What to do · Antequera
Green and Yellow Trails at El Torcal
Information
- Price
- Self-guided · free
- Duration
- 2 h
- Distance
- 3 km
- Season
- All year, in daylight
- Who it's for
- Families, with walking footwear
- With a dog
- Admitted on the trails. On the shuttle only dogs under 10 kg in a carrier
El Torcal is a limestone labyrinth at over 1,200 metres, with rocks piled up like plates that water and ice have carved over time. From the upper car park two marked trails set off, circular and free, which you can do on your own any day.
The two trails
The Green Trail is 1.5 km and about 45 minutes, with 40 m of ascent. It goes down to the Hoyo de la Burra and passes the best-known shapes: the Sphinx, the Canary, the Indian or the Lookout. The Yellow Trail shares its start and end with the green one, but goes into the shady alleys: 3 km and about two hours, with the Finger, the Camel, the Jug and the Bottle and a Montpellier maple listed as a notable tree. The ground is very stony and uneven on both: wear walking boots or trainers. Off the trails it is easy to get lost.
Getting up
El Torcal is about 15 km from Antequera along the A-7075, the Villanueva de la Concepción road. At weekends and public holidays from autumn to spring, access by car is closed in the morning once the upper car park is full. You then park below, next to the A-7075 between kilometres 41 and 42, and go up on the shuttle for €3 return or on foot along the Orange Trail: 3.6 km and 263 m of ascent. The road reopens to cars between 13:30 and 14:30.
Tips
- Arrive before 9:00 at the weekend You drive all the way up and walk without crowds.
- Or go in the afternoon After the reopening you can drive up again; check the sunset time.
- Wrap up warm It is colder and windier up there than in Antequera.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee?
No. The site and the visitor centre are free. You only pay for the shuttle on restriction days.
Can you go with a pushchair?
There are two short accessible approaches; the trails are not for pushchairs. Bring a baby carrier.
Can you go with a dog?
Yes. If you come by shuttle, only dogs under 10 kg in a carrier; otherwise, go up early or in the afternoon in your own car.
As a familyWith teenagersWith a dog
