Detunda Nerja Cave Botanical Garden
A developing botanical garden showcasing local flora and fauna, offering a peaceful stroll with sea views near the famous Nerja Caves.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Plants in full bloom
Detunda Nerja Cave Botanical Garden
Best Time
Plants in full bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A developing botanical garden showcasing local flora and fauna, offering a peaceful stroll with sea views near the famous Nerja Caves.
"A delightful walk through local flora, perfect before or after exploring the magnificent Nerja Caves."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the garden and caves. :athletic_shoe:
Combine with Nerja Caves
The garden is a great prelude or postlude to the caves. Consider a combined ticket if available. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Local Flora Showcase
Throughout the garden
Discover endemic plant species from the coastal and mountain landscapes of the region, grouped for easy viewing.
Wildlife Spotting
Garden pathways and undergrowth
Keep an eye out for butterflies, birds like Hoopoes, lizards, and dragonflies in this surprisingly biodiverse small area.
Sea Views
Garden periphery
Enjoy pleasant views of the sea, adding a scenic element to your walk through the botanical displays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Garden's Early Stages
Combine with Cave Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the garden and caves. :athletic_shoe:
Combine with Nerja Caves
The garden is a great prelude or postlude to the caves. Consider a combined ticket if available. :ticket:
Look for Wildlife
Even in its early stages, the garden attracts diverse wildlife like butterflies and birds. :butterfly:
Check Signage
While some signs may be faded, they offer valuable information about the local flora. :memo:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the garden and caves. :athletic_shoe:
Combine with Nerja Caves
The garden is a great prelude or postlude to the caves. Consider a combined ticket if available. :ticket:
Look for Wildlife
Even in its early stages, the garden attracts diverse wildlife like butterflies and birds. :butterfly:
Check Signage
While some signs may be faded, they offer valuable information about the local flora. :memo:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Detunda Nerja Cave Botanical Garden to be a pleasant, albeit still developing, green space. It's appreciated for showcasing local flora and offering a chance to see wildlife, serving as a nice, calm complement to the nearby Nerja Caves. Some note that it's not a formal garden and is best enjoyed by those with an interest in plants or as a peaceful walk.
"Not much to see for a person that isn't a florist, but I've liked the vibe and the view to the sea"
Leonknight CZ
"Not much to see, just a small garden showing off some of Spain's endemic plant species. It's good for a little walk before entering the caves."
akpa
"Rather unfair to do a review on the Gardens as I just wandered round when visiting the Caves....in December.....
Despite most of thousands of plants being dormant I still enjoyed my stroll and learning about the unique floral and fauna of the area. The gardens are part of a conservation programme so don't expect a formal layout with immaculately kept boarders! I can imagine it being far more enjoyable come the spring when all of the flowers, bushes and trees are in full bloom."
S A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The botanical garden is located near the Nerja Caves. Many visitors arrive by car and park near the caves. Public buses from Malaga also stop in Nerja, and from there, you can take a local bus or taxi to the caves and garden. +1
Parking is typically available at the Nerja Caves complex, which is adjacent to the botanical garden. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.
It's a bit of a walk from Nerja town center to the caves and garden, approximately 30-40 minutes. Taking a local bus or taxi is a more convenient option.
The most common way is by car, taking about 45 minutes. Alternatively, regular bus services run from Malaga to Nerja, taking around an hour. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The botanical garden is often visited in conjunction with the Nerja Caves. While sometimes included in combined tickets, it's best to check the official Nerja Caves website for current ticketing options and pricing.
The garden's hours usually align with the Nerja Caves. It's recommended to check the official Nerja Caves website for the most up-to-date opening times, as they can vary seasonally.
The garden has pathways, but being a botanical garden with natural terrain, some areas might be challenging for those with significant mobility issues. It's best to inquire directly about accessibility.
While guided tours are more common for the Nerja Caves, information about guided tours specifically for the botanical garden might be limited. Informational signs are present, though some may be faded.
It's possible to visit the garden independently, but it's often seen as an add-on to the cave experience. Check if separate entry is permitted and if there's a specific entrance for the garden.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
The garden features typical plants from the local coastal and mountain landscapes, showcasing endemic species of the region. It's still developing, so many plants are young.
The garden is described as not very big, making it a pleasant, manageable stroll rather than an extensive exploration.
Visitors have reported seeing various species of butterflies, birds (including Hoopoes), lizards, and dragonflies.
The temperature inside the Nerja Caves remains constant at around 19°C (66°F) year-round.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for both the garden and the caves. Given the constant temperature in the caves, light clothing is usually sufficient.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with the Nerja Caves, which are a huge hit with children due to their dramatic formations and the sheer scale of the caverns. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes, as there's a fair amount of walking involved in both attractions.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Garden Lovers
Beyond the plants, keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife. Birdwatchers and insect enthusiasts will find plenty to observe, from various butterfly species to Hoopoes and dragonflies. The sea views add a picturesque backdrop to your exploration.
🚶 Day-Trippers from Malaga
Plan to spend a few hours exploring the caves and then take a leisurely stroll through the botanical garden. You can also combine this with a visit to the Balcón de Europa or the charming white village of Frigiliana for a full day of exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Botanical Garden's Development
Reviewers often note that while it might not appeal to those not interested in botany, the garden provides a peaceful and scenic environment. The presence of wildlife, such as butterflies, birds, and lizards, adds another layer of interest, transforming a simple walk into a mini-safari for nature enthusiasts. The sea views also contribute to the pleasant atmosphere.
It's important to manage expectations: this is not a formal, manicured garden with perfectly kept borders. Instead, it's a more naturalistic display that highlights the region's biodiversity. Visiting during spring or on a sunny day can enhance the experience, as plants are more likely to be in bloom and wildlife more active.
Exploring the Nerja Caves
Visitors can expect a well-lit and accessible path through the main sections of the caves, making it suitable for most people. The constant temperature inside is around 19°C, so light clothing is recommended.
While the caves themselves are the main draw, some visitors also mention a virtual reality cinema experience available, though filming inside might be restricted.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit