Its easy to imagine Ali Baba and his 40 thieves becoming lost forever deep inside this complex of caves in southern Spain. Though well used in Phoenician and Moorish times, the Caves of Nerja were a lost secret until 1959 when a group of local boys chasing bats stumbled across the narrow entranceway into the limestone caverns.
Once rediscovered, the Caves of Nerja easily became one of Spains most important national monuments. For those headed to Spains Andalucia or Costa Del Sol, the cool interior provides welcome relief from summers scorching outside temperatures and is a worthwhile reason roll up your beach towel, if only for a few hours.
Located just two miles from the town of Nerja, itself less than 30 miles from Malaga, the caverns contain archaeological treasures such as exquisite wall paintings from the Palaeolithic and post-Palaeolithic periods. Skeletal remains and artifacts show they were inhabited from about 25,000 B.C. up until the Bronze Age. The rocky formation of crystalline dolomites dates back more than 250,000 years and is one of the oldest deposits of the Solutrean culture in Southern Spain.
Touring the Nerja Caves
Although some sections of the cave complex are closed to the public for safety and preservation, it is possible to follow the smooth, polished steps deep into the darkness, and enjoy the dramatically back-lit rocky formations. The soaring ceilings induce the sensation of being inside a cathedral. Atmospheric music adds a spooky touch.
The caverns eight rooms include the Hall of the Cataclysm, which according to the Guinness World Book of Records, boasts the worlds largest stalactite column at 49 metres high and a diameter of 18 metres and was formed by the dripping of an estimated 1,000 billion drops of water.
The nearby Room of the Waterfall, a natural theatre, is embellished with a sturdy stage and has seating for 600. On May 15, the day of the patron saint San Isidro, a pilgrimage of floats follows the Virgin on her way to the caves, where a large festival takes place with live music, flamenco dancing and plenty of sangria. In the summer, the theatre hosts various festivals of classical and alternative music. Even winter months feature processions such as the Arrival of the Three Kings and a week-long Carnival.
Marvelous Views of Costa del Sol
After visiting the caves, a café conveniently located near the exit provides a stop for a cool pitcher of sangria or beer. It is also a chance to buy photosthe dim lighting inside the caverns will defy most photographers' skills. The cafe also offers an unbeatable view of the eastern tip of Malaga's Costa del Sol and the blue waters of the Mediterranean.
The town of Nerja itself is known for its spectacular Balcón de Europa, the 'Balcony of Europe', a magnificent promenade beside a towering cliff, once the site of the great Moorish castle, with sweeping views and fresh salt breezes.
Flanked by the dramatic Sierra Almijara mountain range, Nerjas whitewashed homes, in the Moorish style, border the narrow streets that wind below. Stone walkways appear from under thick hedges and become secret paths that twist down to the sea.
From a distance you can enjoy the panorama of wrought iron terraces overflowing with geraniums and billowing blooms of delicate wisteria, but the glittering coves stretching beyond will ultimately lure you back to reclaim your spot on the sunbaked sands.
