Cueva del Gato

Cueva del Gato is a cave and natural pool on the edge of Benaoján, in the province of Málaga, at the foot of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, about 15 km west of Ronda.

What is this place?

Cueva del Gato marks the outlet of the Hundidero-Gato karst system, one of Spain's largest and most extensive cave networks, with over 10 kilometers of passages and more than a dozen distinct routes. Water flowing out of the cave has already traveled more than four kilometers underground, seeping in at the Garganta del Hundidero and re-emerging here as a small waterfall feeding a crystal-clear, cold natural pool. That pool, rather than the cave interior itself, is what draws most visitors.

What will you see?

At the cave mouth, a strikingly turquoise pool spreads out, framed by rock walls and dense vegetation. In summer it's a popular swimming spot — the water stays icy even on the hottest days, which is exactly why many people come. Access to the deeper cave passages is periodically restricted for safety reasons, since water levels inside the karst system can rise suddenly, so it's worth checking current access before visiting. The cave has been occupied since roughly 14,000 years ago, when Paleolithic peoples sheltered here and left cave paintings as evidence of their presence.

It's worth noting that the same municipality of Benaoján is also home to Cueva de la Pileta — a completely different cave, famous for its prehistoric paintings and only visitable with a guide. Don't confuse the two: Cueva del Gato is a viewpoint and swimming spot at a water outlet, while Pileta is a separate archaeological attraction a few kilometers away.

How to get there?

The most convenient approach starts at Benaoján-Montejaque train station, from where a well-marked hiking trail begins. The route follows the river for about two kilometers and is easy, suitable for most visitors, including families with children. By car, it's a short drive of about fifteen minutes from Ronda, with small parking areas nearby.

When to visit?

Summer is the best time for a swim, when the heat makes the pool's cold water especially appealing. Spring and autumn are better suited to walking and taking in the scenery, when water levels tend to be higher and the surroundings greener. It's best to avoid visiting right after heavy rainfall, since water levels in the karst system can rise quickly.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the cave? Access to the deeper parts of the Hundidero-Gato system is restricted and periodically closed for safety reasons. Most visitors stick to the natural pool at the entrance.

Can you swim there? Yes, the natural pool at the cave's outlet is a popular summer swimming spot, though the water stays very cold year-round.

How long is the walk from the train station? The riverside walk is about two kilometers and typically takes 30–40 minutes one way, depending on pace.

Is this the same as Cueva de la Pileta? No. Cueva de la Pileta is a different cave in the same municipality, known for prehistoric paintings and only visitable with a guide — Cueva del Gato is a natural water outlet with a swimming pool, freely accessible.