Nerja Caves
The stunning Nerja Caves are a four-km-long and 35 km-wide, two-area series of caves located just north of Nerja, in the province of Málaga, near to the similarly named city of Málaga. These gigantic caves have a fascinating history that dates back ten of thousands of years.
The biggest highlight of the limestone caves is undoubtedly the world’s longest and largest stalactite, whose 33 metres height and 42×22 feet base are located in the equally spectacular Cataclysm Hall, as it is known.
Nerja Caves
History of the Nerja Caves
the Caves of Nerja were discovered by accident by a group of 5 friends on January 12th, 1959. The friends observed bats streaming out of a hole in the ground. This entrance is known as La Mina hole and gives access to the caves’ chambers below. With some difficulty, they were able to access the main cavern and marveled at the astonishing sight.
Just south of the Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama Natural Park, a third entrance was created in 1960, to allow guests to access the caves with ease.
The cave is divided into two main sections: known as Nerja I and Nerja II. Nerja I is comprised of the Show Galleries which are open to the public and is relatively easy to access via a flight of stairs and concreted pathways.
Nerja II, which is not open to the public. It is formed by the Upper Gallery discovered in 1960 and the New Gallery discovered in 1969. The Upper and New Gallery are each divided into two halls.
In the Upper Hall you will find the Columns of Hercules or Columnas de Hércules and the Hall of Immensity or Sala de la Inmensidad. The New Gallery features the Hall of the Lance or Sala de la Lanza and the Hall of the Mountain or the Sala de la Montaña.
These two areas contain a wide collection of ancient cave paintings and are therefore closed to the general public. Tourist access is restricted to specialized caving “speleothem tourism”
In February 2012 it was announced that possibly Neanderthal cave paintings dated in 42,000 years have been discovered in the Caves of Nerja. Organic remains associated with several paintings of seals have been dated 42,000 years. These might well be the first known works of art in the history of humanity.
Prices
The visit to the Nerja Cave consists of: a previous audiovisual projection and an audio-guided or guided visit.
Ticket for Special visits
With this ticket, you can enter the Cave when they close to the general public. You will be able to explore all its ins and outs with a small group of privileged people and a Spanish guide, who will guide you through all its rooms.
There are 2 types:
The secrets of the Cave. On this special excursion, you will learn all the secrets of the cave that are not known in a normal visit. The tour is given in Spanish and English.
Night visit. You will be provided with a head torch, so you can enter the silence of the night and experience the sensations felt by its first explorers.
In Spanish and English.
Nerja Museum
The Nerja Museum is located in the Plaza de España in Nerja and it’s open 363 days a year. Closing only on January 1 and May 15.
In the museum, you will find a projection on the importance of the Nerja Cave, a journey through the history of the site. Also, you will find a multitude of prehistoric tools from prehistoric on displayed.
Museum hours
The General Visiting Hours are from 10:00 to 16:30.
The Special Hours are from 10:00 to 19:00.
Friday and Saturday.
Last access time: at 18:30 in Special Hours and at 16:00 in General Hours.
Museum price
General: € 3
Child (-6 years): € 0
Child (6-12 years): € 2
Free: every Monday, for EU citizens.
Free: February 28 (Andalusia Day), May 18 (International Museum Day) and September 27 (Tourist Day).
Discounts for retirees, unemployed and students of € 1
Cueva Tren – the cave train
The price includes a visit to the Cueva de Nerja and the Museum of Nerja.
Cave train price
€ 15 for adults.
€ 10 for children from 6 years to 12.
Free for children under 6 years old.
When can I visit the Nerja Caves?
The cave is open to the public 363 days a year, the caves only close on January 1st for the new year and the 15 for the Romería de San Isidro, patrón de los labradores.
Opening hours are between 9:30 in the morning until 16:30 in the evening.
Caves of Nerja concerts
During the summer months, the Festival Internacional de Música y Danza de las Cuevas de Nerja is held every year. the main hall is big enough to house these type of concerts and recitals and has attracted a-list acts over the years. For the time being though, unfortunately, concerts have been cancelled until the COVI-19 epidemic gets under control.
How to get to the Nerja Caves from Málaga
The best option is to get there by car. The drive takes about 50 minutes.
Where are the Nerja Caves?
Video tour Nerja Caves
Other amazing activities to enjoy near Nerja Caves
El Caminito del Rey
June 29, 2020
Ronda bridge
June 10, 2020
Marbella city guide
June 8, 2020
Cathedral of Malaga
June 5, 2020
Ronda city guide
May 11, 2020
The Malaga fair
April 3, 2020
