Maro: Caves, Coast and Nature

The Cueva de Nerja is located in Maro, a village in the municipality of Nerja. So when choosing a destination, there is more to focus on than visiting the caves and exploring their archaeological history: hiking trails, a protected coastline, Playa de Maro and local cultural landmarks offer other highlights for a stay.

Coast, Protected Area and Beach

The Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo are protected under four categories: Paraje Natural, ZEC, ZEPA and ZEPIM. The natural area stretches from the Maro coastal watchtower to Cala de Calaiza. Its marine area includes extensive seagrass meadows, including Posidonia, as well as corals, sponges and a wide variety of fish. The coastal landscape is therefore also home to a diverse underwater world. Follow the protected area's current rules when visiting.

From the Mirador de la Torre de Maro, you can enjoy views of the natural area, with its steep cliffs, beaches and small, hard-to-reach coves. Playa de Maro is 500 metres long and 20 metres wide. Its sand is dark and medium-grained, and the waves are moderate. A boat trip in the Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo area allows visitors to reach scenic spots along the protected coast that are difficult to access.

Hiking Trails and the Cueva de Nerja

The municipal hiking trail network includes the Maro-Barranco Sanguino route and the Sendero Natural Acantilados de Maro. The Sendero Cueva de Nerja-Almijara starts on the grounds of the Cueva de Nerja and follows an easy, signposted trail suitable for the whole family into the surrounding mountains. A footpath also leads from the cave grounds through gardens and the Sierra Maro; along the way, a modern footbridge crosses the Autovía del Mediterráneo. Local access conditions may change, so check them before setting out.

The Cueva de Nerja is an archaeological site with a history of diverse and continuous human use spanning more than 40,000 years. When planning your visit, also take the changes in elevation into account: you will need to climb a little over 400 steps. The Jardín Botánico Detunda-Cueva de Nerja can be accessed from the cave grounds. It features plant species from Málaga and Granada.

Local History and Cultural Landmarks

The image of the Virgen de las Maravillas, the patron saint of Maro, is venerated at the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas. The church was restored in 1887. Every year on 15 May, the Romería de San Isidro takes place on the grounds of the Cueva de Nerja; the cave is closed to the public that day.

The Acueducto del Águila was built in the late 19th century to irrigate the land and supply water to the former Las Mercedes, also known as San Joaquín, sugar factory. Its four superimposed levels feature brick arcades with a total of 37 round arches. The structure recalls the area's historic links between water management and sugar production.

The Ingenio de Maro also tells this story: construction of the sugar factory, linked to sugar cane cultivation, began in 1585. The ruins preserve parts of the original travertine masonry, round-arched openings and a massive buttress. Check the structure's condition before visiting. Agriculture and the industries that grew out of it were also part of Maro's history; these included silk and sugar cane honey.

Discover more destinations: Río De La Miel.

For the broader travel overview: Nerja.