Nature Parks in South of Spain. Malaga.

The natural Park Sierra de las Nieves.

While in Malaga, visit the main Natural Park. It covers a gentle, hilly area crossed by small valleys. The many Aleppo pine trees seen here were planted by the government to protect the city from the disastrous effects of flash floods. There are also many ancient Mediterranean tree species such as the holm oak and cork tree, carob and mastic trees which provide an ideal habitat for chameleons. Nearby, the natural park Sierra de las Nieves is located in the hills behind Marbella to the east of the road to Ronda from the Costa del Sol.

The park centres on Mount Torrecilla and covers an area of 18,530 hectares. This mountainous area has a rich variety of flora and fauna. As the name (snowy mountains) suggests, its mountains are frequently snow-capped, which is both beautiful and rare in sunny Andalucia. In 1970 the park was declared a National Hunting Reserve, and in 1995 a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

El Torcal Park Nature Reserve.

El Torcal Park Nature Reserve in Antequera, located about 30 km north of Malaga city near the village of Villanueva de la Concepción, is known for its unusual limestone rock formations. Within El Torcal Park’s grounds are some of the most fantastic limestone landscapes in Europe. The whole area was under the sea until one hundred million years ago. Because of this, over millions of years the rain and wind have been able to chisel away at these layers to form incredible shapes.

In the Park’s parking area there is an information centre and a small museum with displays showing an interesting selection of wildlife, flora and fauna to be found in the park. Orchid enthusiasts will be captivated by the 30 varieties of the plant growing in the park.