El Torca

A walk in El Torcal Natural Park in the municipality of Antequera. This route winds its way through huge rock formations. The elevation gain is minimal, so it is suitable for children.
For early risers, it is possible to park in the car park at the foot of the Del Torcal Astronomical Observatory building (free of charge). When the car park is full, you will need to park at the start of the road leading up to the observatory. There is a shuttle bus service.

Details

32352647
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 1.87 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 131 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 151 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,042 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,907 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

(S/E) Set off from the Observatory car park, head north, then west.

(1) At the junction, carry on straight ahead (west-north-west).

(2) Turn left, making your way between the rocks.

(3) Turn left again, now heading south-east.

(4) Carry on straight ahead. Admire the rocks on your right, which look as though they’ve been piled up. Once at the viewpoint, turn right and head towards the footbridge overlooking the valley.

(5) Turn round to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 3,963 ft - Car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.37 - alt. 4,022 ft - Junction, straight on
  3. 2 : mi 0.65 - alt. 4,016 ft - North point, on the left
  4. 3 : mi 0.83 - alt. 3,957 ft - Western end
  5. 4 : mi 1.33 - alt. 3,940 ft - Stacked rocks
  6. 5 : mi 1.76 - alt. 3,957 ft - Footbridge
  7. S/E : mi 1.87 - alt. 3,963 ft - Car park

Notes

Make sure you wear sturdy footwear as there are plenty of rocks.

Worth a visit

Ibex are present at this site.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 2 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
jrnelson
jrnelson

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A short and easy route without too much elevation gain, offering beautiful scenery, fir trees and holm oaks, wildlife sightings, suitable for children aged 4-5 and above.

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F8DHA
F8DHA

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A short hike lasting an hour, or two hours if you take the time to look around… no difficulty at all, except perhaps in wet weather when the stones can be slippery.
Do make sure you wear walking shoes, as the path is very stony, but it’s accessible to everyone.
There are some lovely sightings of wildlife, so do bring your binoculars...

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