Cueva de Nerja – The Most Impressive Cave In Andalusia

Last week we took a trip to Spain, because we could not wait to get some sun and stay at the beach. Vitamin D was something we had not had for months at home. How frustrated we have been, when we realized, it would be rainy and stormy over the few days we would spend in Andalusia.

We stayed in Almuñécar and thought about what we could do when being at the beach is not an option.

Lucky for us Nerja is only 20 minutes away from Almuñécar and we decided to visit the Cave Of Nerja (Cueva de Nerja). We booked the tickets online (for 16,50€ per person) and one hour later we were on our way. We did not have many expectations about the size or the look of the cave, but were blown away. The cave was much bigger than we expected and the atmosphere was amazing. We spent almost an hour in the cave and afterwards we went to the VR room, where every visitor gets VR glasses and headphones.

In the VR experience you can see the history of the formation of the cave and get an explanation of the different parts of this impressive place. And at the end you go out there with a big smile.

So if it is sunny or not, do not miss this unforgettable place when near Nerja.

Here are some facts about the cave of Nerja:

Discovery: The cave was discovered in January 1959 by a group of local boys who stumbled upon its entrance while chasing after bats. The boys informed their friends and eventually, the news reached archaeologist José Luis Serrano.

Age: The cave is estimated to be between 5 and 15 million years old, making it one of the most important geological formations in Europe.

Size: The cave system stretches over approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles), although only a small portion of it is open to the public. It consists of a series of chambers and galleries, some of which are enormous in size.

Artifacts: The cave has revealed evidence of human occupation dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period, with paintings and artifacts found within its chambers. These include paintings, pottery, and other items dating back over 20,000 years, making it one of the most important archaeological sites in Spain.

Chamber of the Cataclysm: One of the most impressive chambers in the cave is known as the “Sala de la Cataclysm,” or Chamber of the Cataclysm. It features stunning formations and is named for its collapsed ceiling, believed to have occurred thousands of years ago.

Stalactites and Stalagmites: The cave is famous for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites, formed over millennia by the slow deposition of minerals from dripping water.

Concerts: The cave’s acoustics are remarkable, and it has been used as a venue for concerts and other cultural events. The annual International Festival of Music and Dance of the Cave of Nerja is held here, attracting performers from around the world.

Conservation: Efforts are ongoing to preserve and protect the cave and its fragile ecosystem. Conservation measures are in place to prevent damage from tourism

and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy this remarkable natural wonder.