While doing my research for family friendly things to do in the Nerja region in Spain, I kept coming across recommendations and positive reviews of the Nerja Caves. So even though we aren’t spelunkers I decided to take my family for a tour. I am glad I did! This is one of the most beautiful caves we have ever visited and with an interesting history.
Photo credit: Marina K. Villatoro /Gringa TravelingMom
Do you know what happens when kids know that in the area you are visiting you can see bats at night? You end up touring one of the most beautiful cave systems in Spain, Nerja Caves.
This cave system was discovered by five local buddies by accident and ended up being one of the most interesting and beautiful caves in the region.
It is a quite large place and only about a fifth of it has been explored. This is also a place where early groups of humans lived and performed their rituals. The caves were even used as farming storage and pottery production.
When you go for a visit, you are still able to see aspects of prehistoric life.
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Photo credit: Marina K. Villatoro /Gringa TravelingMom
Why Nerja Caves Can NOT Be Missed
My family and I are definitely not spelunkers but every once in a while we visit a cave. It can be quite complicated to find one that has the infrastructure needed for young kids or for people who aren’t the hard core outdoorsy type (i.e. me).
However, the Nerja Caves kept popping up on all of the lists of top things to do in the area. I even read it was a great thing for families to do.
Now that I’ve been there I can say that I agree. And there is a good reason for it.
It has well maintained trails, stairs and lighting inside. This makes it safe and easy for kids of all ages and adults to maneuver their way around this incredible place.
Fun Facts about Cuevas de Nerja
– The Nerja Caves are a series of huge caverns stretching for almost five kilometers.
– There are three entrances, two natural and one man-made.
– The latter was made in 1960.
– Scientists say that they were inhabited from about 25,000 BC up until the Bronze Age due to evidences found in the skeletal remains that were in the cave.
– Cave paintings, found on the walls, date back to the Paleolithic and Post-Paleolithic periods.
– The caves were being used for farming purposes and pottery production by 4,500 BC.
– By 3,800 BC parts of the caves began to be used as a burial chamber.
Photo credit: Marina K. Villatoro /Gringa TravelingMom
Information for Visiting Nerja Caves
Phone: 95 252 95 20
General Visit – Begins with an audiovisual presentation in which you will see details of the cave. Then there is an audio-guided visit through the Cave of 45 minutes.
– Adults: €10
– Children aged 6 years to 12 years: €6.00
– Children under 6 years: Free
Basic Visit – This only includes the visit to the cave.
– Adults: €9.00
– Children aged 6 years to 12 years: €5.00
– Children under 6 years: Free
– Seniors: €4.50
Cueva Tren
– Adults: €12
– Children aged 6 to 12 years: €8
– Children under 6 years: Free
– You do need to book a time with this trip.
