Hiking El Torcal de Antequera in Andalusia, Spain

Where is El Torcal de Antequera & What to Expect

The Natural Park of El Torcal is located in the province of Málaga, about a 20-minute drive (15 kilometers / 9.3 miles) from Antequera, one of Spain’s beautiful white villages. 

Listed as a UNESCO national park since 2016, El Torcal is famous for its dramatic limestone rock formations, towering natural sculptures that rise majestically into the sky. Besides its impressive rocks, the park is home to incredible flora and fauna. 

El Torcal is located at an altitude of over 1,200 meters, so it also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. 

Popular for its unique nature, the park features several marked trails for all skill levels, drawing visitors from all over the world.

What I loved most about this park is that you’re treated to stunning views throughout the entire hike. No need to walk for 1 hour just to reach a viewpoint, here the scenery is spectacular from the start to the end!   

How to Get to the Hike Starting Point

The easiest way to reach El Torcal National Park is by car, through the A-7075 mountain road to “El Torcal Paraje Natural” or “Centro de Visitantes Torcal Alto“. 

• From Antequera: it’s a 20 min drive using the A-7075 route
• From Malaga: it’s a 55 min drive going north in the direction to Córdoba/Granada/Sevilla, then MA-3404 and 
• A-7075 routes.
• From Marbella: it’s a 1 hour 20 min drive through the E-15/A-7/AP-7, the AP-46 then the 
• MA-3404 and A-7075 routes.
• From Ronda: it’s a 1.5-hour drive through the A-367, A-357, A-384, and A-343 to A-7075.

There’s a free parking lot right in front of the park’s visitor center, but in the high season, it can get full quickly. So the earlier you get there the better or you can wait a bit until someone leaves. 

I don’t know if it’s possible to park elsewhere, but the parking lot is guarded and staff will welcome you as you arrive. So they’ll tell you the situation and what to do. 

Tip: If you don’t have a car, the best option is to take a guided tour for the smoothest and most complete experience. Here’s the best tour: From Malaga – VIP Antequera Torcal Hiking and Dolmens Site.

El Torcal de Antequera Yellow Route Details

There are three different hiking trails in El Torcal: 

• Green route – 45 min: it’s a 1.5-kilometer loop hike that is perfect for families with young kids or if you have limited time. 
• Yellow route – 2 hours: it’s an extended version of the Green route of 3 kilometers. This is the hike we did, so scroll below for detailed info. 
• Orange route – 3.5 hours: it’s a 3.7-kilometer hike that is not too long but uneven and rocky. 

El Torcal – Yellow Route

Easy

1h20    3 km / 1.8 miles

78m / 256ft    82m / 269ft

View Hike

Hiking El Torcal Yellow Route

El Torcal de Antequera was the first hike we did on our Andalusian tour. We did it after spending a day in Malaga and before heading to Frigiliana and Nerja.

The night before we were staying in Malaga. We intended to be at El Torcal by 10 am, but we had a small problem with our rental car (I’ll spare you the details, but I highly recommend Discover Cars for rentals). So, we ended up starting the hike around 11.30 am instead. 😅 

When we arrived, we were surprised by the weather. It was very windy and chilly, unlike the warmth down in the valley. In the end, arriving later than planned wasn’t such a bad thing! 

No need to walk to the visitor center as the yellow route starting point is right by the parking lot. You’ll see 3 signs aligned, it’s there! 

The path is extremely well-marked and easy to follow, so there’s not much to explain. There are just a few spots where you’ll need to climb or use your hands, but it’s nothing serious.

You’ll enjoy beautiful views from start to finish, which makes it a really enjoyable hike!

At one point, the trail winds through massive rocks—it’s fun, and you can snap some great photos. 

After that, you’ll have even more beautiful views to marvel at, and a bit of walk to the end of the hike. 

Back at the parking lot, don’t forget to check out the Mirador Las Ventanillas on your right at the end of the hike.  

View from the Mirador Las Ventanillas

If you’re an experienced hiker, the trail is very easy and quick to do. My wife and I completed it in 1 hour 20 min only with several breaksfor photos, snacks and a bit of rock scrambling.

Things To Know Before Hitting The Trail

Here are a few tips that are good to know before hiking El Torcal de Antequera: 

• Even if the trail is not difficult, it’s rocky. So make sure to wear good hiking shoes. 
• El Torcal Natural Park is located at a high altitude, so the temperature there is much colder. So, even if you’re hiking in spring or even summer, bring a jacket or cardigan and prefer wearing pants instead of shorts.
• The hike is mostly under the sun, so wear a hat and apply sunscreen to protect yourself. 
• There’s nothing in the trail, so bring enough water with you. If you forget it, you can buy water at the visitor center. 

New to hiking? Check out this beginner’s guide to help you pack correctly for your first hikes!

Where to Stay Near This Hike

Antequera is the closest place to stay for the hike, but I’d recommend staying in Malaga for its broader range of accommodations and price options. Depending on your plans, though, one might be more convenient than the other.

Below are my recommendations: 

📍 Best Hotel in Antequera – Hotel Manzanito: This beautiful hotel in the city center has everything for you to spend a great stay. Very clean, and comfy, with a parking lot. The staff is also helpful and friendly;  

✅ Best Hotel in Malaga – Molina Lario: Located in the old town, this hotel stands out for its rooftop pool with a unique view of Malaga Cathedral. This place is also particularly praised for its comfort. 

🔍 Read more about Andalusia:

• One Day in Cordoba
• Malaga to Seville Day Trip
• Hiking La Garganta Verde
• Best Things to Do in Guadix
• Hiking La Ruta de Los Cahorros de Monachil
• Hiking the Gorafe Desert

I hope you enjoy your hike; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below!

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