Nerja Caves

One of the most famous attractions in Spain must be the Nerja Caves. The Cueva De Nerja is regarded as one of the most historic monuments of the world, with archeological remains dating back to the Paleolithic Age (about 20,000 years ago). One of the enormous natural caverns has been transformed into a concert hall where many performances are staged. The cave centre is very well organised and able to cope with the huge amount of visitors it receives each year, including the regular coach trips. You will find an informative visitors centre, a restaurant and bar, gift shop and well organised parking. There is also a play area for children.

Discovered in 1959 by some boys chasing bats they discovered the entrance to a huge system of limestone caverns. The caves are protected and have been well preserved with many parts still closed to the public including areas with prehistoric paintings of animals & humans figures. It is estimated that the caves were inhabited between 20,000 BC and 1,800 BC. Visitors are treated to a series of well lit chambers & displays of archeological finds.

Of interest are the Hall of Bethlehem which is full of stalactites and stalagmites. The Hall of the Waterfall, which is the scene for the Festival of the Caves held in July. And the Hall of the Cataclysm, whose fallen rocks indicate an earthquake long ago, the centre piece in the Hall of Cataclysm is the central column, formed when a stalactite and stalagmite met and joined after thousands of years of growth.  It is the tallest of its kind in the world at some 32 metres.