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Natural parks with hiking routes are nearby, including:
Parque the Montes the Málaga This natural park is located in the north of Málaga city and borders directly with its northeastern part to Solano - Colmenar. The park covers an extension of approximately 5,000 ha. In 1989, after centuries of deforestation with erosion as a result, this area has been declared as a nature reserve and is an example of reforestation.
The park covers a mountainous area with an altitude that differs from 100 m. to 1,032 m at the summit of mount ‘La Reina’. The immediacy of the Mediterranean Sea ensures gentle temperatures and a large humidity, which resulted in a large variety of flora. The most dominant trees are oaks, olives and the Aleppo pine trees.
The most important occupant of the area is the unique Cabra Malagueña, a mountain goat. The interesting fauna includes some endangered species, such as the chameleon, and reptiles and amphibians like: lizards, snakes, salamanders, geckos and toads. Further more the area is also inhabited by the weasel, polecat, wild cat, marten, badger and wild boar. Among the birds special species can be seen like: eagles, hawks, buzzards and owls, but also the more common types, such as the wood-pigeon, partridge, thrush, cuckoo, coal tit and nightingale. Fore that matter aforementioned animals also can be seen from and around Deseo.
No better way to explore this unique area than to walk one of the hiking routes in the park. Here you also will find a wildlife and ethnographic museum.
From Colmenar village you have to follow the old road to Málaga. Just beyond Venta Galwey you see on your right hand side a signpost with ‘Museo Etnográfico’. From there also leave some routes for walkers. Another starting point for hikes is hotel Humaina. El TorcalSouthward of Antequera you’ll find this natural park which is famous for its unusual limestone rock formations. Age-long erosion of the limestone rock caused by wind and rain provided the most peculiar rock formations, mountain passes, canyons and natural bridges and lanes (dolinas or torcas). The total surface of the area amounts to 20 km2. In comparison with Montes de Málaga the landscape is rougher.
Dominant trees are oaks, hawthorns and maple-trees. Here too we find the mountain goat, wild cat, badger, fox and weasel and several species of amphibians, reptiles and birds. Especially worth mentioning is the presence of the Griffon Vulture.
Three routes through the park for walkers have been marked out with different coloured arrows on wooden sticks: green, yellow and red (rising in level of difficulty and duration: from 0,5 up to 3 hours). All routes start from the car park at ‘Refugio-Centro de Interpretación’ situated at the end of entry and lead you along the most bizarre rock formations with names such as ‘El Camello’ (the camel), ‘La Esfinge’ (the sfinx). The view from ‘Ventanillas’ (windows) offers you a superb panorama from the surroundings of Villanueva de la Concepción to the coast.
You need good walking shoes or trainers, in the warm months bring a bottle of water. The Torcal natural park is entered from the village of Villanueva de la Concepción then head South for 15km on the C3310.
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