Perched on the sun-drenched coast of Malaga province, just three kilometers from the charming town of Nerja, lies one of the most extraordinary natural landmarks in all of Spain. The Cueva de Nerja is a vast cave system stretching nearly 5 kilometers beneath the foothills of the Sierra Almijara mountains. It is home to the world's largest known stalagmite, evidence of human habitation spanning tens of thousands of years, and some of the most cavernous underground halls found anywhere in Europe.
Rediscovery in 1959
The modern story of the Cueva de Nerja begins on January 12, 1959, when five local teenagers were out hunting bats in the hills above Maro. Following a stream of air emerging from a narrow crevice in the rock, the boys squeezed through a tight passage and stumbled upon an immense underground cavern. What they found inside would soon become one of Spain's most celebrated natural wonders.
News of the discovery spread quickly, and within months, geologists and archaeologists from across Spain descended on the site. By 1960, the caves were officially opened to the public, and they have since welcomed millions of visitors from around the world. The local government has taken careful steps to preserve the cave's delicate ecosystem while still allowing public access to its most spectacular galleries.
Geological Marvels
The Cueva de Nerja was carved out of marble and dolomite over millions of years by the slow action of water seeping through the limestone bedrock. The resulting cave system is divided into two main sections: the Tourist Galleries (open to the public) and the Upper Galleries (restricted to researchers).
The scale of the formations within the cave is truly staggering. The Cataclysm Hall (Sala del Cataclismo) is one of the largest known underground chambers in the world, measuring roughly 32 meters high, 65 meters wide, and over 100 meters long. Within this hall stands the cave's most famous feature: a colossal stalagmite column measuring 32 meters tall with a base circumference of nearly 13 meters, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest known stalagmite on Earth.
Prehistoric Art and Archaeology
Beyond its geological splendor, the Cueva de Nerja is an archaeological site of global importance. Excavations have uncovered evidence of continuous human occupation stretching from the Upper Paleolithic period (approximately 25,000 years ago) through the Bronze Age.
Among the most significant finds are cave paintings depicting seals and other marine life, believed to be among the oldest known artistic works in human history. In 2012, researchers from the University of Cordoba dated charcoal remnants near some paintings to over 42,000 years ago, though this dating remains a subject of scholarly debate. If confirmed, these markings would predate the famous art of Chauvet Cave in France and represent the earliest known cave paintings created by Neanderthals rather than modern humans.
Other archaeological discoveries include pottery fragments, stone tools, shell jewelry, and the remains of ancient hearths that provide valuable insights into the daily lives of the cave's prehistoric inhabitants.
The Annual Festival of Music and Dance
Each summer since 1960, the entrance to the Cueva de Nerja has been transformed into a natural open-air auditorium for the International Festival of Music and Dance of the Caves of Nerja. This annual cultural event attracts performers and audiences from around the world, with concerts ranging from classical and flamenco to jazz and contemporary music.
The unique acoustic properties of the cave entrance, combined with the dramatic backdrop of ancient rock formations, create an atmosphere that has no equal in the world of live performance. Past performers have included internationally renowned orchestras and soloists, making the festival a highlight of Andalusia's cultural calendar.
Practical Information for Visitors
Conservation Efforts
The management of the Cueva de Nerja has placed a strong emphasis on conservation since its opening. Visitor numbers are carefully controlled, and a sophisticated environmental monitoring system tracks temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels within the cave to ensure that human presence does not damage the fragile formations.
The Upper Galleries, which contain the most significant prehistoric art and the most delicate formations, remain closed to the general public to protect their integrity. Researchers and scientists can apply for access through the Nerja Cave Foundation, which oversees both the conservation and study of the site.