Cueva del Toro

Cueva del Toro is a prehistoric archaeological site above Benalmádena, perched on the limestone cliffs of Cerro del Calamorro a short distance from the resort centre and the Arroyo de la Miel-Benalmádena Costa area on the Costa del Sol.

The cave sits at roughly 528 metres above sea level, a little over two kilometres north of town. Its mouth faces south, and the small ledge in front of the entrance opens onto a sweeping view of the Malaga coastline and bay — one of the reasons researchers believe the spot once served as a rock sanctuary rather than a simple shelter.

What will you see at Cueva del Toro?

The main draw is a rock painting deep inside the cave: an acephalous bovine figure (a bull-like animal shown without a visible head) alongside a cluster of black dots on the cave wall. The artwork went unnoticed for years after the cave itself was found, until researchers M. Giménez Gómez and J. Fortea Pérez carried out the first detailed study. The paintings are linked to the Solutrean-Magdalenian period, and some research suggests human activity at the site could date back 40,000 to 50,000 years, making Cueva del Toro one of the older documented rock-art sites along the Malaga coast.

A local resident discovered the cave in 1969, and it has been studied on and off ever since — most recently as part of the international First Art project, which is documenting the paintings using 3D techniques and working on their long-term protection. Benalmádena, together with twelve other decorated Palaeolithic caves in Malaga province, is part of a joint bid for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

How do you get there?

Cueva del Toro sits in hilly terrain above Benalmádena, so reaching it involves a short walk uphill from the nearest access point. Because the paintings are fragile and the site is officially protected, you can't simply walk into the cave itself — the Benalmádena town hall periodically organises guided visits and open days focused on the prehistoric art. It's worth checking the current schedule with the local tourist office or town hall before setting out, rather than turning up unannounced.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the south-facing exposure and the dry, rocky terrain, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, when Costa del Sol temperatures are milder than at the height of summer. In summer the exposed path up the cliff heats up quickly, so an early-morning visit is the safer bet.

Frequently asked questions

Can you enter the cave on your own? Not always — access to the painted interior is restricted and usually limited to guided visits organised by the Benalmádena authorities.

What do the paintings at Cueva del Toro show? The main panel features a headless bull-like figure and a group of black dots, dated to the Solutrean-Magdalenian period.

Is Cueva del Toro part of a UNESCO bid? Yes, it forms part of a joint candidacy with twelve other decorated Palaeolithic caves from Malaga province for the UNESCO World Heritage List.

How far is the cave from central Benalmádena? The site lies about two kilometres north of town at roughly 528 metres above sea level, reached via a short climb through hilly terrain.