Plants
White rosemary
Rosmarinus tomentosus
A botanical treasure of the coastal rocks, remarkable for its very limited natural range.
Open profileWILDLIFE AND NATURAL HERITAGE
Nature in Nerja
From the slopes of the Sierra Almijara to the protected seabeds of Maro-Cerro Gordo: discover the species and natural features behind this stunning landscape.
FIELD GUIDE
Explore the profiles
An initial selection of species and formations documented in Nerja and its nearby natural areas.
Showing profiles: 19
Plants
Balearic boxwood
Buxus balearica
An uncommon Mediterranean shrub found in the distinctive scrub communities of the cliffs.
Open profilePlants
Málaga sea-lavender
Limonium malacitanum
A small coastal plant adapted to harsh conditions and prized for its botanical significance.
Open profile
Plants
Mediterranean fan palm
Chamaerops humilis
A native dwarf palm whose fan-shaped leaves define the Mediterranean scrub landscape.
Open profilePlants
Aleppo pine
Pinus halepensis
A hardy tree adapted to sun and drought, common in pine stands above the coastal ravines.
Open profile
Wildlife
Iberian ibex
Capra pyrenaica
A superb mountain climber that can even be found on cliffs surprisingly close to the sea.
Open profileWildlife
Common chameleon
Chamaeleo chamaeleon
A discreet, slow-moving reptile wonderfully adapted to hiding among branches and shrubs.
Open profileWildlife
Peregrine falcon
Falco peregrinus
A fast-flying bird of prey that uses steep rocky faces as places to perch and breed.
Open profileWildlife
Ocellated lizard
Timon lepidus
A large Iberian lizard often showing green colours and striking blue spots along its sides.
Open profileWildlife
Bonelli’s eagle
Aquila fasciata
A majestic Mediterranean bird of prey associated with the rocky mountains of the Axarquía.
Open profile
Marine life
Neptune grass
Posidonia oceanica
Not a seaweed but a true flowering plant that creates underwater meadows in the Mediterranean.
Open profile
Marine life
Orange cup coral
Astroides calycularis
Colonies of brilliantly orange polyps that add striking colour to sheltered rocky seabeds.
Open profileMarine life
Dusky grouper
Epinephelus marginatus
A sturdy, territorial fish that seeks shelter in underwater rock caves and crevices.
Open profileMarine life
Ribbed Mediterranean limpet
Patella ferruginea
A thick-shelled mollusc that clings tightly to rocks exposed to waves and sea spray.
Open profileMarine life
Noble pen shell
Pinna nobilis
A large Mediterranean bivalve, now severely threatened, long associated with seagrass habitats.
Open profile
Geology & minerals
Dolomitic marble
Roca metamórfica · Metamorphic rock
The rock behind much of the pale mountain scenery and the geological story of Nerja Cave.
Open profileGeology & minerals
Dolomite
CaMg(CO₃)₂ · Mineral
A calcium-magnesium carbonate mineral present in the area's dolomitic rocks.
Open profileGeology & minerals
Calcite
CaCO₃ · Mineral
A calcium-carbonate mineral behind many of the remarkable formations inside caves.
Open profile
Geology & minerals
Stalactites and stalagmites
Formaciones geológicas · Cave formations
Water and minerals slowly create the columns, flowstones and other shapes of Nerja Cave.
Open profileSome species are rare or protected: being listed in the sources does not mean you are likely to see them.