Nerja is a small town on the Axarquia Costa del Sol east of Malaga. In itself it is an attractive little town to visit but is also home to the Nerja caves (Cuevas de Nerja). These caves are considered one of the most important discoveries of the 20th century and they have become one of Spain’s most popular attractions. Check out our article about a daytrip to Nerja from Ronda here.
Easily accessible to visitors, the caves are just 3km from Nerja town centre on the slopes of the Sierra Almijara mountains, with regular bus services. From Malaga, only a 35 minute drive. (add 2 hours more from Ronda.)
Tickets to Nerja Cave and Other Activities in Nerja
Formed over the last five million years from water erosion inside the Cretaceous age calcereous-dolomite marble. The caves stretch nearly 5km, though at least 3km are easily accessible by visitors. So large are the caverns that an annual flamenco concert is staged within the cave for hundreds of aficionados due to the natural acoustics of the karstic walls.
The caves are particularly known for the impressive 800,000 year old stalagmites and stalactites that create a masterpiece of natural sculpture in a variety of shapes and sizes. Amongst them is the largest stalagmite in the world at 32m high and 13m x 7m at the base, a truly staggering size.
Within the cave, archeologists have also discovered paleolithic paintings dating back as much as 25,000 years. It is estimated the caves have been inhabited until around 3,000 years ago, a time when bronze age people finally abandoned caves and began to build villages and towns.
Find a hotel in Nerja
Really, it’s better to stay a bit closer rather than day tripping from Ronda to the Nerja caves. Here are a few hotels to browse.
What is there to see in the Nerja caves
Most visitors only see around a third of the caves in specially marked trails that form a 45 minute walk through some of the best caverns. Visitors wanting more can join special interest speleological groups that travel further and experience galleries not open to the general public.
One of the highlights of the caves is the Organ Corner in the Hall of the Cataclysm. This is a series of fluted columns that can be hit with different objects to produce melodic sounds. In fact archeologists believe that some of these were intentionally sculpted by ancient people to use as musical instruments for religious purposes. (I think, perhaps just for entertainment. :) )
From the entrance, visitor to the Nerja Caves will pass through the entrance hall with static displays of some of the archeological finds discovered. Then, to the Mine Hall (and the Hall of the Sink which isn’t open to the public). The Hall of Nativity with columns of calcite. The Hall of the Waterfall (or Ballet) with 100 seats permanently installed for concerts. The Hall of the Phantoms named for the “speleothem” within it, and finally to the Hall of the Cataclysm.
What are speleothem
Speleothems are mineral deposits that form in caves, caverns, and other underground spaces. They are created through the slow precipitation of minerals from water that drips, flows, or pools in these spaces. The term “speleothem” comes from the Greek words “spelaion” (cave) and “thema” (deposit).
Speleothems can take on a variety of shapes and forms, including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, helictites, and draperies. Stalactites form from the ceiling of a cave and grow downward, while stalagmites form from the floor and grow upward. Flowstones are sheet-like deposits that form on walls or floors, and helictites are twisting, irregularly shaped formations that grow in all directions.
Speleothems can provide important information about past climates, since the growth rate of the mineral deposits is influenced by temperature, precipitation, and other environmental factors. They also serve as natural archives of information about the history of the cave environment and the organisms that inhabit it.
Opening times for the Nerja caves
The caves are open every day from 10am till 2pm, and then from 4pm till 8pm in July and August, and from 10am till 2pm, and 4pm till 6:30pm for the rest of the year.
Nerja Caves FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
The Nerja Caves (Cuevas de Nerja) are a vast series of caverns located near the town of Nerja on Spain’s Axarquia Costa del Sol. Discovered in 1959, they are one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century. These caves are known for their massive size, unique geological formations, and prehistoric cave art dating back over 25,000 years.
Formed over five million years ago, the caves stretch nearly 5 km, with 3 km open to the public. Inside, visitors will find:
800,000-year-old stalagmites and stalactites
A record-breaking 32 m-high column in the Cataclysm Hall
Acoustic-friendly karstic walls, once used for concerts
Massive chambers like the Waterfall Hall and Organ Corner
Speleothems are cave mineral formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. In Nerja, they are especially significant due to their scale and formation history. These structures form over thousands of years and help scientists study climate patterns and geological evolution.
The caves contain Palaeolithic paintings estimated to be up to 25,000 years old. Evidence suggests humans lived here until 3,000 years ago. In the Organ Corner, ancient people may have used hollowed fluted columns as musical instruments during rituals—making the site both a home and a ceremonial space.
The caves lie just 3 km from Nerja and 35 minutes from Málaga. They’re easy to reach by:
Car: A-7 or N-340 roads
Bus: Frequent service from Nerja
On foot: A scenic coastal route
Tourist train: The Cueva Tren offers a combo ticket
The standard tour covers about one-third of the accessible route, taking ~45 minutes. Enthusiasts can also join special guided or speleological tours by reservation.
Yes. The caves offer:
Paved trails and stairways with handrails
Guided audio tours in multiple languages
Comfortable temperatures (~18 °C year-round)
Some areas have many steps or uneven ground, so comfortable shoes are essential. Visitors with limited mobility may need assistance.
Due to preservation concerns, original paintings are not on public view, but excellent replicas and digital displays are available at the Nerja Museum nearby. These exhibits provide context and scientific analysis of the cave art.
While the caves once hosted the International Music & Dance Festival, all concerts now take place outside to protect the delicate cave environment. However, the natural acoustics remain a major point of interest.
Adults: €12.75–15
Children (6–12): Discounts available
Free for children under 6
Add-ons: Guided tours, audio guides, “Secrets of the Caves,” and combo tickets with the Cueva Tren
Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during peak travel periods.
Comfortable walking shoes with grip
Light jacket or layers (cool temperatures)
Water bottle (no food allowed inside)
Pre-booked tickets or e-voucher
Phone with the free cave app (for extra info)
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