Nerja Caves (Cuevas de Nerja)

As one of the most popular historical sites in Spain, a trip to Andalucia wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Nerja Caves. Most travelers explore the caves on a day trip from Malaga or Granada, often combined with a visit to the seaside villages and sandy beaches of the Costa Tropical (Tropical Coast). General admission to the caves includes an audiovisual introduction and a 45-minute audio tour.

• The caves are a must-visit for history buffs and nature lovers.

• Remember to bring a light jacket, as it can be significantly cooler inside the caves.

• Flip-flops are not permitted inside the caves.

• The Nerja Caves are not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.

The Nerja Caves are just under two miles (three kilometers) east of the Andalucian town of Nerja, which in turn is 35 miles (56 kilometers) east of Malaga. Buses run regularly to the caves from Nerja every day except Sunday. If you’re driving, the caves are just off the N-340 coastal road. The hop-on hop-off Cave Train (Cueva Tren) connects the caves with the Nerja Museum, Maro Square, and Parque Verano Azul.

The Nerja Caves are open daily, with the exception of New Year’s Day and Romeria de San Isidro on May 15. Sunday mornings can get busy, as entrance is free for Nerja residents. The natural amphitheater is a memorable venue for the concerts and classical music performances held here over the year. If visiting in July, you might be lucky enough to catch the annual flamenco festival.

The Nerja Museum, opened in 2011, recounts the history of Nerja from its earliest cave dwelling Paleolithic residents through the tourist boom of the 1960s. Divided into four themed areas, the museum houses several objects discovered in the Nerja Caves alongside informational panels describing their significance.

The Nerja Caves (Cuevas de Nerja) is a massive prehistoric cave system featuring extensive caverns, one of the world’s largest columns, archeological remains, and cave paintings. The caves are 2 miles (3 kilometers) east of the Andalucian town of Nerja and 35 miles (56 kilometers) east of Malaga.

In 1959, five local youths from the village of Maro were looking for bats when they noticed bats entering holes in the rock. They returned the next day with tools to dislodge a stalactite blocking an entrance and discovered a massive cavern with skeletal remains and pottery.

Admission to the caves includes a 45-minute self-guided audio tour, available in different languages. Paid guided tours are available and include a regular guided tour, a Secrets of the Cave tour, the Discovery tour (which recreates how the caves were discovered), and a tour by night.

No, the Nerja Caves are not accessible to people with disabilities or mobility issues, as there are more than 450 steps. The Nerja Caves are also not suitable for people with claustrophobia. There’s a Virtual Reality Room available for people who cannot otherwise access the caves.

There are three galleries inside the Nerja Caves, but only one is open to the public. The public gallery spans 1,791 feet (546 meters) and covers five chambers. The main highlight is the 105-foot (32-meter) tall column where stalactites and stalagmites have merged.

Photography without flash is allowed inside the Nerja Caves. The use of flash is prohibited as it can damage the interior of the caves. The use of tripods, selfie sticks, flashlights, and laser pointers isn’t allowed inside the caves. Nerja Caves also offers a professional photography service for an additional fee.