Cueva de Nerja is a cave complex in the village of Maro, about 3 km from the centre of Nerja, on the edge of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama natural park. The chambers and passages run for almost 5 km and hold large stalactites, stalagmites and columns, lit so the shapes are easy to see. People lived here from prehistoric times, and a group of local young people found the cave in 1959. The route is well kept, the air stays cool, and an audio guide explains the formations and the history. Plan on steps and some slippery ground.
Found by chance in 1959
The cave lies in the district of Maro, a few kilometres east of Nerja. It was discovered in January 1959 by a group of five young people from Maro who had gone to look for bats and came across an opening. Since then it has been recognised as one of the most important caves in Spain, and in 2006 the complex was declared a site of cultural interest.
The cave is not only a natural formation. Bones, shells and other remains show that people used it as a habitat and burial site, from the Neanderthal period through the Bronze Age, with occupation traced back to around 25,000 BC. Prehistoric cave paintings are also associated with the site, and they are best seen on a guided tour.
Inside the chambers
Water shaped the cave over a very long time. The limestone chambers and passages stretch for almost 5 km, and the dripping water built the stalactites that hang from the ceiling and the stalagmites that rise from the floor. Floodlighting brings out the colours and the shapes of the rock.
The largest single feature is in the Sala del Cataclismo, where a mineral column of more than 30 metres rises to the ceiling. The scale of the rooms is what stands out most on the walk, and in places the stalactites sit directly above the path.
The route is laid out for visitors and kept in good order. A walk through takes around 45 minutes at an easy pace. Guided tours are offered, but the audio guide covers most of what you need. Stairs are frequent, so allow for a slower pace if anyone in your group tires easily.
Getting there and parking
The cave is about 3 km from the centre of Nerja. By car it is roughly a five to ten minute drive. There is a car park at the site, and parking is paid. The same car park is the starting point for several hiking routes, including one towards the Barranco de la Coladilla, a dry canyon with stone walls used for climbing.
Without a car you have several options. A bus toward Granada leaves from Avenida Pescia, and a short ride brings you to the cave. A small red tourist train, the Cueva Tren, runs from the Nerja Museum and from Plaza de España. Walking from Nerja takes about 40 minutes, and you pass an aqueduct on the way.
Audio guide, VR room and museum
The audio guide can be played through the cave's own device or through its app, in many languages. The app is worth downloading before you go, since it holds a good deal of information on the cave and its history.
A virtual reality room is part of the visit. It is short, and it also gives younger children a way to explore the cave with interactive screens and 3D images if they prefer not to go deep underground.
The Museo de Nerja covers the history of the first settlers connected to the cave. With the cave ticket, entry to the museum is free within 10 days of the ticket date, so it is worth planning a second stop if you are short of time on the day.
Concerts in the cave
The size of the chambers and the sound inside them have made the cave a venue for music. Concerts are held several times a year in a chamber that forms a natural amphitheatre. In summer the first cave hosts the International Festival of Music and Dance, with performers from Spain and abroad. If you want to attend, check the programme and book separately from a normal visit.
FAQ
How long does a visit to the Cueva de Nerja take?
Walking through the caves takes about 45 minutes. With the VR room, the audio guide and time at the café or the museum, allow one to two hours.
How do you get from Nerja to the caves?
The cave is about 3 km from the town centre. You can drive in 5 to 10 minutes, take the bus toward Granada from Avenida Pescia, or ride the Cueva Tren from the Nerja Museum or Plaza de España. Walking takes around 40 minutes.
Should you book tickets in advance?
Booking online for a set time is recommended, and it avoids the ticket machine, which can be hard to switch to English. The cave is one of the most visited places in Nerja.
Is the cave suitable for children?
It is recommended for children aged 4 and over. The route has stairs and uneven surfaces, so it is not suitable for strollers, and the temperature is about 19°C all year, so bring a light jacket.
Is there an audio guide?
Yes. It is available on the cave's device or through the Cueva de Nerja app, in many languages. Download the app before your visit.
Is the Nerja Museum included with the ticket?
Entry to the museum is free within 10 days of the date on your cave ticket.
