Walk and swim · Serranía de Ronda

Cueva del Gato: how to get there from Montejaque

The Cueva del Gato ("Cat Cave") is one of the best-known sights in the Serranía de Ronda: a great opening in the rock from which the underground river emerges, forming a pool of very cold water at the foot of the mountain. It lies between Montejaque and Benaoján, very close to Casa Minarete.

Where

Between Montejaque and Benaoján (Málaga), next to the MA-7401 road

Easy access

About 5 minutes on foot from the car park

Walk from Benaoján

About 2.3 km on a waymarked path from the railway station

From Casa Minarete

Benaoján station is about 3 km away

Protection

Natural Monument of Andalusia (Hundidero-Gato system)

What you will see

According to tradition, the mouth of the cave is shaped like a cat's head, hence its name. It is the exit of the Hundidero-Gato cave system: the river disappears under the mountain at the Cueva del Hundidero, on the other side of Montejaque, and emerges here several kilometres later.

At the foot of the cave lies the famous cold-water pool, surrounded by riverside vegetation. Even in high summer the water is very cold, so swimming is for the brave.

How to get there

By car (the easiest): there is a car park next to the Hotel Cueva del Gato, on the MA-7401 road, near Benaoján station. From there you reach the cave in about five minutes along a well-kept path, with a wooden footbridge over the river and an underpass beneath the railway.

On foot from Benaoján: a waymarked path of about 2.3 km, of low difficulty, leaves from the railway station. It follows an old drovers' road alongside the Guadiaro river and passes old mills and a stretch of cobbled road.

From Casa Minarete: Benaoján station is about 3 km from the house, so you can drive there in a few minutes or combine it with a longer walk.

Swimming and rules

During the bathing season there is usually a small charge to swim in the pool; seeing the cave from outside is free. Dogs are not allowed to swim.

The inside of the cave is closed to the public: you can only enter with authorisation from the Andalusian regional government and specialist guides. The system is dangerous, especially when it rains, so enjoy the cave from the entrance.

Tips

Go on a weekday if you can: summer weekends get crowded.

Wear comfortable shoes; the last stretch to the viewpoint at the mouth is a little uneven.

Combine it on the same day with the Cueva de la Pileta, also in Benaoján, or with the Cueva del Hundidero and the Presa de los Caballeros.

Sources: Escapada Rural: the cold pool of the Cueva del Gato · Andalucia.com: Cueva del Gato. Check opening times, rules and access before your visit, as they can change.