Tucked beneath the limestone hills of Malaga's eastern coast, the Caves of Nerja (Cueva de Nerja) rank among Spain's most visited natural attractions. Discovered by chance in 1959, this vast underground system spans nearly five kilometres of explored passageways decorated with extraordinary mineral formations, including the world's largest known stalagmite column.
A Brief History of Discovery
On January 12, 1959, five young men from the nearby village of Maro were exploring a natural sinkhole known as "La Mina" when they stumbled upon a narrow opening leading to an enormous underground chamber. What they found inside would become one of the most significant archaeological and geological discoveries in 20th-century Spain.
Within months, researchers identified Paleolithic paintings on the cave walls, some dating back approximately 25,000 years. The caves were opened to the public in 1960, and subsequent excavations have uncovered skeletal remains, tools, and ceramics spanning from the Upper Paleolithic through the Bronze Age. In 2012, scientists announced the possible discovery of Neanderthal paintings in the caves, which, if confirmed, would make them the oldest known cave art in the world.
The caves are listed as a Bien de Interes Cultural (Site of Cultural Interest) in Spain's national heritage register, a designation that ensures their ongoing protection and conservation.
What You Will See Inside
The tourist route covers approximately one-third of the cave's total explored area. Visitors walk through a series of interconnected galleries and halls, each with distinctive characteristics:
Hall of the Cataclysm (Sala del Cataclismo)
The largest accessible chamber, measuring roughly 100 metres long and 40 metres high. This hall contains the world's largest known stalagmite column, a towering formation measuring 32 metres in height and 13 metres by 7 metres at its base. The column was formed by the joining of a stalactite and stalagmite over hundreds of thousands of years, and it dominates the chamber like a natural pillar supporting an invisible ceiling.
Gallery of the Ghosts (Galeria de los Fantasmas)
Named for the eerie, flowing shapes of its calcium carbonate curtains and draperies, this gallery provides some of the cave's most photogenic moments. The translucent mineral formations create ghostly silhouettes when backlit by the carefully designed lighting system.
Hall of the Waterfall (Sala de la Cascada)
A frozen cascade of flowstone creates the illusion of a waterfall captured mid-flow. This formation was created by water trickling down a steep limestone face over millennia, depositing thin layers of calcite that eventually built up into the dramatic curtain visible today.
Prehistoric Art and Archaeological Significance
Beyond the tourist galleries lies the deeper cave system, which contains some of the most important prehistoric art in Spain. The paintings include depictions of seals, dolphins, and other marine animals, as well as abstract symbols and hand imprints. Some of these works have been dated to approximately 25,000 years before the present, placing them firmly in the Upper Paleolithic period.
The deeper galleries are closed to the public to protect these fragile artworks, but the Nerja Cave Foundation operates an excellent museum near the entrance where reproductions and detailed explanations are available. The archaeological collection includes stone tools, bone implements, and ceramic fragments that illustrate tens of thousands of years of human activity in the region.
Practical Information for Visitors
Location
Carretera de Maro, s/n, 29787 Nerja, Malaga, Andalusia, Spain. The caves are situated approximately 4 km east of Nerja town centre and about 50 km east of Malaga city.
Getting There
By car, take the A-7 (N-340) coastal road and follow signs to "Cueva de Nerja." Free parking is available at the site. Bus services run from Nerja town centre during visiting hours. From Malaga airport, the drive takes approximately 50 minutes.
Opening Hours
Open daily year-round. Summer hours (July-August): 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Winter hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Last entry is typically 30 minutes before closing. Closed on January 1 and May 15.
Duration
The standard tour takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes along a well-maintained pathway. The route includes some stairs and inclines, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Tips for the Best Experience
- Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the largest tour groups, especially during summer months.
- The cave interior maintains a constant temperature of approximately 19 degrees Celsius with high humidity. A light layer is advisable even on hot days outside.
- Photography without flash is permitted in most areas of the tourist galleries. Tripods are not allowed due to the narrow pathways.
- The on-site restaurant and gardens offer a pleasant place to relax before or after your visit, with views towards the Mediterranean coast.
- Combine your cave visit with a trip to the nearby Balcon de Europa viewpoint in Nerja, one of the most scenic spots on the Costa del Sol.
Conservation and the Future
The Nerja Cave Foundation works continuously to balance public access with conservation. Environmental monitoring stations throughout the cave track temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels. When visitor numbers cause conditions to exceed safe thresholds, access to certain galleries may be temporarily restricted.
Ongoing research includes 3D scanning of the cave system, genetic analysis of the cave's unique microbial communities, and further dating of the prehistoric artworks. The foundation's goal is to ensure that this remarkable natural heritage remains accessible and intact for future generations.