The dramatic and fascinating landscape of El Torcal is entrancing. Natural erosion has cut valleys and pathways through this enormous rock garden and created erratic sculptures in the process.  Thin layers of rock stacked like pancakes are pinned down by massive blocks and this seemingly inhospitable terrain is host to many specialist rock loving plants.

This ‘Paraje Natural’ covers some 20square kilometres of protected area and was first recognised for its singularity in 1929. The highest point in El Torcal is Camorro Alto at 1.378m above sea level.

This mountain was actually a sea bed during the Jurassic period and underwent great upheaval during the Tertiary period. Unusually the bedrock remained level whilst being elevated, creating an upland plateaux that is unique in southern Spain. Natural erosion over centuries concentrates on weaker areas with wind, frost action and dissolution by rain water constantly shaping it anew. Silt is released during this erosion and deposits in the valleys as a clay base, forming seasonally damp meadows that contrast with the jagged cliffs of limestone. These grassy areas hold a mixture of plant life such as celandines, narcissi, peonies, orchids, bluebells and thistles.

Trees that take hold in the more soil rich parts are: Evergreen oak (Quercus rotundifolia) and Kermes Oak (Quercus coccifera), Gall Oak (Quercus faginea), Wild Olive (Olea europaea sylvestris), Sorbus (Sorbus aria) and two forms of Acer (Acer monspessulanum, A. granatense). Climbing Ivy (Hedera helix) and Honeysuckle (Lonicera implexa) blanket some of the white cliffs in rich greenery.

Two rock dwelling plants have taken their names from this area, they are Linaria anticaria and Dianthus anticarius, both are limited to a small area in the Baetic mountain range. Anticaria as part of the name refers to the old Roman name for Antequera in whose municipality the parkland lies. There are some plants within the park that are on the Red List of endangered species: Atropa baetica and Sarcocapnos baetica subsp. baetica are in danger of extinction, whilst listed as vulnerable are: Saxifraga biternata, Acer opalus subsp granatense, Acer monspessulanum and Sorbus aria.

Mediterranean plants mix with more common European plants such as: Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and shrubby wild roses (Rosa pimpinellifolia and Rosa sicula) along with Lentisc (Pistacia lentiscus), Turpentine tree (Pistacia terebinthus), Dwarf European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis) and Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo).

The roughness of the terrain allows for many reptiles to go virtually undetected Ocellated Lizard (Lacerta lepida), Large Psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) and Iberian Wall Lizard (Podarcis hispanica) you may see, whilst Lataste’s Viper (Vipera latastei), Montpelier Snake (Malpolon monspessulanus) and Ladder snake (Elaphe scalaris) are more timid.
The Spanish Ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) has become quite used to visitors here and may pose beautifully on a prominent rock.
Birds to look out for among the rocks are: Black Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear,  Rock Bunting, Blue Rock Thrush, Black Redstart and Little Owl with wintering Alpine Accentors. Griffon Vulture, Eagles, Red-billed Chough and Kestrels may be seen in the open skies while Eagle Owls find refuge amongst the cliffs.

There is only one road that leads into the parkland, it is accessed on the southern side of the mountain on the road between Antequera and Villanueva de la Concepción. This mountain road terminates at the visitors centre, Mirador and car park from where the signposted walks begin. It is recommended not to wander away from the path as it can be very easily to get lost amongst the rock formations.

If you are looking for a hotel in the area the Cortijo Valverde Rural Country Hotel is ideally situated for the El Torcal  area. Outstanding views of the surrounding countryside providing that special vacation destination for either a restful holiday, or a base from which to explore the many treasures that Andalucia and Inland Spain have to offer.

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