Caves of Nerja: A Complete Visitor Guide

Last updated: January 20, 2026

The Caves of Nerja, known locally as Cuevas de Nerja, are among the most visited natural attractions in southern Spain. Located just three kilometres east of the town of Nerja in the province of Malaga, the caves stretch for almost five kilometres through the Sierra Almijara mountain range. Rediscovered on January 12, 1959, by a group of local teenagers, the site has since welcomed millions of visitors who come to marvel at its extraordinary geological formations and ancient human heritage.

History and Discovery

Five young friends from the area stumbled upon the entrance while searching for bats. What they found was a massive underground network filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and archaeological evidence of human habitation stretching back at least 30,000 years. Excavations have uncovered pottery, tools, and skeletal remains from the Upper Palaeolithic through to the Bronze Age.

In 2012, researchers announced that paintings discovered deep within the caves might be the work of Neanderthals and could date back as far as 42,000 years, which would make them some of the oldest known cave art in the world. Although this dating remains debated, the cultural significance of the site is widely acknowledged. For more details on the archaeological findings, the Wikipedia entry on the Caves of Nerja provides a thorough overview.

Geological Highlights

The caves are divided into three main sections: the Show Galleries, the Upper Galleries, and the New Galleries. Visitors can access the Show Galleries, which cover around one third of the total cave system. The remaining areas are reserved for scientific research.

Perhaps the most famous feature is the world's tallest known stalagmite column, standing at 32 metres and officially recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records. The column, found in the Hall of Cataclysm, was formed over millennia as mineral-rich water dripped from the ceiling and gradually built up on the cave floor.

Standing beneath the 32-metre column in the Hall of Cataclysm is one of those moments where the sheer scale of geological time becomes almost tangible.

What to Expect on Your Visit

Guided and self-guided tours of the Show Galleries typically last around 45 to 60 minutes. The path is well-lit and largely paved, though some sections involve steps and uneven surfaces. The temperature inside the caves remains a constant 19 degrees Celsius throughout the year, providing a welcome respite from the summer heat of the Costa del Sol.

The Annual Festival

Every summer, the entrance chamber of the caves serves as the venue for the Festival Internacional de Musica y Danza Cueva de Nerja. Established in the 1960s, this annual festival brings together musicians and dancers from around the world for performances set against the natural backdrop of stalactites. The acoustics of the chamber are considered exceptional, making it a truly unique concert experience.

Getting There

Nerja is approximately 50 kilometres east of Malaga city along the A-7 motorway. The caves are well signposted from the town centre. Public bus services run from Malaga to Nerja, with local transport connecting to the caves. If you're driving from Malaga Airport, allow about one hour for the journey.

Nearby Attractions

After visiting the caves, it is worth exploring the town of Nerja itself. The Balcon de Europa, a promenade jutting out over the Mediterranean, offers sweeping coastal views. The nearby village of Frigiliana, a whitewashed settlement clinging to the hillside, is often cited as one of the most picturesque villages in Andalusia. For those interested in nature, the Rio Chillar river walk provides a refreshing trek through a narrow gorge.

For official visitor information, check the Cueva de Nerja official website. More about the geological significance of the area can be found on the Spain Tourism Board website.