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One of the unmissable attractions on the Costa del Sol has to be the caves at Nerja. The spectacular caves attract thousands of visitors annually and are 4km out of town, just off the motorway. If you head east towards the town after collecting your car from car hire Malaga airport you will see the caves well signposted from the main road.

The caves were only discovered in 1959 when a group of small children who were playing in the area noticed a small hole and climbed through. They didn’t realise that they had discovered one of the most extensive cave systems in Europe which extend for almost 5km into the mountainside in a succession of different chambers of incredible size and height. They were not the first people to know about the caves, as paintings have been discovered in some of the chambers which are dated at 20,000 years old and rival other cave paintings found elsewhere in Spain and France for their quality.

Access into the caves has been made easy for visitors, and there are staircases and concrete walkways to allow you to move easily around the cave complex. If visiting in the height of summer remember that it’s always cold and damp down in the caves and you’ll need both a jacket or sweater and a sensible pair of shoes which allow you to walk easily on the pathways which can become slippery. The caves often get busy at peak times so it is wise to arrive early and get in as soon as they open at 10am to try to beat the large tour groups who often arrive later. Also remember that the caves close for lunch between 2pm and 4pm, so if you arrive at this time you’ll have a long wait. Entry to the caves is good value at 8.50 for euros and 4.50 euros for children, given that you are free to spend as long as you like in the caves and are not rushed round on a guided tour.

For those who have a real interest in caving, you can enquire about joining a private expedition and a guide will take you into parts of the cave system not generally open to the public. You don’t need any special equipment or experience to join these visits, but booking in advance is essential.

After your visit to the caves is over, it’s just a short hop back down the motorway to return the car at car hire Malaga airport. Alternatively there are plenty of other things to do and see in the area including the attractive old town of Nerja, the spectacular beaches and even the city of Granada isn’t too far away by road.