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The biggest tourist attraction in Nerja municipality is without any doubt the Cueva de Nerja. The third most visited monument in Spain, this enormous set of caverns located three kilometres from Nerja town centre makes for a great family daytrip.

Discovered in 1959 and dubbed the Costa del Sol’s ‘natural cathedral’, the caves are believed to have been created around five million years ago, hollowed out by water. This is one of the most beautiful cave complexes in Europe, and visitors are able to explore first hand one third of the halls, which are joined by walkways and stone floors: Entrance Hall; Créche Hall; Elephant Eye-Tooth Hall; Ballet Hall; Phantoms Hall; and Cataclysm Hall.

Among the highlights of the site are the 32-metre high central column in Cataclysm Hall, and the huge individual stalactites and stalagmites.

Prehistoric remains of skeletons and artefacts were found in the caves, along with rock paintings over 20,000 years old, but which are off limits to visitors.

The most important event of the year is the annual festival of flamenco, music and dance, when national and international artists perform in this awesome and vast underground concert hall with its amazing acoustics.

As well as the caves themselves, the site also has gardens, children’s play areas and picnic facilities. There also is the inevitable gift shop, and a shop selling superb photos of the incredible caverns.

The Restaurant Cueva de Nerja has a huge bar and dining area, and a large external terrace with panoramic views down to the sea and across to Nerja town. Just about every taste is catered for at this establishment. The cafetería serves drinks, snacks, cakes and ice-creams and a very reasonably priced buffet is available with 40-50 dishes to choose from.

The caves can be visited from 10am-2pm and from 4-6.30pm out of season and until 8pm in July and August. Entry is five euros for adults and 2.50 euros for children and visits last approximately 45 minutes.

There is a bus connection to the caves from Nerja town. Parking in the site car park costs one euro.