Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara mountain range near the coastal town of Nerja in Malaga province, the Cueva de Nerja is one of Spain's most visited natural attractions. Spanning nearly 5 kilometers of explored passages, these caves offer a rare glimpse into both geological processes millions of years old and the lives of prehistoric humans who sought shelter within their chambers.
A Brief History of Discovery
The caves were discovered on January 12, 1959, by five local teenagers exploring a narrow sinkhole known as "La Mina." What they found beyond that tight entrance would become one of the most significant archaeological and geological discoveries in southern Spain.
Within months of the discovery, researchers from the University of Malaga began systematic exploration and documentation. They quickly realized that the caves had been inhabited by humans for at least 25,000 years, based on artifacts and cave paintings found throughout the chambers. The caves opened to the public on June 12, 1960, and have since welcomed over 15 million visitors.
The main gallery features towering columns formed over millions of years. Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Geological Marvels
The Cueva de Nerja was formed primarily through the dissolution of marble and dolomite rock by slightly acidic groundwater over a period spanning roughly 5 million years during the late Miocene and Pliocene geological epochs. The caves extend across three main levels, reflecting changes in the regional water table over geological time.
The World's Largest Stalagmite Column
The most impressive feature is the enormous column in the Sala del Cataclismo (Hall of the Cataclysm), measuring 32 meters in height and listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest known stalagmite. This colossal formation was created when a massive ceiling collapse brought stalactites and stalagmites together, which then continued to grow as mineral-rich water slowly deposited calcite layer by layer.
The Great Column rises 32 meters in the Hall of the Cataclysm. Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Spectacular Formations
Beyond the famous column, visitors encounter a diverse array of speleothems including delicate soda straw stalactites, massive flowstone curtains, sparkling aragonite crystals, and rare helictites that seem to defy gravity by growing in curved and twisted patterns. The variety of mineral deposits creates a natural palette of colors ranging from pure white calcite to deep amber and reddish-brown iron oxide stains.
Prehistoric Art and Archaeology
Research conducted in 2012 by scientists from the University of Cordoba suggested that some paintings in the caves, particularly seal-like figures rendered in red pigment, could date back approximately 42,000 years. If confirmed, these would be among the oldest known cave paintings in the world, potentially created by Neanderthals rather than modern humans.
The caves have also yielded a wealth of archaeological finds including stone tools, bone fragments, ceramic pottery from the Neolithic period, and evidence of ancient burial practices. Several of these artifacts are displayed at the Nerja Museum located near the cave entrance.
Fossil and artifact displays at the Nerja Cave museum. Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Visitor Information
| Location | Carretera de Maro, s/n, 29787 Nerja, Malaga, Andalusia |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM (winter) / 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM (summer) |
| Tour Duration | Approximately 45-60 minutes |
| Temperature Inside | Constant 19 degrees Celsius year-round |
| Accessibility | Partially accessible; some steep steps in certain sections |
| Photography | Allowed without flash in tourist galleries |
Getting There
The caves are located about 4 kilometers east of Nerja town center along the N-340 coastal highway. From Malaga airport, the drive takes approximately one hour. Regular bus services operate from both Malaga and Nerja town center to the cave entrance. Free parking is available on-site.
Tips for Your Visit
Arrive early during the summer months to avoid the longest queues. The cave maintains a humidity level of around 80%, so lightweight moisture-wicking clothing is recommended. Comfortable shoes with non-slip soles are essential as the paths inside can be damp. While the tourist galleries are well-lit and pathways are maintained, there are still uneven surfaces to navigate.
The Festival of the Caves
Each summer, the caves host the famous Festival Cueva de Nerja, an international music and dance festival held in the natural amphitheater of the cave entrance. Since its founding in 1960, the festival has featured performances ranging from flamenco to classical ballet, with the dramatic cave formations providing a spectacular backdrop. The acoustics within the cave entrance create a uniquely atmospheric concert experience.