The Torcal de Antequera is a natural site of exceptional karst relief, modeled on Jurassic limestone by the dissolution of the rock and erosion over millions of years. Its landscape is formed by lapiaces, torcas, dolines, rocky alleys and stacked blocks that draw very recognizable silhouettes, with the presence of forms such as hum and the well-known Tornillo del Torcal. It is one of the best examples of karst in Europe and a unique protected area in Andalusia. From the viewpoints and marked trails you can see limestone ridges, large stepped walls and a mosaic of whimsical shapes that change a lot with the light. The visit also allows you to appreciate the contrast between the bare rock and the mountain vegetation, dominated by gall oaks, holm oaks, maples, hawthorn, blackthorn and elder in the most favorable areas. In some routes there are marine fossil footprints, testimony of the ancient submarine origin of the massif. The area has been protected as a Natural Site since 1989, and was the first territory in Andalusia to be recognized as a protected natural area. It is also part of the site of the Dolmens of Antequera, declared World Heritage by UNESCO. The Route of the Ammonites and the routes for public use are the most cited in guides and in the official information of the enclave. The best time is usually early or late afternoon, when the light accentuates the volume of the rocks and there is less traffic. In spring and autumn the route is more pleasant in terms of temperature and visibility, while on foggy or rainy days the terrain can become slippery and the landscape less clear.
