The Caves of Nerja are one of the most impressive natural sights in Spain, and an easy half-day trip from Málaga along the coast to the east. The cave was discovered by chance in 1959 by five young men from the nearby village of Maro who were looking for bats, and it turned out to be a huge network of chambers hollowed out of the mountainside over millions of years. The visitor route leads through a series of great halls filled with stalactites, stalagmites and columns, some rising the height of a building, carefully lit to show their shapes and colours. People lived and sheltered here in prehistoric times, and the cave holds fragile rock art that is kept closed to protect it; a reconstruction of an ancient woman known as Pepita, found in the cave, brings that history to life. The air inside stays at around 19 degrees all year, so you do not need warm clothes. The cave is about 50 kilometres from Málaga by the coastal motorway. Tiqets sells entry tickets, which is the easy way to secure a time slot on busy days.
How to see it: the visit follows a single route through the tourist galleries, with just over 400 steps up and down and uneven floors in places, so wear comfortable shoes with grip. Take your time in the largest chambers, where the scale only becomes clear as your eyes adjust to the light. Photography rules are set by the cave to protect it, so follow the staff’s instructions.
What to expect: in the standard period the cave opens from the morning to the late afternoon, with longer hours in summer, at Christmas, over long weekends and in Holy Week, and last entry an hour before closing. It closes on 1 and 6 January, 25 December and 15 May, when the local San Isidro pilgrimage is held at the cave complex. Weekends and holidays are busiest, so book ahead and arrive at your time.
Making the most of it: combine the cave with the town of Nerja, a few minutes away, where the Balcón de Europa viewpoint juts out over the sea and small coves lie below the cliffs. Lunch on the seafront and a swim in summer turn the trip into a relaxed day. Without a car, take a coach from Málaga bus station to Nerja and a local bus or taxi to the cave, or join an organised day trip.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk along a lit route through giant underground chambers, with steps and uneven floors.
Best time
The first slots of the morning, or weekdays outside holidays, to avoid the crowds.
How long
About an hour inside the cave, and half a day including the trip from Málaga.
Tips
Wear shoes with grip for the 400-plus steps, leave the warm coat behind and add the Balcón de Europa in Nerja town.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and anyone who loves geology and natural spectacle.
- Families
- A great outing for children who can manage the steps, with a steady, comfortable temperature inside.
- Couples
- Pair the cave with a seafood lunch and a sunset walk on the Balcón de Europa.
- Pair with
- Nerja town and its beaches, a few minutes away.
- Time needed
- Half a day from Málaga.
Good questions
How far are the Nerja caves from Málaga?+
The cave is about 50 kilometres east of Málaga by the coastal motorway. Allow around an hour by car or longer by coach.
Who discovered the Caves of Nerja?+
Five young men from the village of Maro found the cave in 1959 while looking for bats. It opened to visitors soon after.
Is it cold inside the Nerja caves?+
No, the temperature stays at around 19 degrees all year. A light layer is plenty.
Are the Nerja caves suitable for people with limited mobility?+
The route has just over 400 steps and uneven floors, so it is difficult for wheelchair users and anyone who struggles with stairs. Check with the cave before visiting.
When are the Nerja caves closed?+
They close on 1 and 6 January, 15 May and 25 December. Opening hours are longer in summer, at Christmas and in Holy Week.
