Discovering the mysteries of the Cueva del Tesoro (cave of treasure)

Just under 20 minutes from the city of Malaga is what is known as the Cueva del Tesoro (cave of treasure). This cave is the only marine cave that can be visited in Europe. There are only three caves in the world like this, the other two are in Asia and Central America, and the Cueva del Tesoro is the most important as it is the only one that can be visited.

Over thousands of years, the water formed a series of the passages and galleries that are typical of submarine caves, with gorges and columns that are the base of the current cave. Some time later, once the area emerged above sea level, a series of freshwater filtrations formed stalactites and stalagmites, typical of land caves with formations created through freshwater erosion.

The cave is known mainly due to the legend that tells of the existence of treasure hidden in one of its grottos during the Moorish period.

According to the legend, the treasure was hidden by the emperor Tasufín ibn Alí in the 12th century but, although the treasure was the main objective of the owner of this cave in the 20th century, Mr Manuel Laza Palacio, it was never found. However, a small oil lamp and gold coins were found in one of the upper areas of the cave, which brought about numerous questions regarding the legend about the treasure in this cave.

The route through the cave is linear and we can divide it into 2 galleries. We reach the first of the galleries through a series of passages towards the right-hand side of the cave, towards the mountains, and another towards the left, towards the sea.

The galleries on the right are the ones that have the most freshwater filtrations. As soon as you arrive, you will be met by the spectacular sight of some small lakes. According to studies and many discoveries, it is possible to verify that this space was, in prehistory, what is known as a "cultural container”, housing what is now considered "prehistoric art”.

As you stroll through these galleries, you will be amazed by the sound of water running between the rocks. The sound of silence accompanied by the tinkling of water working on the rock is fabulous.

Tours of the Cueva del Tesoro are always guided and last approximately 35 minutes. The silence in the cave, when the tour is taken with just a few people, is overwhelming and — although the legend is just that: a legend — a sense of expectancy and mystery reign throughout each tour of the cave.