Today, we take you to another unique landscape. Not in the province of Granada though but Malaga!

What?

In short: a nature park with prehistoric limestone formations.

“The Jurassic age limestone is about 150 million years old and was laid down in a marine corridor that extended from the Gulf of Cádiz to Alicante between the present Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. These seabeds were uplifted to an elevation of over 1300 meters during the Tertiary era, resulting in a modest mountain range of flat-lying limestone, which is rare in Andalucia. Later, a series of fractures, cracks and faults at right angles (generally NW-SE and NE-SW) were exploited by erosion and produced the alleys between large blocks of limestone visible today. The blocks themselves have been subjected to both dissolution by water (karstification) and freeze-thaw splitting action which, working on the limestone’s horizontal beds, resulted in the various shapes visible today, many of which resemble, and have been named after, everyday objects such as the Sphinx, the Jug, the Camel, the Screw, etc. Other flat surfaces have been karstified into rugged, rocky lands where travel on foot is difficult.^[1]” (Source: Wikipedia)

This spectacular landscape is unique in Europe and belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

How to get there

At the moment of our departure, Lars and I were in Malaga. Take the A-45 (not the A-46, because then you have to pay!). The nearest village is Villanueva de la Concepción. Follow the signs towards Torcal.

After a couple of kilometers, you will see a small parking at your left. Stop and admire the views…

Climbing up

A little further, you will see a road going up. This leads you to the main entrance.

The viewpoint

At the time of our excursion (mid-August), there were hardly any visitors, because of the virus. There are 3 free trails you can follow, but a guided visit is also possible. Check the official website.

The village you can see on the last 2 pictures is Villanueva de la Concepción.

Views from a restaurant

Again, at the moment of our visit, only the bar was open (because of the virus).

Lars and I intend to go back here next spring. We are going to test one of the free trails.

What about you? Would you like to visit this location? Or have you ever been here?

I will be back with new content either Tuesday or Wednesday!