Nature in Nerja Cave

The nature in Nerja Cave is a privilege that surrounds the entire enclosure. Thus, its gardens offer different spaces for strolling, and in the Detunda-Nerja Cave Botanical Garden, one can observe both endemic species and more exotic ones.

The area of the cave is adorned with landscaped zones and is situated in a privileged natural environment between the cliffs of Maro and Cerro Gordo and the Natural Park formed by the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama.

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The Detunda-Nerja Cave Botanical Garden

Due to its location, the Detunda-Nerja Cave Botanical Garden encompasses species from the southwestern area of Granada and the eastern zone of Málaga. This landscaped space is thus situated in a diverse topography, hosting a variety of species, including endemics of the area.

Walking through the Botanical Garden, accessible from the Nerja Cave complex, one witnesses a vast representation of typical Mediterranean flora, adapted to long periods of summer drought.

Moreover, this natural land also showcases different traditional crops of these geographic areas. It also features a collection of orchids and rare species.

The Detunda-Nerja Cave Botanical Garden, belonging to the Andalusian Government, can be accessed from the cave complex, with its entrance located behind the ticket area. More information about it can be found at this link. Its opening hours are as follows.

Nature Trail in Nerja Cave

The Nerja Cave-Almijara trail provides access to the mountains, with a longer circular route and alternatives for a simpler path.

From the Plaza de los Descubridores, located in the heart of the cave complex, and ascending the stairs to the right of the monument dedicated to the discoverers, then turning left, begins the Nerja Cave-Almijara Trail. It has a gate leading directly into the mountains.

This is an easy trail, 1,750 meters long, with a circular route that takes about 2 hours to complete.

Another option is to take this trail only partially, reaching the viewpoint where a wooden bench offers incredible views of Nerja and Maro, with the sea in the background. This route is about 800 meters long, taking less than 1 hour. In this alternative, the path is linear, with both the outward and return journeys along the same stretch.

Gardens and Nature in the Nerja Cave Complex

Nerja Cave is set within a large complex, a unique space amidst huge pines, with areas for strolling and benches for resting, where numerous plant species can be seen, and diverse fauna such as squirrels, dragonflies, or butterflies are observable.

Along the walk through the inner gardens of the cave complex, benches are placed for visitors’ rest. Additionally, behind the cave entrance, there is a children’s playground area and a picnic area with wooden tables and seats for sharing a meal or snack with family or friends.

Strolling through our complex, one can see – to the left of the entrance – the 19th-century Hermitage of San Isidro, built on the walls of the old Maro cemetery. Curious engravings from that era, attributed to local shepherds, are found on its walls.

Moreover, next to the Botanical Garden, there’s another entrance leading to a pedestrian path to the village of Maro, where the cave is located. This route runs above the garden and over a modern footbridge across the road, connecting to the village.