How to Get to the Cueva de Nerja
From Nerja town (4 km)
Nerja sits on the coast; the cave is 4 km inland and uphill to Maro village. By car it is 5 minutes. A taxi from Nerja costs €6–8. If you do not have a rental car and are staying in Nerja, a taxi is the simplest move. The road is narrow and winding (the Carretera de Maro), but well-marked. A bus does run from Nerja town to Maro, but timings are sparse; check with your hotel if it suits your morning.
From Málaga airport or town (about 55 km)
Málaga is roughly 55 km away, about an hour by car via the A-7 coastal road. An Uber from Málaga airport averages €74; from Málaga town centre €65–70. A rental car costs more once you factor in the day rate. This is why the €69 day trip from Málaga is so popular — it includes the drive, cave entry, a live guide, and stops in Nerja town and Frigiliana. For a solo traveller or a couple, the day trip often costs less than driving yourself.
By day trip from Granada or other towns on the coast
Based in Granada, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, or another Costa del Sol resort? A day trip from your town handles the drive. Compare day trips from Málaga, Granada, Torremolinos and beyond. The operator picks you up, drives you to the cave with a live guide, and visits Nerja and Frigiliana on the way back.
Parking at the cave
The cave has a free car park right at the entrance. It fills up in summer (July–August mid-morning to mid-afternoon); if you are driving, arrive early or book a late afternoon slot. The walk from the car park to the cave entrance is about 5 minutes, uphill and paved.
Maro village
The cave sits above Maro (my hometown), a small village of about 500 people 4 km from Nerja town. There are a few bars and a small supermarket if you want to grab a coffee before or after the cave. The village is quiet, mostly local. It is not a tourist destination on its own, but it is a pleasant walk.
See what you see inside, how long the visit takes, and caves, Nerja and Frigiliana in one day.
If you are based on the coast without a rental car, book a day trip — it costs about the same as an Uber there and includes the guide. If you have a car and are staying in Nerja, drive to the cave; it is 5 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Nerja town to the cave?
4 km by car (5 minutes) or taxi (€6–8). The cave sits above Maro village. A bus runs the route but is infrequent.
How far is it from Málaga airport?
About 55 km, roughly an hour by car or Uber. Uber costs around €74. A day tour from Málaga (€69) includes transport and cave entry, so it often makes sense.
Is there parking at the cave?
Yes, free parking at the entrance. It fills up in peak summer mid-morning to mid-afternoon; come early or book a late slot.
Can I take a bus from Nerja to the cave?
A bus runs from Nerja to Maro, but service is infrequent (a few times a day). A taxi is faster and costs €6–8.
What is Maro village?
A small village above the cave where I grew up. About 4 km from Nerja town. It has a supermarket and a couple of bars; no major tourism. The cave entrance is a 5-minute walk uphill from the car park.