La Concepcion gardens
These botanical gardens are the most beautiful and the most famous in Spain if not in Europe. The gardens have 150 years of history as they were created in the 1850’s. However, they were opened to the public only in 1994. It’s a true tree and plant museum with over 3000 species of trees and plants spread over an area of 250 sq. kms. The plant varieties here include rubber plants, varieties of mimosa, Cycads, forests of bamboo, Blue Mexican Palm, and 500 palms in more than 25 species, and innumerable species of tropical and subtropical plants. The many dense hues of green here have rightly given it the name: “garden of hundred greens”. The lush vegetation here attracts hundreds of bird species adding even more to its appeal.
A tour of the garden has been divided according to 34 areas of interest. Signs are in place to indicate these areas. For a spectacular view of Malaga, just walk along the Paseo de las Palmeras de Canarias. A recent attraction to the gardens is the “Around the world in 80 Trees” route. It has been created just outside the gardens and trees from all 5 continents are planted here according to their country of origin.
Address:
Carretera de Las Pedrizas (C. N. 331), Km 166
Malaga, AN 29014 Spain
+34 952 25 2148
Fuente De Piedra Natural Reserve
A beautiful lagoon forms this nature reserve which is located in the north of Malaga near Antequera. More than 6 kms long and 3 kms wide, this lagoon is the largest in Spain. It is a haven for aquatic birds of more than 170 different species. It is more famous for the pink flamingos which arrive here in thousands in the breeding season. The high salinity content in the water makes the lagoon perfect for the flamingos, and this is the second largest colony of flamingos in Europe. Bird- watchers from all over the world come here every year and it also attracts a lot of tourists from the Malaga region. In 1988 it was declared a Zone of special interest for Birds (ZEPA).
At the visitors information centre a lot of information on the lake is available in audio- visual form. There are also guided tours available, for observing the birds and other wildlife, but these only run when the lake has water.
Tourist information:
Town Hall; C/Ancha, 9. 29520.
Tel: + 34 952 735 016 / Fax: + 34 952 735 317
http://www.turismofuentepiedra.com/asociacion/asociacion-ing.html
Torcal de Antequera
Situated in the Sierra del Torcal range, this nature reserve is situated to the south of Antequera. It is most famous of the stunning rock formations in limestone. It has been designated a Natural Site of National interest in 1929, and a 17 sq. kms area was declared a nature reserve in 1978. This limestone plateau dates back to the Jurassic period.
The remarkable rock formations here have been shaped through wind and water erosion. They are amusingly named sphinx, jug, camel, table, screw, etc according to their shapes.
There are also several caves, and the one called “Cueva del Toro” which contains Neolithic artifacts. Among the reserves flora are several species of beautiful wildflowers, lilies, red peonies, wild rose, and some 30 varieties of orchid. Two walks have been signposted inside the park and three colour-coded hiking trails.
The car park has a visitor’s information center, a small museum and a gift shop. This is also the starting point of the walks.
Tel: +34 952 70 25 05
Torcal de Antequera Tourist Office
Plaza de San Sebastian 7
E-29200 Malaga
Sierra de las Nieves
It has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1995. It features several large caves and is famous for its pot holes. The deepest of them is the GESM- which is also the deepest in Europe. Measuring a depth of 1, 100 meters, it is yet to be completely explored. This park is one of the most beautiful in Spain with landscape dotted by rumbling gorges, dense forest of Spanish firs, undulating green mountain slopes; and in winters covered under a thick blanket of snow.
Inside there are picnic spots, barbeque spots, camping & recreational areas.
Tel: +34 952878450 /Fax +34 952161102
Information center: Plaza de Mondragon,
S/n. Ronda, 29400, Malaga
http://www.sierranieves.com/eng
