CAVES IN NERJA, SPAIN: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISITING
Visiting the caves in Nerja on your next trip? This guide has everything you need to know before you go!
Andalusia is one of the most beautiful regions in Spain, and Nerja is a true hidden gem. While it’s often overshadowed by bigger, more popular cities like Malaga or Seville, it’s absolutely worth a visit. Besides its stunning coastline, Nerja is home to some of the most impressive caves in Europe, which are a must-see for anyone visiting the area. Keep reading to find out everything you should know before exploring the famous Nerja Caves!
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WHERE EXACTLY ARE THE CAVES IN NERJA?
The caves are located about 3 km (around 2 miles) east of Nerja’s town center, along the road to Maro. They’re set slightly inland, but you can easily reach them from Nerja Old Town by car, taxi, or even on foot if you enjoy walking.
ARE THE CAVES IN NERJA WORTH VISITING
Yes, the caves in Nerja are definitely worth visiting, especially if you love nature, history, or just seeing something different. They’re a series of huge underground caves with incredible stalactites and stalagmites, and some parts even have prehistoric cave paintings. We really enjoyed our visit and were honestly blown away by how beautiful it was. I also think the price is more than fair for what you get to see, so there’s really no downside to visiting. Even if you’re mainly coming to Nerja for the beaches and the town, the caves are such a unique experience and really easy to add to your day!
HOW TO REACH THE CAVES IN NERJA
There are a few ways to get to the caves in Nerja. The easiest is by car. Just drive east from Nerja along the A-402 road toward Maro. It only takes about 5–10 minutes, and there’s plenty of parking once you arrive.
You can also take a bus. Local ALSA buses go from Nerja town center to the caves, and the ride takes less than 10 minutes. Tickets cost around €2 or even less, so it’s a very budget-friendly option. However, the buses aren’t always super reliable. In our case, the bus never showed up even 15 minutes after the scheduled time, so we ended up taking a taxi instead. On the way back, we caught the bus waiting at the caves, and the ride was quick and comfortable.
Another great option is taking a taxi, and honestly, I think it’s the best choice. The ride from the main bus station in Nerja to the caves costs around €8 with a local taxi. You can easily find them parked right next to the station, so there’s no need to book in advance, just hop in and go. Whatever you do, don’t take an Uber. The same short drive costs over €20 with Uber, while local taxis charge less than half for the exact route.
Finally, if you’re up for some exercise, you can also walk from the town center to the caves. It takes about 30–40 minutes along a scenic path toward Maro. However, if you’re visiting during the hot summer months, I’d recommend skipping the walk and opting for a bus or taxi instead.
BEST TIPS FOR VISITING CAVES IN NERJA
Even if you visit the caves spontaneously and without much planning, you’ll still have an amazing time because they’re truly impressive. However, here are a few tips I’d like to share that can help make your visit even better.
Buy tickets in advance.
We visited in October, which isn’t peak season, yet some days were still sold out. If you’re visiting during summer or holidays, it can get quite busy, so I’d definitely recommend booking your tickets online in advance. That way, you’ll save time and make sure you get a spot on the day you want to visit.
If you want a more personal experience, grab a taxi.
At first, this might not make much sense, but hear me out. Most visitors arrive at the caves from Nerja or Malaga by bus, which means around 50–60 people enter the caves at the same time. We decided to take a taxi instead, and when we arrived, there were no other groups starting the tour with us. Because of that, we got to experience the caves almost entirely on our own, with only a few other people inside. It made the visit so much more peaceful and enjoyable.
Wear comfortable shoes.
While the caves are really well maintained, they’re still natural caves, so expect uneven floors and quite a few stairs. Some areas can be damp and a bit slippery, and certain sections aren’t very brightly lit. It’s best to wear comfortable shoes with good grip to make sure you can walk safely and enjoy the experience without any issues.
Don’t worry about the cold.
While it’s cool and damp inside, the caves aren’t as deep underground as some others, so the temperature stays around 18°C (64°F) all year. If it’s a cooler day, you’ll already be dressed for it, and if it’s hot outside, you’ll definitely enjoy the refreshing air inside the caves.
An hour is enough.
These caves aren’t too big, so you don’t need a lot of time to explore them. Around one hour is more than enough to see the main chambers and exhibits without rushing. It might take a bit longer if you get the audio guide, but overall, 45–60 minutes is plenty.
Take loads of photos.
The caves are perfect for photography, so make sure you take loads of photos. Just keep in mind that flash isn’t allowed inside.
WHAT’S THE EXPERIENCE OF EXPLORING NERJA CAVES
If you want to be really well-prepared, here’s a step-by-step idea of what to expect when visiting the caves in Nerja.
Firstly, you start at the visitor center, where you buy or show your tickets. The building has basic facilities like restrooms and a small gift shop. We also got stopped for a photo in front of a green screen, which was later replaced with a picture of the caves.
Next, you begin descending into the First Chamber. The path is well-lit, and you’ll immediately notice the cool, damp air. The chamber itself is spacious, with impressive stalactites hanging from the ceiling.
Next, you reach the Main Caverns, which are the highlight of the caves. As you move through, each chamber is bigger and more dramatic than the last. You’ll see towering stalagmites, unusual rock formations, and you won’t know where to look first, or where to take a photo!
While walking, you’ll come across sections with prehistoric cave paintings that date back thousands of years. Take a moment to stop and admire them. There are small signs next to the paintings that explain their significance.
Finally, you exit through the gift shop, where you can buy souvenirs, books, or postcards. You’ll also be offered the photo taken at the start of your tour!
CONCLUSION: THE CAVES IN NERJA
These caves are absolutely stunning and definitely one of the highlights of our Andalusian trip. I’d highly recommend visiting them and combining the trip with a day in Nerja, where you can explore the charming old town, swim at the gorgeous beaches, and enjoy some amazing food. You’ll love it, Nerja is truly a gem!
