Benaoján: Caves, History and Trails

Benaoján offers visitors striking caves and traces of different eras. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between the caves and their individual features: Cueva del Gato is defined by its river course and a large bat colony; Cueva de la Pileta is known for its prehistoric cave paintings. Other sites include buildings such as Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario and Torre del Moro.

Cueva del Gato: River Course and Trail

Cueva del Gato is where the Guadares, also known as the Gaduares, emerges. Before reaching this point, the river flows underground for more than four kilometres. The cave is also home to one of the largest permanent colonies of cave-dwelling bats. The river course and wildlife give this place a different character from Cueva de la Pileta, whose main feature is its cave paintings.

The trail to Cueva del Gato starts beside the settlement of Benaoján-Estación, on the left bank of the Guadiaro. It ends at the river pool just before the cave entrance. It is listed as an easy route, 2.214 km one way, taking one hour, with a low level of difficulty. In August 2026, the trail was temporarily closed; check its status again before your trip. The route details describe the trail but do not change its closure status.

Parts of the trail follow a medieval road built on an ancient Roman road that connected Carteia, near San Roque, with Acinipo, near Ronda, via the Guadiaro Valley. This trail therefore brings together two distinct points of interest: the river landscape and a historic route through the valley. The Four Stops Mill is another notable architectural trace. Much of its original structure remains, including four paddles, also called stops, which powered four wheels.

Cave Art and Buildings

Cueva de la Pileta, within the municipality of Benaoján, is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) in the category of archaeological zone. Its several chambers and galleries vary in size and elevation. Palaeolithic cave paintings in yellow, red and black have been found there: figurative animal depictions sit alongside ideomorphic motifs. This variety makes the cave a destination in its own right for visitors interested in prehistoric art.

A 2021 tourism description mentions guided tours led by experts, with advance booking required. Check the visiting conditions ahead of time.

The townscape also features distinctive architectural forms. Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario has a round-arched entrance and a two-storey bell tower: the lower section is square, while the upper one is octagonal. The change in shape clearly divides the tower. Only a wall of Torre del Moro remains today. It was built by Muslims to control the important passage through the Guadiaro Valley. The church, tower and mill illustrate different ways in which buildings were used and designed.

Easter Tradition and Getting There

On Easter Sunday, children from Benaoján carry the image through the town’s streets to the square. The Niño del Huerto tradition also includes buying and sampling the local rosco pastries that day. Later, a particularly large Rosco del Niño del Huerto is auctioned in aid of Cáritas. The custom therefore includes a procession, sharing pastries and an auction for a good cause.

The railway station offers another point of reference for getting there: it is about two kilometres from the town, in a small settlement by the river. The distance is approximate. Together with the caves, buildings and local traditions, it adds to a varied picture of Benaoján, where not every attraction offers the same kind of visit.

Discover more destinations: Competa, Caleta De Vélez, Carratraca, Benahavis, Coín, Periana, Valle De Abdalajís, Parchite.

Back to the regional travel guide: Málaga.