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Discovering Torca de Mollina: Malaga's Geological 'Crater'

An ancient karst formation in the municipality of Mollina offers a unique landscape and hiking trails to explore it.

Image of the Torca de Mollina, a geological formation in the province of Malaga.
IA

Image of the Torca de Mollina, a geological formation in the province of Malaga.

In the heart of Malaga province, specifically in the municipality of Mollina, lies the hidden Torca de Mollina, a unique geological depression that, despite its crater-like appearance, is an ancient karst formation.

Also known as El Corralón, this natural wonder has been declared a Singular Corner of Malaga due to its exceptional scenic, biological, and geological value. Its origin dates back to subterranean erosive processes that have shaped an abrupt depression with almost vertical walls, creating a striking visual contrast amidst a landscape dominated by olive groves and vineyards.
The Torca de Mollina is located in the Sierra de la Camorra, an elevation that stretches between the municipalities of Mollina and Alameda. This mountain range, though modest in size, offers panoramic views that, on clear days, allow one to glimpse up to five Andalusian provinces: Malaga, Cordoba, Granada, Cadiz, and Seville. Its composition of Jurassic limestones and dolomites favors the formation of natural cavities, making it a rich speleological site.
The interior of the torca, situated about 650 meters above sea level, generates a particular microclimate with lower temperatures and higher humidity, which has fostered the development of a distinct ecosystem. Here, botanical species such as hackberry, centaury, hyacinth, celandine, and dandelion thrive, forming a biodiversity refuge within the sierra.
The Sierra de la Camorra is home to a total of 32 cataloged caves, many of them difficult to access and located on private land. Among the most notable are the Cueva de los Órganos, with a kilometer-long route, and others such as the Cueva del Almirez and the Cueva de la Higuera. Numerous cavities show signs of human occupation since Prehistory, with findings of ceramic remains and cave paintings, with the Abrigo de los Porqueros being a relevant archaeological point of interest.
To facilitate the exploration of these enclaves, three hiking routes have been designed, differentiated by colors according to their difficulty. The Blue Route is the shortest and leads directly to El Corralón, making it the most accessible option for those wishing to visit the torca. The most common access is from the municipality of Alameda, following a section of the Gran Senda de Málaga.