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Bobastro

There are thousands of legends in Spain. Many created by the lyrical imagination of poets, many by the innocence and fears of humble people, but there are many based on real facts. To the latter group belongs the legend centred in Bobastro (the Nest of Eagles).Historically Ibn Hafsun was a rebel who fought in the ninth century against three generations of Caliphs(the Moorish kings of Córdoba) and became the lord over many towns of Al-Andalus. Then, a legend developed, which surrounded him in mystery.

Within El Torcal Park's 17 square km are some of the most beautiful and impressive limestone landscapes in Europe. The whole area was under sea until one hundred million years ago. Then the violent movements of the Earth's crust forced it upward into hills and mountains up to 1.300 m, the limestone still kept its layered horizontal formation. Because of this, over the millions of years the rain and wind have been able to chisel away at these layers to form incredible shapes.To reach the heart of the park it is possible to drive up to 1.100 m. above sea level along a good access road into the park.

Simply go to the village of Villanueva de la Concepcion and follow the sign to El Torcal out of the town about 1 km. At the parking area you will find an information centre, small museum, with an interesting of wildlife, flora and fauna of the park. Orchid enthusiasts will be captivated by the 30 varieties of the plant growing in the park.Three routes through the park for walkers have been marked out with different coloured arrows on wooden sticks. The green route is the shortest and easiest, 1,5 km. and takes about 30 minutes. The yellow route covers most of the green area, is 2,5 km. long and takes you to "Las Ventanillas" The Windows, at 1.200 m. for panoramic views of the valley of Malaga. Finally the red route is the longest and most difficult, 4,5 km. taking about three hours, with a viewing point 1.339 m. up where you can see the whole of the El Torcal Park and the Africa Coastline

His fortress, on top of the Mesas de Villaverde in the Sierra de la Pizarra (Slate Mountain Range) was a symbol of terror, such was his cruelty.The excavations carried out recently have shown the ruins of the fortress, caves and houses, a Mozarabic church. The mesa (name given to mountains with a flat top) where the Alcazar was constructed is made of stratified layers of slate. It is as impressive as the view from the top. The plain of olive groves and almond trees surrounds the town of Ardales below. You can only reach the ruins by foot but it is worth seeing what remains of the empire of a man who based his wealth on luting and pillaging. The wind there blows due to the height but also as it wants to wipe away the mist of the legend