Cueva del Gato
Cueva del Gato
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
150 reviews
Excellent
66
Very good
45
Average
16
Poor
9
Terrible
14
Andy C
London, UK6 contributions
May 2019
Cueva del Gato isn’t far from Ronda and well worth a quick visit but just for the pool/waterfall. The caves are now shut to the public is seems for safety reasons.
Some older reviews mention a cafe being there but this now appears deserted so don’t rely on that and take your own food and drinks.
There is also mention of a car park at the bottom to save you a bit of a walk down the steep hill. Whilst this was there the road was closed so the car park couldn’t be accessed. No big deal though. The upper car park costs €1.
The bridge has collapsed but there are stepping stones over the river. All adds the the adventure 😀 and no big deal (see photo).
Just before you get to the pool and waterfall there is another desk where you have to pay €1-€2.5 to go further depending on age and if you intend to get in the water or not. A bit cheeky I thought.
The pool itself is lovely. The water is cold though - at a guess about 12 degrees today. It’s also worth wearing flip flops /crocs as the pool is stoney.
Well worth a little visit in my opinion. Kids loved it and thought it was a great adventure.
Some older reviews mention a cafe being there but this now appears deserted so don’t rely on that and take your own food and drinks.
There is also mention of a car park at the bottom to save you a bit of a walk down the steep hill. Whilst this was there the road was closed so the car park couldn’t be accessed. No big deal though. The upper car park costs €1.
The bridge has collapsed but there are stepping stones over the river. All adds the the adventure 😀 and no big deal (see photo).
Just before you get to the pool and waterfall there is another desk where you have to pay €1-€2.5 to go further depending on age and if you intend to get in the water or not. A bit cheeky I thought.
The pool itself is lovely. The water is cold though - at a guess about 12 degrees today. It’s also worth wearing flip flops /crocs as the pool is stoney.
Well worth a little visit in my opinion. Kids loved it and thought it was a great adventure.
Written May 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Time_Paradox_Escape
3 contributions
Aug 2018
If you are around Ronda you must visit this place. I suggest you going before 10 am because after this time it gets crowded. Ice cold water but go in :)
Written August 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shazbatzannie
Bakewell, UK555 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Great place to cool off after a hot day visiting Ronda!
It was busy when we arrived and had to wait a short time for people to leave, luckily it was about 6.30pm so people were leaving.
The water was freezing and not many people were actually swimming, apart from my hardy family
It was busy when we arrived and had to wait a short time for people to leave, luckily it was about 6.30pm so people were leaving.
The water was freezing and not many people were actually swimming, apart from my hardy family
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reinier-NL
Utrecht, The Netherlands150 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
We went yesterday, but stood there with four other groups as the foot bridge was destroyed and the Cueva was not accessible. There was no indication upfront and at the gate there was not much clarity on whether this was temporarily or will be fixed.
Written October 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eugene M
Riga, Latvia9 contributions
Oct 2018 • Family
When we arrived we observed that footbridge over the river is destroyed so you can't access the cave
Written October 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MikeyLPT
Auckland Central, New Zealand170 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
On the road to Benaojan from Ronda, the cave itself is not accessible but the waterfall and clear water in the pond next to it are a great place to cool off in the summer or for a nice picnic.
Written July 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
daffy_b
scotland116 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
Went to this to do a spot of "wild swimming", following reading other reports. I wasn't disappointed. You have to actually want to go here as it isn't advertised or signposted widely. The main car park is just off the road, but an insider tip is to take the steep track to the right which leads you down to the riverside and shady trees to park your car under for respite from the sun. The disappointing thing is that you now have to pay 2 euros entry to cross the new bridge. Before this year it was free. The pool itself is a beautiful emerald green colour, but the water is absolutely crystal clear and you can see right to the bottom. The water cascades in a small waterfall from the mouth of the cave. Disappointingly you are not permitted to access the cave without an official guide, so I didn't get a chance to visit it. On the day we visited the local temperature was 32 Celsius, so the thought of a cooling dip was great. We wore pool shoes and we were grateful for them as the local rocks were hard and sharp and barefoot bathers were very very cautious when walking. When stepping into the pool the coldness of the water is shocking. I took the bull by the horns and dived in. WOW COLD MAN! That really shook the cobwebs out. Very very cold water, so much so it really shocked your system. My 19 year old son said he was so cold he didn't think he would be able to have kids (men will understand that comment). Anyway it was still amazing and beatiful on a glorious Andalucian summer day. Definitely unforgettable, and will definitely revisit.
Written July 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bounderoo
Fort Myers Beach, FL79 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
Just a beautiful place that is a must see and conveniently near Ronda so you can catch it on your way home from a day trip. Don't park at the lot near the main road but take the smaller road all the way down to the base of the hill for an easy walk. Went on a Sunday afternoon and it was very crowded so I would recommend a weekday. The water is beautiful but wear old sneakers if you would like to take the stone stairs to the entrance of the cave as there are some rocks to climb.
Written July 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CiceroMT
Rome, Italy243 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
I'm posting this not so much for the Cuevo del Gato or Cat's cave (there are ample reviews elsewhere on TA) but more to describe the wonderful walks available between here and Jimera del Libar.
While it can be done as a single "there and back" walk I'll describe the gentler way of splitting it into 2. Even then you can choose to make it easy(ish) or testing as you wish.
Your starting point for both walks is Estacion Benajoan. Either arrive by train or car. From the station turn left and walk 200 yards and cross over the tracks at the level crossing - walk straight on over the footbridge across the Rio Guadiaro. Now is your first choice. Turn left and a simple 1K 20 minute walk takes you to the Cuevo del Gato. An easy pathway with only gentle inclines. Walk past the hotel Cuevo del Gato (pretty rubbish IMO - staff unfriendly and surly the last twice I was here) and left over the collapsed bridge over the river then right to the pool at the foot of the cave. The water here is very very cold but great for a cool off paddle or swim if you are really brave. You can walk into the cave although signs tell you it is forbidden - guided tours through the cave system are available but very difficult to access. A beautiful shady glade to dawdle and picnic. A favourite spot for local wedding photos but you'll likely have the place to yourselves and the sheep. Then it's back the way you came - simples 😄
If you chose to turn right after crossing the river back in The Estacion it is a 7.3 Km walk to the next Estacion at Jimera del Libar. Be in no doubt this is a challenging walk with multiple steep and narrow places and uneven ground most of the way. Stout foot ware and a walking staff are highly recommended and if walking in summer be sure to take a bottle of water. The path is locally known as "Mr Henderson's railway walk".
At a brisk pace with no stops this walk takes me 1 hr 35 mins but I'd allow 2 hours for an amble and photos. After 20 mins or so you come to an abandoned cottage - the slow downward slope to the river is easy but is "heartbreak ridge" if you choose to do the return walk! The path hugs The valley floor and sides and is simply beautiful in the spring with fauna and flora. The sound of the river is never far away. The half way point is marked by a wood footbridge over a side stream - dry in spring/summer but flooded in winter so be warned. Then onwards to Jimera. Steep scree path and very narrow in places. Journeys end is heralded by a weathered sign warning of rail tracks ahead - on over a new green steel and outrageous metal footbridge (courtesy of EEC grant no doubt) and onto the station. There is an excellent cantina here for drinks and tapas.
Now your third choice. Wait for the train to take you back to Benajoan (check times at Estacion before setting off) but currently the 13.10 from Jimera is your friend) - you can pay on the train. Or choose to walk back it's not so bad but heartbreak ridge is a test!
Allow around 4 hours for an easy return journey from Benajoan but 3 hours 30 if you push it (less if you are uber fit).
You'll likely be passed by hardy souls running or cycling the route and if you are of a certain age look back with fondness to the younger and fitter you !
If you want to up the ante still further then set out from Cuevo del Gato (lots of parking) and walk to Jimera and back.
Many walkers come into the village for the day just to do this walk. If you prefer to stay the the hotel Molino del Santo is a very strong recommendation (see my TA reviews) and a 5 minute walk from your start at the Estacion.
While it can be done as a single "there and back" walk I'll describe the gentler way of splitting it into 2. Even then you can choose to make it easy(ish) or testing as you wish.
Your starting point for both walks is Estacion Benajoan. Either arrive by train or car. From the station turn left and walk 200 yards and cross over the tracks at the level crossing - walk straight on over the footbridge across the Rio Guadiaro. Now is your first choice. Turn left and a simple 1K 20 minute walk takes you to the Cuevo del Gato. An easy pathway with only gentle inclines. Walk past the hotel Cuevo del Gato (pretty rubbish IMO - staff unfriendly and surly the last twice I was here) and left over the collapsed bridge over the river then right to the pool at the foot of the cave. The water here is very very cold but great for a cool off paddle or swim if you are really brave. You can walk into the cave although signs tell you it is forbidden - guided tours through the cave system are available but very difficult to access. A beautiful shady glade to dawdle and picnic. A favourite spot for local wedding photos but you'll likely have the place to yourselves and the sheep. Then it's back the way you came - simples 😄
If you chose to turn right after crossing the river back in The Estacion it is a 7.3 Km walk to the next Estacion at Jimera del Libar. Be in no doubt this is a challenging walk with multiple steep and narrow places and uneven ground most of the way. Stout foot ware and a walking staff are highly recommended and if walking in summer be sure to take a bottle of water. The path is locally known as "Mr Henderson's railway walk".
At a brisk pace with no stops this walk takes me 1 hr 35 mins but I'd allow 2 hours for an amble and photos. After 20 mins or so you come to an abandoned cottage - the slow downward slope to the river is easy but is "heartbreak ridge" if you choose to do the return walk! The path hugs The valley floor and sides and is simply beautiful in the spring with fauna and flora. The sound of the river is never far away. The half way point is marked by a wood footbridge over a side stream - dry in spring/summer but flooded in winter so be warned. Then onwards to Jimera. Steep scree path and very narrow in places. Journeys end is heralded by a weathered sign warning of rail tracks ahead - on over a new green steel and outrageous metal footbridge (courtesy of EEC grant no doubt) and onto the station. There is an excellent cantina here for drinks and tapas.
Now your third choice. Wait for the train to take you back to Benajoan (check times at Estacion before setting off) but currently the 13.10 from Jimera is your friend) - you can pay on the train. Or choose to walk back it's not so bad but heartbreak ridge is a test!
Allow around 4 hours for an easy return journey from Benajoan but 3 hours 30 if you push it (less if you are uber fit).
You'll likely be passed by hardy souls running or cycling the route and if you are of a certain age look back with fondness to the younger and fitter you !
If you want to up the ante still further then set out from Cuevo del Gato (lots of parking) and walk to Jimera and back.
Many walkers come into the village for the day just to do this walk. If you prefer to stay the the hotel Molino del Santo is a very strong recommendation (see my TA reviews) and a 5 minute walk from your start at the Estacion.
Written March 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
izif_37
Ljubljana, Slovenia3,094 contributions
Oct 2019
Worth a small detour from Ronda! Cave is closed for normal visitors, but the small river is so picturesque and inviting for a swim. There was no entrance fee in October - perhaps because the bridge over river is damaged. But it is easy to walk across over the rocks.
Written October 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Quelmoi
La Ciotat, France11 contributions
Bonjour, pouvons nous y stationner avec notre camping car de 7,25m de long ?
Juan Carlos
Madrid, Spain24 contributions
Si, hay in parking junto a la carretera donde puedes dejar la caravana
Arantxabofa
Granada, Spain
Hola, se puede ir con perros? Es recomendable ir en esta época del año?? Gracias!!!😊
Jose M
1 contribution
Lo suyo es ir para bañarte....y ya en verano cuesta...imaginate en invierno...los perros si pueden ir pero no meterse en el agua
hola ¿cuanto están cobrando por entran en la cueva del gato?
ninicadiz
cadiz301 contributions
nosotros estuvimos en semana santa y no nos cobraron nada.no entramos en la cueva debido a la gran cantindad de agua que llevaba.no se puede entrar solo,hay que hacerlo con expertos
Se puede ir con Perros?
rachelegend
Algeciras, Spain204 contributions
Dentro de la cueva no se puede entrar ni con perros ni sin ellos porque en estos momentos está totalmente prohibido. A lo que son las pozas y los senderos de acceso si se puede, de hecho vimos varias familias con sus canes.
Buenas tardes estoy interesado en visitar la cueva del gato... pero me gustaría saber si hay que comprar algún tipo de entrada o algo, o por libre haces el sendero y disfrutas del día bañándote en esa laguna
jesusj73
Cadiz, Spain72 contributions
Buenas tardes,no hay que comprar entradas puedes acceder hasta la entrada sin problemas
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Claim your listingCueva del Gato - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Cueva del Gato
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Cueva del Gato:
- Minibus Tour - Acinipo and Caves near Ronda - Driving tour (From $104.19)
- e-MTB - Cueva del Gato & Montejaque - 47km - Intermediate Level (From $115.16)
- Cycling (Self-Guided) - Montejaque Circular - 51km - Challenging (From $71.29)
- e-Bike (Self-Guided) Cueva del Gato & Montejaque - 51km Moderate (From $82.26)
- e-MTB (Self-Guided)- Montejaque Circular - 47km - Intermediate (From $87.74)
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Cueva del Gato Information
Excellent Reviews | 66 |
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Very Good Reviews | 45 |
Cueva del Gato Photos | 145 |