El Torcal and the north of Málaga

From the northern city limits of Málaga, we drive through a mountainous landscape dotted with olive groves, almond trees and pines towards Almogía. This is the location of the Casasola reservoir, which covers around 112 hectares and which we cycle around along the eastern shore of the lake.

The extraordinary karst formations make the Paraje Natural Torcal de Antequera one of the most impressive landscapes in Spain. This area has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers 1,171 hectares. Around 100 million years ago, the area was still covered by the ocean. The deposition of sediments created layers of limestone, which over time formed a wildly rugged rocky landscape with impressive stone formations. These are reminiscent of the stone sculptures in the American Bryce Canyon, but with an orange-red hue. The Torcal de Antequera lies at an altitude of between 1,100 and 1,400 meters. If the access road is not closed, we drive straight up to the highest viewing platform, from where you can see as far as the Mediterranean off Málaga on a clear day.

Since the 16th century, the city has been known as the "heart of Andalusia" due to its geographical location on the routes connecting the Andalusian cities of Málaga, Granada, Córdoba and Seville, as well as its cultural and historical significance. The Alcazaba of Antequera, which towers over the town, like many other historical buildings in Andalusia, has its origins in the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula in the Middle Ages. It was built in the 14th century by the Moors on the ruins of a Roman fortification in order to stop the advance of the Christian "Reconquista". The Mirador Almenillas, which is located in the highest part of the old town next to the Alcazaba and the Arco de los Gigantes (Arch of the Giants), offers an impressive panoramic view of the city.

Located in the middle of a picturesque natural landscape, the Iznájar reservoir is often referred to as "The Lake" of Andalusia. The area around Iznájar is home to traditional country estates. We cross the dam and a bridge over the reservoir, which is already in the province of Córdoba. We then head through the southern foothills of the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park into the province of Granada and continue along the Sierra de Loja Natural Park towards the Mediterranean.

The Puerto de los Alazores mountain pass, located at an altitude of 1,028 meters, connects the provinces of Granada and Málaga. Due to its strategic location on the royal road from Málaga to Granada, the pass played an important role in the phenomenon of "bandolerismo" (banditry) in Andalusia at the end of the 19th century.

During this time, numerous gangs took advantage of the remote and inaccessible mountain regions to rob travelers and traders. The Puerto de los Alazores, an important communication route, was particularly vulnerable to these raids. The bandits, often from the poorest sections of society, were sometimes regarded by the population as rebels or popular heroes, as they rebelled against the ruling powers. Names such as Luis Candelas or José María "El Tempranillo" became famous and are still part of Andalusian folklore today.

This historical phase still shapes the cultural heritage of the region, where stories of courageous bandits and spectacular raids have become an integral part of local legends and traditions. The Puerto de los Alazores mountain pass is therefore not only an important geographical transition, but also a symbolic place in the history of Andalusia.

The Montes de Málaga Natural Park, which begins just five kilometers north of the city, stretches across a steeply rising mountain massif with almost no valleys or plains. This impressive landscape is criss-crossed by countless torrents, steep paths and passes and offers an impressive example of the successful reforestation of a typical Mediterranean forest. Originally, the region was severely affected by deforestation and erosion, but extensive reforestation measures have restored the nature park in recent decades and it now presents itself as a largely intact ecosystem.

The nature park is particularly well-known for its stable populations of numerous animal species, some of which are threatened with extinction. Notable inhabitants include chameleons, pearl lizards and ribbed newts, as well as larger mammals such as badgers, polecats, foxes, weasels, gorse and wildcats and stone martens. Wild boar are also native to the area. The nature park is also an important habitat for various birds of prey and owls, including short-toed eagles, booted eagles, sparrowhawks, goshawks and owls.

The Montes de Málaga Natural Park is not only an important nature reserve, but also a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers who want to experience the diversity of Mediterranean flora and fauna in an almost untouched environment. The combination of wild, inaccessible nature and successful nature conservation makes the park a special jewel in the Málaga region.