Cueva de Nerja: The Caves of Nerja

The Caves of Nerja are among the most famous attractions on the Costa del Sol. A visit is definitely worthwhile, as these spectacular caves are an important part of Andalusia’s cultural heritage. Find out what awaits and why the Cueva de Nerja is well worth visiting. We also provide information about opening times, tours and tickets.

The History of the Cuevas de Nerja on the Costa del Sol

Although we sometimes refer to the Nerja Cave in the singular, the correct name is the Cuevas de Nerja, or Caves of Nerja, in the plural. This is because it is not just a single cave, but a huge cave system.

Only a small section near the entrance, around 5 kilometres from Nerja town centre, is open to visitors. However, the Caves of Nerja form the largest cave system in Europe that has not yet been fully explored, and it is thought that the network may extend as far as Granada.

The cave complex was formed around 5 million years ago, when water entered cracks in the marble and gradually dissolved the rock. On 12 January 1959, five friends, including José Torres and José Luis Barbero, climbed through a sinkhole while searching for bats and rediscovered the caves in southern Spain. This entrance, known as "La Mina", is one of two natural entrances, alongside a purpose-built access point.

Skeletons have been discovered in the Cueva de Nerja, suggesting that the caves were inhabited alternately by humans and hyenas during the Bronze Age. One of the human skeletons can be viewed near the entrance to the cave complex. As you walk through the cave galleries, it is easy to imagine how this fascinating underground world could once have been considered a home.

Visitors can also discover numerous other attractions:

• Cave paintings dating from the Stone Age

• One of the largest stalactite caves in Europe

• The world's longest and largest stalactite in the Sala del Cataclismo

• Numerous other stalagmites and stalactites

• And much more to discover inside the Caves of Nerja

Today, the Sala de la Cascada in the Cueva de Nerja is also used for events, including the International Festival of Music and Dance. International music fills this spectacular "Cathedral of Prehistory", which has been recognised as a national cultural heritage site since 1961 and is therefore also an important part of Andalusian heritage. In the virtual reality room, visitors can also explore galleries of the cave that are currently closed to the public.

Cueva de Nerja: Tickets and How to Get There

Tickets are available from GetYourGuide, Tiqets or via the official website of the Fundación Cueva de Nerja. The latter also offers tickets for events. However, as the website is only available in Spanish, the first option may be easier for visitors who do not speak the language.

The price of a Cueva de Nerja tour is divided into several categories:

• Cave visit with or without an audio guide from €15 for adults

• Night visit from €25 for adults

• Free admission from Monday to Friday at 09:30 (virtual reality room not included)

Opening Times

09:30 - 16:30, last admission at 15:30

09:30 - 19:00, last admission at 18:00 (23 June - 10 September and during Semana Santa)

Closed on 1 January and 15 May

Address

Ctra. de Maro, s/n 29787 Maro (Nerja) Málaga

Hotels Near the Caves of Nerja

What to Expect During Your Cueva de Nerja Visit

Whether you are visiting with children, your partner, friends or on your own, the Cueva de Nerja has something truly special to offer. Highlights of the caves include the impressive stalactites, the world's largest and widest stalactite, measuring 33 metres in length in the Sala de Cataclismo, as well as the prehistoric paintings.

Take the opportunity to discover this unique natural wonder and experience the fascinating history of the caves at first hand. In addition to guided tours, various activities take place here, including scientific research, archaeological excavations and cultural events. But that is far from the only discovery awaiting you inside the Cueva de Nerja.

Before we head into one of the most spectacular cave systems in the world, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:

• It is best to wear closed shoes with non-slip soles. Flip-flops are not permitted.

• You should be reasonably fit, as there are around 400 steps to negotiate at various points inside the caves.

• Pushchairs and wheelchairs are not permitted.

• The temperature inside the caves is around 19°C. If you are visiting the Andalusian coast in summer, it is worth bringing a jumper.

• Photography is permitted, but flash photography and equipment such as selfie sticks and tripods are not allowed.

• Animals are not permitted, with the exception of guide dogs.

• Another rule is that eating and drinking are not permitted inside the caves.

• Rubbish must be taken with you, and if you want to be considerate of other visitors, avoid speaking too loudly.

As you have to select an admission time when purchasing your tickets, it is important to arrive at the relevant entrance in good time. Unfortunately, late arrivals may not be admitted, as visitor numbers are limited.

If you would like something to eat before or after your approximately one-hour visit, there is a restaurant not far from the entrance with beautiful views over Nerja and the sea. There is also a picnic area, a playground and a car park.

Inside the cave, you will encounter some of the breathtaking sights mentioned above. As this is a limestone cave system, there are naturally stalagmites and stalactites throughout the different galleries, rather than just in one particular section.

Bats prefer to be left in peace, so you are unlikely to encounter them. Instead, you can see an ancient skeleton, impressive cave chambers and a virtual reality tour of areas that are currently inaccessible to the public.

FAQ

How long does a visit to the Cueva de Nerja in Andalusia take?

In theory, it is possible to walk through the Cueva de Nerja on the Costa del Sol in around 45 minutes. However, we assume that you will want to take your time and fully enjoy the experience. You should therefore allow around one to two hours for your visit.

How much do Cueva de Nerja tickets cost?

Tickets for the Cueva de Nerja are available for adults from €15. If you can visit between Monday and Friday at 09:30, admission is free. However, the virtual reality room is not included in this case.

When can you visit the Caves of Nerja for free?

Admission to the Cuevas de Nerja is free on weekdays at 09:30. However, you still need to obtain tickets in advance, as visitor numbers are limited even for this free admission period.

What are the highlights of the Cueva de Nerja?

Highlights of the Caves of Nerja include enormous stalactites and stalagmites, large cave chambers and prehistoric rock paintings, some of which are among the oldest in Europe.

Are guided Caves of Nerja tours or audio guides available?

Yes, visitors can explore the caves with an audio guide. Guided tours are also offered at certain times.

What exactly is the Nativity Hall in the Caves of Nerja?

The Nativity Hall is one of the central chambers in the Cueva de Nerja. The formations created by stalactites and stalagmites resemble figures in a nativity scene, which is why the chamber is also one of the cave's most popular photo spots.