This charming little whitewashed village of Maro is situated just a short drive from Nerja. The buildings here are a good example of common domestic architecture in towns and villages on the Mediterranean coastline. It is a genuine pleasure to stroll through the narrow streets, with potted plants displaying splashes of wonderful colours just adds to its charm.
One of the most beautiful streets is Calle Maravillas. The vantage point here is the fabulous sea view. Situated beside the Balcon de Maro is the Iglesia de Nuestra S??ora de las Maravillas, dating from the seventeenth century. Here too, we have the Casa Grande and the ruins of the old sugar works, the building of which began in 1585, financed by the then Lord of Maro, Luis de Armengol.
Maro is becoming increasing popular for renting holiday property due to its close proximity to the popular holiday resort Nerja. It is also ideally placed for excursions to Granada and the Sierra Nevada mountain range for winter skiing.
The village dates back to the early Christian era, its first structure being the Roman fortification known historically as Detunda, meaning "defence", this is now the site of the Plaza de la Iglesia.
The Caves of Nerja were discovered accidentally in 1959, when five young boys out hunting for bats behind Maro and discovered a remarkable system of caves. These caverns of limestone were once home to prehistoric man approx. 1,800 BC; evidence of this can be seen on the well-preserved paintings on the cave walls. Explore this subterranean cathedral and it's archaeological finds, for instance the melting-wax rocky architecture and also the stalactites and stalagmites. One is reputed to be the largest natural column in the world.
In the summer this natural theatre is host to the annual Festival of Music and Dance. Due to limited seating advance bookings are recommended to avoid disappointment. Not far from the village centre beside the N-340 road going towards Nerja, is another famous monument the ?guila Aqueduct. This was built between 1879 and 1880 to ensure that water would reach the San Joaqu'n sugar factory; there is also a section of old Roman road beside it.