Ardales Cave, also known as the Cave of Doña Trinidad Grund, is a prehistoric cave located in the province of Málaga, Spain, known for its remarkable cave paintings. A visit to Ardales Cave is a unique and fascinating experience, offering a glimpse into the prehistoric cultural and artistic traditions of early humans in Europe.
See more places to visit like the Dolmens of Antequera and El Torcal here.
The limestone cave was (re) discovered in 1821 after the earthquake that had its epicentre in Alhama de Granada opened the entrance that had been blocked by silt and debris. (It had been sealed before that for around 3,500 years.)However, it wasn’t until 1918 that a French prehistorian researched the cave art, describing twenty animal figures in ten different locations. Today, there are 1010 images in 252 locations, including animal figures, human figures, and handprints. Many utensils were found, including stones and bones, which may have been used to engrave some of the figures.
In addition to the known cave paintings, recent research suggests that the Neanderthals, rather than Homo sapiens, were the first to decorate the cave walls.
Booking a Visit
The cave can be visited by appointment only, with a maximum of 15 visitors per day. Entrance tickets can be booked by telephone or email, or at the Archaeological Museum in Ardales.
Museo Municipal de la Historia y las Tradiciones de Ardales
Web: https://www.ardales.es/5518/cueva-ardales-dona-trinidad
The municipal museum of History and Traditions of Ardales features a hall entirely dedicated to the Cave of Ardales and Paleolithic art. There are information panels that recreate cave paintings that have been discovered. The museum also has some interesting archaeological information from the area. The six halls of the museum are located on two floors. Downstairs, you can enjoy an itinerary through the origins of Ardales, in the Prehistoric Era. On the first floor, you will find a hall dedicated to classic and medieval archaeology.
The museum also serves as the meeting point for visitors to the cave of Ardales, in addition to the office of the cave, where you can also book your visit.
Cultural guided tours are available from Tuesday to Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and on Friday and Saturday at both 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The cave is closed on Mondays, except during holidays.
The guided tour of Ardales cave
The guided tour of Ardales Cave begins at the Ardales Prehistory Center, located at Avenida de Málaga nº 1. The tour commences with initial explanations and a thorough exploration of the center. Subsequently, visitors are required to follow the guide in their own vehicle for a 4-kilometer drive until they reach the cavity. The visit inside the cave lasts approximately two hours, and in total, including the Prehistory Center and travel time, the tour takes about three hours.
The purpose of the visit is to impart scientific knowledge about human settlements in the Paleolithic era, showcasing the archaeological excavations and an assortment of rock art, considered as some of the earliest in the world. The visit is tailored towards adults, offering a culturally enriching experience.
For additional information, call 952 45 80 46 from Tuesday to Sunday between 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or via email at patrimonio@ardales.es. To purchase tickets online just visit: https://www.giglon.com/evento/visitas-guiadas-a-la-cueva-de-ardales-malaga (in Spanish)
Prices are 15 euros for adults, 5 euros for 8 to 12 year olds. Under 8’s are not allowed in the cave.
The cave has a constant temperature of approximately 15 degrees Celsius all year round, so visitors are advised to bring a sweater even in summer.
FAQ: Visiting Ardales Cave (Cueva de Ardales)
Ardales Cave—also known as the Cave of Doña Trinidad Grund—is a prehistoric limestone cave near the village of Ardales in Málaga, Spain. Located on Cerro de la Calinoria at 565 m above sea level, the cave sits about 10 km from Caminito del Rey. It’s one of southern Europe’s most important sites of prehistoric art.
The cave was sealed for over 3,500 years and only rediscovered after an earthquake in 1821. It contains more than 1,000 engravings and red ochre paintings in 252 locations, featuring animals, humans, and abstract symbols. Remarkably, research confirms that some red-stained stalagmites were painted by Neanderthals over 64,000 years ago—among the world’s oldest known cave art.
Beyond the art, archaeologists have found ochre-processing tools, human remains, and evidence of Paleolithic burials and rituals. These finds suggest that early humans used the cave for symbolic and ceremonial purposes rather than everyday life.
Visits are strictly by appointment and limited to 15 people per tour to protect the site. You can book in several ways:
Phone: +34 952 45 80 46 (Tue–Sun, 08:30–14:30)
Email: patrimonio@ardales.es
In-person: Museo Municipal de Ardales (Archaeological Museum)
Online: via Giglon.com (Spanish only)
Tours begin at the Ardales Prehistory Interpretation Centre (Avenida de Málaga 1) with a short introduction. Visitors then drive 4 km in their own vehicle to the cave. Inside, the tour lasts about 2 hours, covering five chambers including Sala del Saco and the Chamber of the Stars. The full experience takes around 3 hours and focuses on archaeology, geology, and prehistoric life.
Children under 8 are not allowed inside the cave. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and bring a sweater—the cave stays at a cool 15°C year-round. Tickets cost €15 for adults and €5 for children aged 8–12.
The museum serves as both the entry point for cave tours and a rich educational experience. One hall is dedicated entirely to Ardales Cave, featuring replica cave art, interpretation panels, and local archaeological context. Cultural tours of the museum run Tuesday–Sunday at 10:00, with additional 16:00 sessions on Fridays and Saturdays.
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