The natural pool of icy water that is a wonder of the world and is located in Málaga

In the interior of the province of Málaga, far from the hustle and bustle of the coast and surrounded by rugged landscapes, hides one of the most surprising corners of Andalusia. This is the Cueva del Gato, a natural site that, together with the Río Guadares, forms a unique geological and scenic spectacle: a cave of great ecological value, a natural waterfall, and at its base, a pool of crystal-clear and icy water, considered one of the coldest and most beautiful in the province. It is National Geographic that praises it.

"The natural pool of Andalusia that originates from an 8-kilometer long cave," states the travel magazine, referring to its large pond, a "mirror of water, accompanied by a beautiful waterfall, is the endpoint of a complex underground labyrinth where cave paintings were found."

This place is located in the municipal district of Benaoján, a small white village situated right in the Serranía de Ronda, within the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. The area is known for its richness in karst formations, with deep canyons, ancient caves, and notable biodiversity. In this context, the Cueva del Gato is inscribed, whose name comes from the feline profile that seems to be drawn in its large rocky opening.

The waters and surroundings of the Cueva del Gato are spectacular. / Javier Flores

The Cueva del Gato is part of the Hundidero-Gato system, one of the most important underground complexes in Andalusia, and a true natural refuge that houses one of the largest bat colonies in Spain, with an estimated population of over 100,000 specimens. The interior of the cave is impressive: chambers up to 70 meters high, internal lakes, and galleries that stretch for more than four kilometers. "This natural pool, with transparent waters and much colder than others in the region, with a temperature around 14°C, is one of the most attractive points of the Malaga side of the Sierra de Grazalema," National Geographic concludes.

The underground course of the Guadares and its icy water pool

The Río Guadares, also known as Gaduares, plays a leading role in this environment. Its course disappears underground as it enters the Hundidero, traveling through the interior of the mountain and reemerging outdoors right at the exit of the Cueva del Gato. Upon emerging, it forms a natural waterfall that descends forcefully and feeds a natural pool of cold, clean, and transparent waters, considered one of the most spectacular in the province of Málaga.

Thus shines the Cold Pond. / malaga.es

This hydrological phenomenon, combined with the riverside vegetation and the vertical limestone rock walls surrounding the site, makes the pond an especially striking environment during the summer. The water temperature, practically icy even on the hottest days, is one of its main characteristics, a direct result of the river's underground journey through the mountain.

Access to the Cueva del Gato: a journey through history and nature

To reach the Cueva del Gato, visitors can opt for a short and simple hiking route, about two kilometers long, starting near the Benaoján station, next to the Río Guadiaro. The trail runs along an ancient cattle track that crosses landscapes marked by old flour mills and swimming areas like the Charco de la Barranca, with its small waterfall.

As the route progresses, it passes along a medieval path built over a Roman road that connected the cities of Carteia (San Roque) and Acinipo (Ronda), remnants of the historical importance of this area. The final stretch leads directly to the entrance of the Cueva del Gato, where the natural pool is located.

Aerial view of the Cueva del Gato. / malaga.es

Regulation of access and conservation of the environment

During the summer season, the Benaoján town hall regulates access to the pool area with the aim of preserving its natural state and ensuring safety. Access has a symbolic cost, which helps control the capacity and fund basic services. From Monday to Friday, the price is 2 euros for adults and 1 euro for children under 12, while on weekends and holidays the cost rises to 2.5 and 1.5 euros, respectively. A lifeguard is present in the area during swimming hours to provide assistance if necessary.