Nerja Today

Explore the Caves

NERJA CAVES
Carretera de Maro (between Nerja and Maro)
Tel: 95 252 95 20
Open daily: 10:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 18:30

The caves were accidentally discovered by a group of youngsters in 1959 and opened to the public the following year. The caves were inhabited some 30,000 years ago and many artifacts are on display. There are cave paintings, giant stalactites and stalagmites (the largest is 32 metres high and 18 metres in diameter! ) and, because of the exceptional acoustics in the huge chambers, concerts are regularly held here. The Festival of Music and Dance takes place in July.  more info

 

CUEVA DEL TESORO

Rincón de la Victoria

Tel: 95 240 61 62

Located in Rincón de la Victoria, these are the only visitable marine caves in the whole of Europe. Legend has it that a treasure is hidden here, hence the name. It is also believed to be the prehistoric sanctuary of the goddess Noctiluca.
 

CUEVA DEL GATO

Sierra de Ronda.

This cave, some 4.5km long, is the underground terminus of the Rio Guadares and derives its name from the fact that the entrance is supposed to resemble the head of a cat. It has huge caverns and underground lakes. Although of archaeological importance, most of the remains have been removed during numerous excavations. This cave is only recommended for experienced potholers as it can be very dangerous, especially in winter, and special permits and a guide are required. You can easily walk to the entrance of the cave, but you should venture no further!

 

CUEVA DE LA PILETA

Benoaján.

The caves are located south of Benoaján on the way to Cortes de la Frontera and guided tours, lasting about an hour, start at around 10:00am. The caves are famous for their prehistoric paintings.    more info

 

CUEVA DE LOS MURCIÉLAGOS

Zuheros

Tel: 957 694 545 for booking (recommended to avoid disappointment).

The Cueva de los Murciélagos (Cave of Bats) is about 4km from Zuheros, Córdoba province, on the edge of the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park, and is famous for rock paintings and Neolithic remains. It is one of sixty caves in the area and is the most important from an archaeological point of view. The caves extend for 2 kilometres, but only about 450 metres can be visited. The first mention of the caves was in 1868, although they weren't actually explored until 1938. Neolithic remains found in the caves suggest human occupation over 35,000 years ago. There is also evidence to suggest that the Romans used the caves. The caves are also home to two types of bat and contain one of the most important colonies in Andalucía.

There are guided tours of the caves which last for about an hour.

Opening times Monday-Friday: 10:00-14:30 and 17:00-19:00

On Saturdays, Sundays and Festive Days there are tours at 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, 17:00 and 18:30 from April 1st to September 30th and at 11:00, 12:30, 14:00, 16:00 and 17:30 from October 1st to March 31st.

 

CUEVAS DE TAJO DE LAS FIGUERAS DEL ARCO and CIMERA

Benalup (Cádiz)

Tel: 956 809 049

The caves feature primitive cave paintings and were declared Artistic Architectural Monuments in 1924.

Opening times are Tuesdays 15:00 - 17:30, Wednesday to Saturday 10:30 - 14:00 and 15:00 - 18:30, Sundays 10:30 - 15:00 and they are closed on Mondays and Public Holidays.

 

CUEVAS DE LAS MARAVILLAS

Sierra de Aracena (Huelva)

These caves are the largest in Spain, set on three levels with a total of 2.2 kilometres of galleries, 1.2km of which are open to the public. They were discovered in 1911 and when they opened in 1914, they were the first 'tourist' caves in Europe. Colourful caves with loads of stalagmites and stalactites.

 

CUEVAS DE SORBAS

araje Barranco del Infierno

Sorbas (Almería)

Tel: 950 364 704

The caves are located in a protected natural area near the town of Sorbas and this is your chance to see caves in their natural state, no lighting and no man-made walkways!

There are four routes to the caves: BASIC - 1.5 hours, easy. COMBINATION - 4 hours, medium. TECHNICAL - 5 hours, difficult. EDUCATIONAL - 4 hours, easy. It is advisable to book your route in advance.

Opening times are 10:00 - 22:00 in high season and 10:00 - 13:00 & 15:00 - 18:00 in low season.