The Torcal de Antequera is a unique natural landscape that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Torcal de Antequera, an extraordinary natural landscape in Spain, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlights the remarkable geological formations and rich biodiversity that characterize the Torcal de Antequera. Visitors to this breathtaking place can admire the intricate limestone formations that have been shaped by millions of years of natural processes and have created a unique landscape. The Torcal de Antequera is a testament to the beauty and importance of our natural world and offers an insight into the intricate wonders of the earth's history and evolution.

El Torcal: a natural wonder in Andalusia

El Torcal (known in full as Paraje Natural Torcal de Antequera) is a 1,171-hectare nature reserve in the Spanish region of Andalusia, around 14 kilometers from the provincial town of Antequera in the province of Málaga.

The park is known for its extraordinary karst formations and is considered one of the most impressive landscapes in Spain.

100 million years ago, today's area was completely covered by the Tethys Sea, of which only the Mediterranean Sea remains today. Over time, sedimentary deposits formed limestone layers. The Alpine orogeny, which was triggered by the collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, led to the uplift and folding of these layers and the formation of hills and mountains. This led to the formation of extensional fissures, which were widened by the ingress of water. The carbonic acid weathering typical of karst regions played a decisive role in the formation of the wildly jagged rocky landscape and the fantastic rock formations we see today. The varying strength of the originally horizontally deposited sedimentary rocks also contributed to their formation. Depending on the thickness of the rock layers, more or less material was and is eroded, which explains the horizontal patterns.

El Torcal is a remarkable geological formation that lies at the foot of the hilly Sierra Subbética at an altitude of 1100 to 1400 meters. The landscape is a captivating interplay of jagged rocks and deep ravines carved into a fascinating series of organic shapes. Towering pillars of stone slabs, varying in size and orientation, offer a surreal sight, as if they have been meticulously arranged by a skillful hand. In this rugged terrain, the transition from imposing rock formations to calm pools embedded in smooth, flat slabs is unexpected and adds an air of tranquillity to the dramatic landscape of El Torcal.

The Torcal de Antequera Natural Park has a network of hiking trails for the public that run through part of the natural area. The paths are freely accessible, free of charge and marked in such a way that anyone can walk them without permission or prior reservation.

It is recommended that you do not leave the marked paths, as this is terrain where it is very easy to lose your bearings. The terrain is also very rocky, uneven and extremely slippery when wet.

Visitors are also asked to take special care of the natural environment they are visiting, not to leave any organic or inorganic residues and to respect the native flora and fauna and any other elements that are part of the landscape (fossils, minerals, etc.).

Photography workshop at the Academia Fotografia y Diseno in El Torcal

Join us on Saturday, May 18, for an exciting and educational photography workshop at the prestigious Academia Fotografia y Diseno in the midst of the breathtaking landscape of El Torcal.

Capture the beauty of this photogenic region under expert guidance, hone your photography skills and discover new perspectives. Whether you're a beginner learning the basics or an experienced photographer looking to hone your craft, this workshop will inspire you and improve your photography skills.

Details and registration

Find out all the important details about the workshop and secure your place by accessing the registration form. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the art of photography and enjoy the breathtaking views of El Torcal.

Unleash your creativity and improve your photography skills with us on this unforgettable day!