Perched 158 metres above sea level in the foothills behind the popular coastal town of Nerja, the Cuevas de Nerja are among Spain's most visited natural landmarks. Stretching nearly five kilometres through the limestone bedrock, these caverns contain a staggering array of geological formations, including the world's largest known stalagmite. Part tourist attraction, part active archaeological site, and part concert venue, the Caves of Nerja offer something genuinely unique to every visitor.
The Story of Discovery
The modern history of the Caves of Nerja begins on 12 January 1959, when a group of five local teenagers went exploring in the hills looking for bats. They squeezed through a narrow opening called La Mina and found themselves in a vast underground chamber filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Their discovery triggered a wave of scientific interest, and within two years the caves were opened to the public.
Subsequent exploration has revealed that the caves were inhabited during prehistoric times. Archaeological finds include stone tools, pottery fragments, and skeletal remains dating back to the Upper Paleolithic era, roughly 25,000 years ago. More recently, researchers have identified cave paintings that may be among the oldest in the world, though some of these remain in areas closed to the public while studies continue.
What Makes Nerja Special
The caves are divided into two main sections. The tourist galleries, which are open to visitors, include several named halls connected by well-maintained pathways, ramps, and stairways. The upper galleries, reserved for scientific research, contain the most delicate formations and the majority of the prehistoric art.
The Cascade Hall
This chamber is dominated by an enormous flowstone formation that cascades down the rock face like a frozen waterfall. The interplay of warm lighting and natural mineral colours creates a visual effect that many visitors compare to stepping inside a cathedral.
The Hall of the Cataclysm
The largest open chamber in the tourist section, this vast space contains the world's largest known stalagmite, measuring 32 metres high with a base circumference of approximately 13 by 7 metres. It was officially recognised by the Guinness Book of Records and remains one of the cave's most photographed features. The hall gets its dramatic name from the geological event that partially collapsed the original cave ceiling, allowing the chamber to reach its current extraordinary proportions.
The Natural Amphitheatre
Each summer, the Cascade Hall is transformed into a concert venue for the Festival of Music and Dance of the Caves of Nerja. The natural acoustics of the underground space lend a special quality to performances ranging from classical music and flamenco to jazz. The festival has been running since 1960 and attracts performers and audiences from across Europe.
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The Surrounding Area
Nerja itself is one of the most appealing towns on the Costa del Sol, managing to retain much of its traditional Andalusian character despite its popularity with tourists. The Balcon de Europa, a palm-lined promenade jutting out over the sea, offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the rugged coastline. The old town is filled with whitewashed buildings, narrow lanes, and small plazas where you can enjoy a coffee or a plate of fresh fish.
The nearby Maro-Cerro Gordo cliffs, a protected natural area, provide excellent hiking with dramatic coastal scenery. Kayaking tours that explore sea caves along the coast are another popular activity that pairs well with a visit to the underground caves.
For travellers planning a broader cave tour of Spain, the Cave of Altamira in the north and the Cuevas del Drach in Mallorca are natural next stops, each offering a very different underground experience.
Conservation and Research
The Caves of Nerja are managed by the Nerja Cave Foundation, which balances public access with scientific research and conservation. Visitor numbers are carefully controlled, and the cave's microclimate is continuously monitored. Recent investment has improved pathways and lighting to reduce environmental impact while enhancing the visitor experience.
Ongoing archaeological research in the upper galleries continues to yield new findings. In 2012, researchers suggested that certain paintings found deep within the cave might have been created by Neanderthals rather than modern humans, which would make them among the oldest works of art ever discovered. While this claim remains debated in the scientific community, it highlights the ongoing significance of the Caves of Nerja as a site of active discovery.