Exploring the Caves of Nerja
On our recent trip down to Nerja, we visited Las Cuevas de Nerja, one of the top tourist hotspots in the town.
We visited these amazing caves many years ago and were looking forward to visiting again with our daughter. We’ve visited other caves in Spain, such as Canelobre Caves in Alicante, but these caves in Nerja are much bigger.
If you’re planning a trip to Nerja, the caves are a must-visit destination. Here’s everything you need to know about this unique attraction…
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A bit about the caves…
The Caves of Nerja were discovered in 1959 by a group of local men and have since become an important archaeological site.
The caves date back over 20,000 years and contain some of the oldest cave paintings in Europe. Researchers have uncovered prehistoric paintings, pottery, and tools in the caves, providing valuable insights into the lives of early humans who once lived in the area.
The caves feature five main chambers, with the largest measuring over 30 meters high and 100 meters long! The whole of the caves cover a total length of 4,823 meters.
You’ll truly be amazed by the sheer size of the caves once you’re inside!
Where are the caves of Nerja?
The Caves of Nerja are located just a few kilometers east of the town of Nerja, in the town of Maro. Situated 158 meters above sea level in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara mountains, they overlook the Mediterranean Sea and the town.
It only takes around 5 minutes to reach the caves by car from the centre of Nerja.
How to get there
Getting to the Caves of Nerja is easy:
- By Car: If you’re driving, take the A-7 motorway from Málaga towards Nerja. From there, follow the signs to Cueva de Nerja. There’s plenty of parking available on-site.
- By Bus: Regular bus services operate from Nerja’s central bus station to the caves. The journey is short, taking about 10-15 minutes.
- By Land Train: A land train runs from the centre of Nerja up to the caves every 30 minutes in the summer and every hour in the winter. It costs 6 euros, takes about 15 minutes and can be bought alone or with tickets to the caves.
- By Foot: For the adventurous, you can walk from Nerja to the caves, which takes approximately 45 minutes and offers scenic views along the way. Not recommended in the summer though!
We took the tourist train up to the caves which was a great way to see the scenery along the way and not have to worry about directions or parking!
How much does it cost to visit the Caves of Nerja?
Ticket prices for the caves are:
- Adults: €15
- Children under 12: €10
- Youth (12-13): €11
- Seniors: €11
- Children under 2: Free
It’s advisable to book your tickets in advance as the most popular time slots fill up fast. The best time to visit is during one of the morning slots when it’s much quieter.
Who are the caves suitable for?
The Caves of Nerja are suitable for visitors of all ages, everyone will find something to marvel at within the caves. While the walkways are well-maintained, those with mobility issues may require assistance, as some areas can be uneven. There are also 458 steps at various points around the caves so bear that in mind if you have any health issues.
Dogs are not allowed in the caves.
Are the caves worth visiting?
The Cuevas de Nerja are definitely worth your time, and are one of the top things to do in Nerja.
The rock formations in the caves are really impressive with so many enormous stalactites and stalagmites, all lit up and creating different shapes. The area is so huge that it’s not a claustrophobic cave, more like a cavern.
The largest chamber in the caves hosts musical events throughout the year due to its remarkable acoustics, making it a popular venue for concerts. So if you’re planning on visiting it’s worth checking if there will also be a concert held during your stay. We didn’t manage to catch one but it would be amazing to see.
The caves offer informative displays to educate children (and adults!) about their geological formation and the archaeological findings, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking for things to do with kids in Nerja. You can also purchase an audio guide with your tickets so you can find out more about the caves as you wander through.
The average temperature inside the caves is 19ºc all year round, so if you need to find something to do out of the summer heat then a visit to the caves is a great idea to help you stay cool. Or in the colder winter months, it might warm you up!
A visit to the caves takes approximately 1 hour, but there are also other things to do on the site so you can spend longer here.
Your entry ticket to the caves also includes a visit to the VR Museum. Here you’ll get to wear a VR Headset and take a journey back in time to discover more about the formation of the caves, the people who lived in them, and lots more. I don’t want to give it away but it was a brilliant show and definitely worth a watch.
There’s a restaurant on site with a fantastic view over the sea, and although the prices are obviously aimed at tourists it’s not too expensive. We just sat admiring the view with a drink before heading home. You can also bring a picnic with you as there are a number of picnic tables in shaded areas.
Behind the entrance to the caves is a great children’s playpark, and if you follow the path to the side of the restaurant you can wander through the beautiful botanic garden full of tropical plants and cacti, herbs and fruit trees.
The Caves of Nerja are a unique and interesting attraction that hold an important historical significance to this part of Spain. Their natural beauty and history make it somewhere you should definitely visit if you are going to Nerja.
Have you visited Las Cuevas de Nerja?
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