One of the top tourist attractions on the Costa del Sol, as noted in the various guides to the region, can be found approximately 45 minutes east of Malaga. There are several ways to approach the caves from the main highway, the 340, the first being to bear off to the right signposted to Maro. Alternatively, if you wish to explore the pretty village of Nerja before or after you visit the caves, then head for the town centre. As the caves close for siesta between 2 and 4 this provides an ideal opportunity to combine the two attractions.

From the town centre, follow the signs for Cueva de Nerja which aren’t quite as numerous as they could be, resulting in some potentially sticky moments for the unwary tourist unfamiliar with driving on the right hand side of the road. Once you are headed out of town, you will pass an impressive piece of architecture in the form of a yellow stoned, multi arched bridge which calls out for one of those picture postcard moments. Sadly however, as the road running parallel to the bridge is a well used highway with no laybys, there is no opportunity to stop and take a photograph.

At this point, the caves are only a few minutes away and the visitor will enter a large, purpose built car park for which you are charged 1 euro for the duration of your visit. The ticket office is located next to the entrance of the caves on the left hand side of the complex which comprises an archaeological museum, a well equipped restaurant with good terrace views of the landscape and a small but adequate gift shop. Ticket prices are under 8 euros with reductions for senior citizens and young children.

Dominating the complex is a collection of sculptures which were erected in honour of the group of young boys who discovered the caves in 1959 whilst they were hunting for bats. As a result of the find, the caves have provided archaeological evidence that Cro-Magnon man lived there 20,000 years ago as they left behind a tantalising glimpse of daily life for prehistoric man. Regrettably, the caves containing the rock paintings of dolphins, goats and horses are not on display to the public although photographs can be viewed. The site is still of current interest to the University of Granada who are conducting studies into the exterior and interior micro fauna. For those who are fans of the film The Mummy, it may be of interest to know that the scarab beetle, previously thought to have been extinct, has been found here, very much alive and kicking. Although it must be said, none were to be seen thankfully on my own visit to the caves.

As the visitor descends ever deeper into the depths of the mountain via a series of steps winding their way down into the interior, they will gradually enter the first chamber appropriately called the ENTRANCE HALL. From here you cannot fail to be struck by the sheer size of the cavern as it opens up to reveal an impressive array of columns, stalagmites and stalactites. The acoustics in the first chamber are such that regular concerts are held there including ballet, classical music and singing.

From here, the concrete path with its universal arrows politely directs the visitor into the next hall, of which there are 6 in total open for viewing: the CATACLYSMIC HALL, PHANTOMS HALL, so called due to the ghostly like appearance of some of the rock formations, CRECHE HALL, THE BALLET HALL and finally THE ELEPHANT EYETOOTH HALL. As you move deeper within the caverns it is hard not be even more amazed by the wonders that assault your eyes as the stalagmites become even longer and more fantastical. It is of no surprise then that these caves have been dubbed the natural cathedral of the Costa del Sol as well as containing the worlds widest column which stands proud in the centre of one of the halls. The lights throughout the caves have been strategically placed to successfully enhance the visual appearance of the rock formations which, for those who have a geological mind, are karstic cavities created by the erosion of marble by water.

As you would expect of a tourist attraction, there are a number of information plaques dotted about the caves giving a general history of the place and further geological facts and figures. These tend to be printed mostly in Spanish, occasionally in English but are quite difficult to read due to insufficient lighting.

The tour takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour depending of course on how long each person spends to simply stop and stare. For those who are unsteady on their feet, the walkways are very smooth and well maintained although it is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the sheer number of steps that have to be navigated. The caves have a universal appeal, from young to old, English or Spanish as testified by the numerous coach parties of all ages and nationalities which fill the car park. Once you have emerged from the caves, a well deserved drink can be obtained from the restaurant directly opposite the entrance whilst you digest the sights you have just seen, which, if you are a lover of caves, will stay with you for life.

Cueva de Nerja,
Maro, Nerja 29787
TELEPHONE 952 529 520
OPENING TIMES 10-2, 4-6.30
LOCATION 3km east of Nerja
SPECIAL EVENTS Music and dance festival in June