The Nerja Caves (Cueva de Nerja) open every day of the year except 1 and 6 January, 15 May and 25 December. A standard ticket costs €16 online in the low season and €18 in summer, at Christmas, on bank holiday weekends and at Easter. The caves are about 58 km from Malaga, roughly 48 minutes by car on the A-7, and have their own car park.
What are the Nerja Caves opening times?
The Nerja Caves have two timetables depending on the time of year. In period 1 they open from 9.15am to 4.30pm, with last entry at 3.30pm. In period 2, which covers June to September, Christmas, bank holiday weekends and Easter, they open from 9.15am to 5.30pm, with last entry at 4.30pm.
| Period | When | Opening times | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Period 1 | Rest of the year | 9.15am – 4.30pm | 3.30pm |
| Period 2 | June to September, Christmas, bank holiday weekends and Easter | 9.15am – 5.30pm | 4.30pm |
Closing days
1 and 6 January, 15 May and 25 December. Three of those days fall in the Christmas holidays.
Best time to visit
According to the caves themselves, 10am to 11.30am is the quietest slot.
How much are Nerja Caves tickets in 2026?
A standard ticket for the Nerja Caves, for anyone aged 14 and over, costs €16 online in period 1 and €18 in period 2. At the ticket office or the machines on site you pay €2 more. Babies up to 2 go free, and there are reduced prices for children, over-65s, holders of the European Youth Card, large families and disabled visitors.
| Ticket | Online, period 1 | Online, period 2 | On site, period 1 | On site, period 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (14+) | €16 | €18 | €18 | €20 |
| Over-65s, European Youth Card, Spanish large-family card and disabled visitors | €14 | €15 | €14 | €15 |
| Junior (12–13) | €13 | €14 | €13 | €14 |
| Child (6–11) | €12 | €13 | €12 | €13 |
| Mini (3–5) | €5 | €6 | €5 | €6 |
| Babies (0–2) | Free | Free | Free | Free |
Every paid ticket includes the virtual reality room on site and entry to the Nerja Museum in Plaza de España, in the town centre. Bring any card that gives you a discount, as it is checked at the entrance. Tickets cannot be changed or refunded.
Can you visit the Nerja Caves for free?
Only a few people can. Every weekday except public holidays there are 60 free tickets for EU citizens, valid only for the 9.15am slot. Since 2026 they are released online only, at 9.15am two days before the visit, with a maximum of two per email address, and in high season they go in a minute. Since Brexit, UK passport holders are not eligible.
Do you need to book in advance?
It is not compulsory, but it is a good idea. Online tickets come with a time slot, let you skip the ticket office queue and are cheaper. You do not need to print them: the QR code on your phone is enough.
How do you get to the Nerja Caves by car from Malaga?
The Nerja Caves are in Maro, about 3 km east of Nerja, just off the N-340 towards Almeria. From Malaga it is about 58 km on the A-7 motorway towards Motril and Almeria, roughly 48 minutes without traffic. From Malaga Airport, add the ring road around the city, which is motorway all the way.
Parking at the caves
There is a car park on site for cars, motorbikes and campervans. It is paid, with a single fee that lets you leave the car all day while the site is open. The current price is on the official website and at the ticket office.
Without a car
ALSA runs buses from Malaga to the «Nerja (Cuevas)» stop, and a tourist train goes up from Nerja town centre. With a car you are not tied to timetables and can link the caves with other stops along the coast. If you collect your car on arrival, all-inclusive car hire in Malaga gets you to the caves before lunch.
What should you know before visiting the Nerja Caves?
A visit to the Nerja Caves takes about 50 minutes and involves plenty of steps: 458 in total, up and down. Pets are not allowed, except guide dogs, and neither are pushchairs. There is a free audio guide app and a virtual reality room for anyone who cannot go down into the cave.
- Mobility: because of the steps and changes in level, the visit is not recommended for people with reduced mobility, heart problems or claustrophobia.
- Audio guide: the app is free and available in 15 languages, with a children's version in English and Spanish. A traditional handset costs €2.
- Lockers: they take a €1 coin that you get back, and you can leave a pushchair in them too.
- Food: there is a restaurant and café with sea views, plus a picnic area next to the playground.
What to see near the Nerja Caves on the same day
The caves fit nicely into a full day out in the Axarquia:
- Nerja: the Balcon de Europa, the old town and the beaches. See every plan in our guide on what to see in Nerja.
- Maro: right next to the caves, with one of the prettiest coves in the province, Maro beach.
- Frigiliana: the white village is about 15 minutes away. Here is the route from Malaga to Frigiliana.
To enjoy the day without worrying about scrapes in busy coastal car parks, car hire with no excess in Malaga means no surprises on your bill when you drop the car off.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Nerja Caves take?
The route through the Nerja Caves takes about 50 minutes. With parking, the virtual reality room and a coffee, allow at least an hour and a half.
When are the Nerja Caves free?
Monday to Friday, except public holidays, in the 9.15am slot. There are 60 free tickets a day for EU citizens, released online only at 9.15am two days before.
Does the Nerja Caves ticket include the Nerja Museum?
Yes. Every paid ticket includes entry to the Nerja Museum in Plaza de España and the virtual reality room on site.
Can you visit the Nerja Caves with small children?
Yes. Babies up to 2 go free and children aged 3 to 5 pay €5 or €6 online. Pushchairs are not allowed inside, but you can leave them in the lockers, and the app has a children's audio guide.
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