We drive to the caves of Nerja the following morning. They are a series of caverns stretching for nearly 5 km and re-discovered by chance and five friends in 1959. Research has been carried out and part of the cave complex is opened to the public since.
Cueva de Nerja, Costa del sol.
Paintings of seals were found in the caves which are dated between 20.000 and 18.000 years cal. BP according to 14C-investigation. Over a specific period of time the caves were inhabitated by human beeings the whole year round. Examples of human civilisation like animal and vegetable food residues from adjacent area as well as burial chambers could be unearthed.
At the entrance there is a café-restaurant with public car park and toilets. Admission fee is 15€ for an adult. Visitors are guided in small group by an attendant which is included in the fee. The tour is also feasible for older people who are still capable of walking.
Frigiliana
Frigiliana is about 7 km north of Nerja. There is a 15 km long hiking path next to the car park of Nerja Caves taking you up the hill to Frigiliana. As it is sunny, hot and humid by 32°C temperature we prefer the air conditioned automobile.
A small white village (Pueblo Blanco) on the mountainside with quiet alleys. It has been recognised as “Spain’s most beautiful and well-preserved village” on several occasions. The local rule obliges villagers to whitewash their walls regularly.
After Frigiliana we head for Ronda, our next stop on the edge of the Grazalema nature reserve. The night before we have quickly booked our accomodation for two nights in a small hotel in Ronda’s town centre. Up to Mabella the motorway is subject the toll. Thereafter the road becomes narrow and winding leading up and down the mountains with the maximal speed of 50 kmph until Ronda.
