The Caminito del Rey is one of the most remarkable enclaves of mountain tourism in Malaga. Known for its wooden walkways that cross the Gaitanes Gorge, the destination has become one of the most famous adventure activities in all of Andalusia. However, it is not the only unparalleled natural space that the south of the autonomous community offers.
Thus, the province of Malaga has several unique natural spaces where you can enjoy the local fauna and flora. One of them is located in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, in the municipality of Benaoján, just 15 kilometers from the famous city of Ronda.
In this way, the Cueva del Gato National Monument is a unique natural space formed by a cavern and a spring that gives rise to the waters of the Gaduares River —also called Guadares—. The cave also extends 4 kilometers of underground section from its beginning in the Garganta del Hundidero.
For this reason, the area formed by the erosive action of water is part of the southern mouth of the speleological complex of the Hundidero-Gato system, which is the most important system in the autonomous community of Andalusia. In fact, it has chasms, siphons, canyons and rooms that in some cases reach 70 meters in height.
In addition, the enclave stands out not only for its unique geography, but also for the cave paintings of Neolithic origin present in a large part of the cavities. Thus, the enclave stands out for the history it houses and the natural jewels it offers, making it an ideal destination to travel its different routes and enjoy the landscapes.
History of the Cat Cave
Although the cave has formations of prehistoric origin, its recent history only begins in 1920, when the Sevillian Electricity Company built the hydroelectric dam called de los Caballeros. The aim was to take advantage of the channel coming from the Hundidero cave; although after a long process of adaptation of the territory, during which footbridges were built and the enclave was illuminated, the work was abandoned due to lack of success 30 years later.
This operation was not only a failure, but it also meant that the flow of water was looking for new paths and leaks, blocking some enclaves and making the system’s behavior unpredictable. However, some paths are still preserved and it is possible to walk them during visits to the caves.
The Cueva del Gato also has great cultural and heritage importance, which is why it has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC) for its cave paintings and the natural monuments it houses.
Route through the cat cave
The Cueva del Gato has a large number of natural spaces suitable for visiting, although not all of them present the same difficulty, as some of them are flooded or blocked by the course of the currents. Therefore, depending on the route you wish to take, it is important to always plan the route knowing the risks and with the appropriate authorizations.
One of the simplest routes and that does not present many complications is the one that takes the marked Cat Cave trail. To begin, you will have to reach the starting point, which is a sign located next to the urban center of the Benaoján train station, near the Guadiaro River.
Next, you will have to travel an old cattle path of Roman origin that runs along the course of the river. Shortly after, it will be possible to see the Charco de la Barranca, a widening of the river produced by an artificial dam.
Continuing the route, of Roman origin and later medieval adaptation, it is possible to see several mills, with which the power of the river was used in ancient times. Across the valley, a fork connects the ancient Roman cities of Carteia (in San Roque) to Acinipo (in Ronda).
Continuing along the main path, the trail narrows, getting closer to the river and allowing you to enjoy the water and the animals that inhabit the area. The route will end with a sign indicating the entrance to the cave, although the complexity of the terrain inside requires a permit to access it.
On the other hand, it is possible to go around and enjoy the nature that surrounds the enclave, the song of the birds or the flow of the river and the breeze. In this way, it is important to respect the environment so that it continues to maintain the remarkable character that characterizes it.
The route, which lasts one hour, has a linear route of 2.2 kilometers one way (4.4 kilometers in total). In addition, it is not very difficult, so it is ideal to do as a couple, with family or friends, always enjoying the calm that the route offers.
In addition, as when carrying out other hiking routes, it is recommended to use appropriate footwear and clothing to avoid injuries or other setbacks. On the other hand, it is always advisable to check the weather forecast before starting the tour and bring a container with drinking water.
