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Nerja - Five Fascinating Fact 1 - Stalactite City

Las Cuevas de Nerja (the Caves of Nerja) are a series of naturally formed caves and caverns in the hills of Maro, 4km North-East of Nerja
Las Cuevas de Nerja (the Caves of Nerja) are a series of naturally formed caves and caverns in the hills of Maro, 4km North-East of Nerja

Nerja - Five Fascinating Fact 1 - Stalactite City

by Fiona Flores Watson

Stalactite City - Prehistoric caves, with the tallest natural pillar in the world

The Cuevas de Nerja were formed five million years ago. This 4km-long cave system was once inhabited - skeletons, pottery, ornaments and implements of stone, flint, copper and bronze dating from Neolithic times were found when the caves were discovered in 1959, as well as animal paintings (not viewable, unfortunately).

Now you can take a guided tour and gawp at the amazing limestone formations, with stalactite and stalagmites galore; the central column of its Cataclysm Hall (main chamber) is the tallest in the world, at 32m. The main chamber offers a natural cathedral space, with wonderful acoustics, ideal for concerts. If you're here in July/August, the annual Festival Cueva de Nerja showcases international music and dance stars (see Fact 5).

  • Fact 1 - Prehistoric caves, with the tallest natural pillar in the world
  • Fact 2 - Head just inland from Nerja to the prettiest village in Andalucia
  • Fact 3 - Nerja has beaches galore - in town, and more isolated
  • Fact 4 - Wash your sins away at the Noche de San Juan beach party
  • Fact 5 - See top international singers and dancers at the Festival Cueva de Nerja
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Las Cuevas de Nerja (the Caves of Nerja) are a series of naturally formed caves and caverns in the hills of Maro, 4km North-East of Nerja Las Cuevas de Nerja (the Caves of Nerja) are a series of naturally formed caves and caverns in the hills of Maro, 4km North-East of Nerja
Nerja - Five Fascinating Fact 1 - Stalactite City

The Nerja Caves were formed five million years ago. This 4km-long cave system was once inhabited - skeletons, pottery, ornaments and implements of stone, flint, copper and bronze dating from… More →

A narrow, cobbled street in Frigiliana winds between whitewashed houses under the warm Andalusian sun © Michelle Chaplow A narrow, cobbled street in Frigiliana winds between whitewashed houses under the warm Andalusian sun
Nerja - Fascinating Fact 2 - Frijiliana

Nerja offers an ideal base to explore the nearby mountainous region of Axarquia, famous for its dramatic scenery and unspoilt hilltop villages. The most famous of these is Frigiliana, 7km north of… More →

Calahonda Beach in Nerja – a small, picturesque gem, a picture-postcard views and classic Mediterranean charm.© Michelle Chaplow Calahonda Beach in Nerja – a small, picturesque gem, a picture-postcard views and classic Mediterranean charm.© Michelle Chaplow
Nerja - Five Fascinating Fact 3 - Beach Life

Nerja has a great selection of beaches: the sandy half-moons of Playa del Salon (west of the Balcon de Europa, separated from it by cliffs), Calahonda (to its east), next-door Carabeo and… More →

San Juan Beach celebrations of San Juan
Nerja - Five Fascinating Fact 4 - Party On

One of the biggest and most well-know all-night beach parties takes place on La Noche de San Juan (the eve of St John's Day). On the evening of 23 June, all the townsfolk of Nerja, and plenty of… More →

Top international singers and dancers at the Festival Cueva de Nerja, Including dancer Joaquin Cortes © Michelle Chaplow Top international singers and dancers at the Festival Cueva de Nerja, Including dancer Joaquin Cortes © Michelle Chaplow
Nerja - Fascinating Fact 5 - Festival Central

At the other end of the spectrum from San Juan, the Cueva de Nerja Festival (International Festival of Music and Dance), also in summer, is one of the most important cultural events on the Costa… More →

Fascinating Facts