Local attractions including El Torcal Natural Reserve & Parque Natural (Sierra Subbetica)
El Torcal Natural Reserve
Torcal Park Nature Reserve is known for unusual limestone rock formations. El Torcal Park Nature Reserve is located about 30 km north of Málaga city in the direction of Antequera near the village of Villanueva de la Concepción. Within El Torcal Park's 17 square km are some of the most beautiful and impressive limestone landscapes in Europe. The whole area was under sea until one hundred million years ago.
Then the violent movements of the Earth's crust forced it upward into hills and mountains up to 1.300 m, the limestone still kept its layered horizontal formation. Because of this, over the millions of years the rain and wind have been able to chisel away at these layers to form incredible shapes.
To reach the heart of the park it is possible to drive up to 1.100 m. above sea level along a good access road into the park. Simply go to the village of Villanueva de la Concepcion and follow the sign to El Torcal out of the town about 1 km. At the parking area you will find an information centre, small museum, with an interesting of view of the wildlife, flora and fauna of the park. Orchid enthusiasts will be captivated by the 30 varieties of the plant growing in the park.
Three routes through the park for walkers have been marked out with different coloured arrows on wooden sticks. The green route is the shortest and easiest, 1,5 km. and takes about 30 minutes. The yellow route covers most of the green area, is 2,5 km. long and takes you to "Las Ventanillas" The Windows, at 1.200 m. for panoramic views of the valley of Málaga. Finally the red route is the longest and most difficult, 4,5 km. taking about three hours, with a viewing point 1.339 m. up where you can see the whole of the El Torcal Park and the Africa Coastline.
Parque Natural (Sierra Subbetica)
Situated in the middle of Andalucia the natural park of Sierra Subbetica is a stunning landscape of Limestone hills covered in olive trees and littered with ruined castles. In spring and early summer the fields are full of wild flowers, you can expect to see peregrine falcons, eagles, kestrels and vultures soaring high in the mountain skies. Though the area is not overly touristy it has some of the prettiest towns and villages in Andalucia, all with their own small family run restaurants and tapas bars
Prego de Cordoba
To the east of the park you can visit Prego de Cordoba, the market town of the Sierra Subbetica, Once known for it's Silk production it is now a significant Olive growing area and Olive oil producer. It roots date back to the Moor's as illustrated in the well-preserved Medina. Also many extravagant Baroque churches and Monuments all well worth visiting. Opening hours for churches normally between 11.00 is - 1.00pm
Churches to visit
- Iglesia San Pedro
- Iglesia de La Asuncion
- Iglesia de San Juan
- Iglesia de Las Angustias
- Iglesia Del Mercedes
- Iglesia de la Aurora
- Iglesia de San Francisco
- Iglesia Del Carman
Also the Fountain (Fuente del Rey) built in the sixteenth-century with its 180 water jets. And finally there is the Castle dating back to the time of the Moors. Clearly well worth a visit to take in the Splendid architecture and history of this Mountain Town.
Iznajar Town and Lake
South of the park you will find the town of Iznajar perched high on the hillside and sweeping down the slopes to lake of Iznajar (31 kilometres long and fed by the Dam further up the valley)
Iznajar owes its origin to the Moors, and the name means fort and refuge. The Alcazaba (castle) dates from the eight century with the church of Santiago being added to the interior in the sixteenth century. There is a small museum nearby displaying antique farm implements once used by the impoverished farming peasant's of the area. From the little plaza next to the church you will experience stunning views of the lake and village below. Iznajar has a number of bars and restaurants for you to try Having had a drink or something to eat why not try a walk around the stunning lake, walk along the man made beach soaking up the beautiful and tranquil views.
Rute Town
To the north is Rute a market town of whitewashed houses, ruined Moorish castle and Baroque churches. Rute is famed throughout Andalucia for its manufacture of anis undiluted it's a lethal 95% proof (totally illegal) anis seco at 55% is still quite fierce enough So the best bet would be to try the anis dulce a mere 35% proof This local and very potent drink can be sampled in any of the twenty plus bodegas situated throughout the town.
Having sampled the taste of anis why not takes a visit to the Museo de Anis and sees how it's made. And in the evening you can visit the Flamenco bar Reposteria pena flamenco which boost's a state of the art flamenco terrace and stage.
Just three of the many villages and towns to visit around the area (all within 10-15 kilometres) of El Higueral.
