20th June 2024 
Leave a commentWhen 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 (The use of headphones is recommended).
- 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
50th Anniversary of the Treasure Cave
The Treasure Cave was first opened to the public in 1974. Since then, the number of visitors has been growing steadily.
Being privately owned until 2009 it is now a heritage asset of Rincón de la Victoria.
In 2024 the cave celebrates its 50th anniversary with activities until December with an extensive cultural agenda: Music, conferences, cinema, workshops, gastronomy, theatre, scientific conferences, flamenco, poetry and dance.
The agenda is in addition to the regular activities. These take place in this space throughout the year, further enhancing its tourist attraction.
Programme Cueva del Tesoro 2024
July: Film series with screenings in the cave.
August: Astronomy day to learn about the stars and theatre.
September: Tourism Day and concert by pianist Diego Valdivia.
October: Flamenco performance.
November: Informative sessions on the caves of El Cantal. This is the third edition.
December: poetry and dance recitals.
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?
There are free visits from Monday to Friday, entering at the opening time of the cave. Always with prior reservation and until full capacity is reached.
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 a panoramic lift that goes down to the lower floor.
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.
Opening times
- Winter opening hours: From 1 October to 30 April from 10 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 5 pm.
- Summer opening hours: From May 1st to September 30th from 10:30 am to 1 pm and from 4:30 pm to 7 pm
- 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.
- Buy Tickets & further information on the Official website
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 Torremolinosand 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.
