It seems impossible that you can see such a variety of landscapes in one area in Europe! We present another UNESCO-listed nature reserve – El Torcal de Antequera in Andalusia. We will also say a few words about karstology.
A beautiful lesson in geography
If you want to feel like a National Geographic traveller, a trip to Andalusia to the El Torcal de Antequera reserve in the province of Málaga is a must. Looking at the landscape of El Torcal de Antequera from afar, at first you might think it’s huge sculptures carved into the rock, like the faces of the US presidents at Mount Rushmore. However, the unusual shapes of the rocks were created by nature, or more precisely by water dissolving the limestone rocks.
Stone city in the mist
The reserve of El Torcal de Antequera (meaning the stone city or infernal city), is located near Malaga, at an altitude of 1198 metres above sea level and covers an area of 20 km2. It is very humid in winter, the unusual rock formations are then shrouded in a thick fog. It makes an incredible impression! No wonder that the film Twilight of the Titans, about the Greek hero Perseus, was filmed in Torcal de Antequera.
A drop drills the rock
At El Torcal de Antequera you can see karstic rocks, i.e. rocks that “weather”, their shape changing due to the action of rainwater and underground water. The water sculpts the rocks not only on the surface, but also creates deep chimneys (reaching more than 200 metres into the ground!) and beautiful caves (the prehistoric Bull Cave and Marinaleda). In the shapes of the rocks at El Torcal de Antequera, many see the shapes of everyday objects: a screw, a hat, a cup or binoculars.
Karstology is the study of the rocks formed in this way. Rock formations, gouged by water, can be seen in many places around the world. In North America, they can be found in the Mammoth Cave, the Nahanni National Park, Moravia and Hungary. In Poland, such landscapes are characteristic of the Krakow-Częstochowa Upland, the Sudetes (the Śnieżka massif and the Bear Cave) and the Świętokrzyskie Mountains.
A paradise not only for moles
The reserve itself is divided in terms of relief into four parts: Lyse Mountains, High Torcal, Low Torcal and the cliffs and slopes surrounding the entire reserve area. The area is home to more than 100 animal species and nearly 600 plant species.
During a tour of the reserve, you can see mountain goats, badgers, moles, rabbits and foxes (after all, underground passages are favourite places to live!). Many species of reptiles, amphibians and birds are also found here: including griffon vultures, eagles and rock swallows. The crevices are home to drought-tolerant plants, foxgloves, rockeries or violets. The higher parts are overgrown with small trees, especially maples, elderberry and hawthorn.
Take a trip
The reserve was established to stop human expansion and interference with nature in this remarkable area. In the 1970s, quarries were closed here (stone was quarried here as early as Roman times) and cattle grazing was significantly reduced. El Torcal de Antequera can be explored on a 3-hour guided tour or on your own. Practical information can be found here.
Natural wonders of Andalusia
Andalusia and the Costa del Sol are not just beaches, sea, dolphins and palm trees. It is one of the most diverse landscapes in Europe. The mountains, the green valleys, the marshes in the Doñana reserve where millions of birds breed, the volcanic rocks in the Cabo de Gata reserve that plunge into the sea… And the gentle shapes of the rock formations at El Torcal de Antequera, which look like oval pebbles stacked on top of each other.
Immerse yourself in the incredible nature of Andalusia. Head to Spain for an extended stay to fully experience its unique attractions. Looking for a house or luxury flat with sea views to rent, see recommended listings here.
See M. Janusz, M.W. Lorenc, Torcal de Antequera – a stone city in Andalusia, “Geotourism”, no. 3-4 (22-23), 2010, available at
