Visiting Nerja Cave by car is one of the easiest ways to organise your trip, especially if you are staying in Nerja, Torrox or anywhere along the eastern Costa del Sol. This natural monument, designated a Site of Cultural Interest, is located in Maro, just a few kilometres from the centre of Nerja, and welcomes visitors throughout the year.
Before you go, it is useful to know how to get there, where to park and what the opening times are at different times of year. In this guide, we cover everything you need to plan your visit smoothly from the outset, without unnecessary detours or time spent looking for parking.
How to Get to Nerja Cave by Car
Nerja Cave is in Maro, less than 4 kilometres from the centre of Nerja and around 50 kilometres from Málaga city. Getting there by car is straightforward, with clear signs from the motorway to the cave complex.
From Málaga Airport or Málaga City
If you are travelling from Málaga Airport or Málaga city, take the A-7 Mediterranean motorway towards Almería. Take exit 295, signposted for Cueva de Nerja, and follow the signs to the cave complex. The full journey usually takes around 45 minutes, although this can vary depending on traffic during the high season.
From Nerja Town Centre
From Nerja town centre, the journey to the cave is much shorter, taking only a few minutes by road towards Maro. It is a convenient drive for visitors staying in town who prefer to explore the centre at another point during the day.
If you do not yet have a car and would like the freedom to explore Nerja, Maro and the rest of the Axarquía at your own pace, take a look at our car hire in Nerja service.
Where to Park at Nerja Cave
One of the advantages of visiting the cave by car is that the complex has its own car park, so there is no need to look for a space in Nerja town centre before travelling on to the site.
The car park is just a short distance from the entrance and has space for around 300 vehicles, including cars, motorhomes and coaches. It is a paid car park where you pay on exit, based on how long your vehicle has been parked.
There is also a completely free bicycle parking area next to the access roundabout, opposite the luggage storage facilities. This can be a useful option if you prefer a more active journey or want to combine your visit with a cycling route in the area.
If you are also planning to visit Nerja town centre, the beaches or the Balcón de Europa later in the day, take a look at our guide to parking in Nerja, where we cover free parking areas and useful car parks for different parts of the town.
Nerja Cave Opening Times
Nerja Cave opening times vary depending on the time of year, so it is worth checking them before planning your journey:
- General opening hours (1 January to 22 June and 9 September to 31 December): 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, with last admission at 3:30 pm.
- Special summer and Easter opening hours (23 June to 8 September, and from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday): 9:30 am to 7:00 pm, with last admission at 6:00 pm.
The cave is closed only on 1 January and 15 May. In any case, it is advisable to check the latest calendar before your visit, as there may be occasional changes due to maintenance or special events, such as the Nerja Cave Festival, which takes place in summer near the entrance to the complex.
How Long Does a Visit to Nerja Cave Take?
The route through the visitor galleries usually takes between 45 minutes and one hour, depending on your pace and how busy the cave is that day. You should also allow extra time for parking, entering the site and, if you wish, walking along the outdoor route or exploring the Plaza de los Descubridores area.
If you plan to combine your visit with Maro or other parts of the Axarquía, allow at least two or three hours in total so that you do not have to rush, particularly if you are travelling with children or older visitors.
Tips for Visiting Nerja Cave Without Parking Problems
Although the cave has its own car park, the site can become busy during peak months, particularly around the middle of the day. A few practical tips:
- Arrive early, especially in July, August and during Easter, when demand is highest.
- Avoid the late-morning to midday period if possible, as this is often when tourist coaches and independent visitors arrive in the greatest numbers.
- If you are combining the cave with Maro, plan the order of your stops so that you do not need to move the car several times.
- Check the events calendar, as occasions such as the Nerja Cave Festival can affect capacity or access to the site.
- Wear comfortable footwear: the interior route includes changes in level and steps, although it is prepared for general visitors.
What Else to See: Maro and the Surrounding Area
Combining your trip to Nerja Cave with a visit to Maro is a good way to make the most of the excursion. The village has a peaceful atmosphere, with narrow streets, sea viewpoints and access to beaches that are generally less crowded than those in central Nerja.
Next to the cave complex, there is also a landscaped pedestrian route connecting the site with Maro via a footbridge over the road, ideal for stretching your legs after the visit if the weather is suitable.
If you would like to explore more of the area, our guide to what to see in the Axarquía features other villages, viewpoints and places that can be combined with the cave on the same day or visited on separate trips.
Explore Nerja Cave with Greater Freedom
Visiting Nerja Cave by car answers two of the main questions travellers tend to have: how to get there and where to park. With a dedicated car park next to the entrance, opening times that vary by season and straightforward road access, the excursion is easy to organise with a little advance planning.
If you are preparing a trip to Nerja and do not yet have a vehicle, you can hire a car with us and travel without depending on bus timetables or organised excursions. This gives you the freedom to visit the cave, explore Maro and discover the rest of the Axarquía at your own pace.
