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Cave · Málaga, Andaluzia
Cueva de Nerja
Cave discovered in 1959 in Maro, near Nerja, about 55 km from Málaga, with huge chambers of stalactites and stalagmites and prehistoric remains.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cueva de Nerja
The cave is located in Maro, district of Nerja, in the east of the province of Málaga. It was discovered on January 12, 1959 by five local youths who entered a shaft to hunt bats and felt a draft of air coming from a crack. On the other side they found a large gallery with skeletons and ceramic vessels.
After the discovery, researchers found the original entrance, blocked by a rock for thousands of years, guided by the root of a sabina. Tourist visits began in 1960. The cave has been a site of cultural interest since 2006.
The cavity covers more than 35,000 square meters. The part open to the public is the tourist galleries, with rooms such as the Ghosts, Belén, the Waterfalls and the Cataclysm, full of stalactites and stalagmites. The high galleries and the newer ones, discovered in 1969, are kept closed for conservation.
The cave preserves archaeological remains and rock paintings, including figures of seals, whose age is still under study. A foundation takes care of conservation and research and runs a visitor center.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes to 1 hour inside the cave, plus time for the queue and the visitor center.
Best time
Right at opening or late afternoon, to avoid crowds. Inside, the temperature changes little throughout the year, so it's also a good choice from June to August. Check opening times before you go.
How to get there
It's in Maro, about 4 km from Nerja town center and 55 km from Málaga. There are buses from Málaga to Nerja and from Nerja to the cave. By car, via the Mediterranean motorway, the trip takes about 50 minutes from Málaga.
Tip
Entry is usually by timed slot: buy in advance on the official website, especially from June to September. Wear non-slip shoes, because the floor gets wet and there are stairs. Combine the visit with the Balcón de Europa in central Nerja.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cueva de Nerja
How do you get from Málaga to the Cueva de Nerja?
By bus to Nerja and then to Maro, where the cave is, or by car in about 50 minutes. You can do it as a day trip, combined with Nerja town centre.
Do you need to buy tickets in advance for the Cueva de Nerja?
It's recommended. Visits are usually at set times, and in high season the time slots fill up.
Is it cold inside the Cueva de Nerja?
The internal temperature is stable year-round and cooler than outside in summer. A light jacket helps, and the floor is damp.
When was the Cueva de Nerja discovered?
In January 1959, by five young people from Maro and Nerja. The tourist visits began the following year.