Discover Malaga’s unique Treasure Cave

When you visit Malaga, don’t miss the opportunity to visit an authentic Treasure Cave. You will love this beautiful cave of marine origin for many reasons that we will tell you below.

Discover Malaga’s unique Treasure Cave

Today we take you on a visit to the Cueva del Tesoro (Treasure Cave), located only 10 km from Malaga. We tell you why you shouldn’t miss this unique cave.

What makes the Cueva del Tesoro so unique

This cave with such a poetic name (we will explain later why it is so called) is less well known than the Nerja cave, but no less beautiful and important.

This cave is one of only three caves of marine origin known in the world. And the only one that can be visited in Europe (the other two are in Asia and Mexico).

Moreover, it is perfectly visitable, except for the cave paintings area. For conservation reasons visitors cannot access it.

Human use of this cave dates back to prehistoric times. There are interesting discoveries of archaeological remains from the different civilisations (Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs) that used it throughout history.

Located in the municipality of Rincón de la Victoria, it is about 10 km from Malaga city in an area of small cliffs overlooking the sea.

At the entrance there is an exhibition and an interpretation room for both the geological part and the archaeological remains found in the cave.

Why is the name Treasure Cave?

The centuries of the very rich history of these lands of ancient Al-Andalus have given rise to several legends of a great treasure buried in this cave by Arab kings.

These legends have also given rise over the centuries to adventurers and researchers who have taken a great interest in these beautiful caves.

The treasure is still hidden to this day, as they say. Instead were found archaeological finds of great interes. Thus the caves themselves are a real treasure, as you can see in the photos. A real hidden gem.

A bit of history

The cave is named after the legend of a great treasure hidden in the 12th century. According to this legend, in 1145, Tasufín ibn Alí, an Almoravid emir, hid in this cave an extraordinary treasure conquered in successive battles.

It was in the 19th century that a Swiss, Antonio de la Nari, dedicated his life to exploring the cave. He opened passages by means of explosions, in one of which he died. Because of him, the cave was known for decades as the “Cave of the Swiss”.

In the 20th century it was Manuel Laza Palacio who studied the cave for almost four decades. It was him who found gold Almoravid coins from the time of Yusuf Ibn Tasufin.

And not only coins, but also one of the three famous prehistoric sanctuaries in the south of the peninsula. It is dedicated to the lunar goddess Noctiluca: She was worshipped in Syria as Astarte, in Egypt as Isis, in Greece as Hecate, Cybele and Aphrodite.

A natural jewel in Rincón de la Victoria

The Treasure Cave is located in the town of Rincón de la Victoria, on the eastern Costa del Sol, just 15 km from Malaga city.

The cave is made up of 500 metres of columns, stalactites and stalagmites, galleries, several chambers and one of special beauty named the Hall of Lakes.

It is a very interesting visit for the whole family. Visiting this cave is an unparalleled tourist experience that is well worth it if you are in the area.

On a comfortable walk through its cavities, you can enjoy the curious shapes that water has left behind over the millennia. And perhaps, with a bit of luck, you will find the famous treasure.

Visit to the Treasure Cave

In the video below you can get a good idea of what you can expect on a visit.

Thanks to technology, you can also enjoy a complete 360º video tour. There you can see the different rooms of the Cueva del Tesoro in great detail in an interactive way.

• Link to the video tour on the Rincón de la Victoria Tourism website.

The Treasure Cave has the following services

• Visit with audio-guide. You download the app on your own device. They recommend use of headphones.
• Guided tours for groups
• Partially adapted for the disabled. There is a lift to get down. There are areas with stairs and the ground is mostly uneven.
• Free Car park
• Toilets

Tickets & Opening Hours

• During the winter season (October 1 to April 30), access hours are from 10 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 5 pm.

• During the summer season (May 1 to September 30), access hours are from 10:30 am to 1 pm and from 4:30 pm to 7 pm.

• The Cueva del Tesoro will be closed on December 24, 25, and 31, and on January 1 and 6.

• Free admission is available with prior reservation via the official website, from Monday to Friday at 10 am during winter hours and 10:30 am during summer hours.

• Buy your general admission ticket here

• The visit is with audio-guide. For this you need to download an app on your own device. There is no additional cost for the audio guide.

• They recommed the use of headphones.
• Animals are not allowed.

The Cueva del Tesoro Music Festival

Rincón’s cultural events include the Cueva del Tesoro International Music Festival. This is a festival of blues, jazz, flamenco and classical music held in the sea cave.

It normally takes place in the month of February. With very different styles for all audiences at very affordable prices (until recently they were free).

Theatrical Visit to Treasure Cave

In addition to the audio-guided tour, there is also this beautiful option, ideal for the whole family.

It is a one-hour tour through the different galleries of the cave. Visitors will be interacting with the different characters that inhabit it.

Visitors will go back in time and discover the history and mysteries of the discovery of the Cueva del Tesoro.

• The theatrical visit takes place every last Sunday of the month with two tours at 11 am and 12.30 pm.
• Prior reservation is required.
• Buy ticket for theatrical visit

FAQs & Information

How long does it take to visit the Treasure Cave?

With your ticket you can stay as long as you like in the cave. The recommended visit usually lasts approximately 40 minutes.

When is the visit free?

Free admission is available with prior reservation via the official website, from Monday to Friday at 10 am during winter hours and 10:30 am during summer hours.

Is it easy to visit / is it suitable for people with reduced mobility?

It is a visit suitable for the whole family. Most areas of the cave are of low difficulty, and it has a space where musical and theatrical events take place.

• However, please note, as it is a natural area, the tour is not entirely adapted for people with reduced mobility.

There is an option to descend to the first chamber by elevator, meaning access for people with reduced mobility would be limited to that area. The rest of the cave features various flights of stairs.

Do I need to book?

Yes, you must book in advance in order to visit the cave.

The Cave is open every day from Monday to Sunday, including public holidays. Closed: 24, 25 and 31 December, and 1 and 6 January.

What is the temperature inside the cave?

Internal temperatures hover comfortably around 18–20°C year-round. You will be fine with a light jacket and flat, comfortable walking shoes.

How to get to the Treasure Cave

The drive from Malaga city to the Treasure Cave is only 25 minutes (15 km) along the N-340.

From Torremolinos and Benalmadena it takes about 30 minutes (35 km), and from Fuengirola about 40 minutes (49 km). To give an idea of the distances from some of the main coastal towns.

• How to get there