natural Park has undoubtedly the most impressive Limestone Karst landscape in the whole of Europe and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Around 200 million years ago in what was once the sea of Tethys, massive deposits of skeletons and shells of marine animals sank to the sea floor, and over a period of 175 million years created a horizontal strata thousands of metres thick.

 

With the coming together of the Iberian and African plates, approximately 20 million years ago, the layers of rock were compressed and deformed and eventually pushed up from the seabed to form, on the Iberian plate, the Gibraltar Arc.

 

The lifting of the once submerged strata helped to form a broadly flat plateau (which sits south of Antequera) and over the next 20 million years the process of rain, ice and wind acted to corrode the limestone to shape this spectacular karst landscape that we’ll discover in El Torcal de Antequera.

 

Our walk includes not just the main area of the natural park but also a less frequented path that includes an area called the ‘Seven Tables’ and the 'Labyrinth'. On this walk we’ll follow small tracks that take us beneath these impressive, sculpted rock formations, and to the northern edge of the park with views to the northern slopes of the Central Limestone Arch and into the Antequera depression.

 

With the walk completed we have the option to enjoy some refreshments in one of the small plazas in Antequera, and to enjoy the view over this historic city.

Before You Book

bookingWe have several locations that we can collect you from; Velez-Malaga, Alcaucin, Riogordo & Colmenar, just let us know which is easier for you. It may be possible to collect you from your accommodation, contact us to enquire. Pick-up time will be between 8.15 am to 9.00 am, depending on where we collect you from, with a travel time between 45 to 75 minutes. We will advise the exact time and location before you book. You can of course follow in your own car if you wish!

Take a look at our list of what-to-bring and please check through our safety information. For more information or to enquire on availability please complete the enquiry form.

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"The walks each day differed from day before which added to the experience, being shown quaint villages to enjoy the sights, the food and coffee was most enjoyable."
Pamhibbs - Trip Advisor Review
Hiking Adventure
"The three walking days were excellent, well planned, varied, and a great introduction to the area"
Holidaymaker - Trip Advisor Review
Hiking Adventure
"Wonderful! Would go again in a minute!"
Granofnora - Trip Advisor Review
Hiking Adventure
"Four days on the GR 249 Gran Senda de Malaga and one day to the base camp of El Chamizo. Phil kept the pace within my own limits (slow but determined) and had frequent "admire the view" rest periods."
SeeJay63 - Trip Advisor Review
Hiking Adventure
"...... fantastic guide for our three days walking. Phil was very knowledgeable of the area, and very patient with us. Nothing was too much trouble.."
Anna L - Tripadvisor Review
Hiking Adventure
"Perfect for relaxation and great hiking trips and climbing routes in the Andalusian mountains."
Anna K - Tripadvisor Review
Hiking Adventure