Detunda Botanical Garden, Nerja

Rather unfair to do a review on the Gardens as I just wandered round when visiting the Caves....in December..... Despite most of thousands of plants being dormant I still enjoyed my stroll and learning about the unique floral and fauna of the area. The gardens are part of a conservation programme so don't expect a formal layout with immaculately kept boarders! I can imagine it being far more enjoyable come the spring when all of the flowers, bushes and trees are in full bloom.

The botanical garden is quite new I think, and most of the plants are young and small. The garden isn't very big either. Nice to have a stroll before or after the caves.

I’ve been to these gardens three times this year. They are still in their infancy in that the plants and trees are yet to mature, but it’s a wonderful example of local species, all grouped in one place so that you don’t have to climb mountains to find them. The wildlife is impressive too: for a small area it was absolutely crammed with different species, often nectaring on the scrub/undergrowth in between the plants. Yesterday (a sunny day makes a huge difference) I saw 7 species of butterfly including European swallowtail, an eagle, two Hoopoes and lots of birds I have still to identify. There are also various lizards and frogs, plus (impressive for an October day) I counted at least five species of dragonflies. The signs have faded badly in places, but this is a delight and I’ll definitely be going back again.

A great example of how not to do it. Nerja should be ashamed of this wasteland. I have seen better things growing in the bottom a teenagers laundry basket. The best part was the way out, and we couldn't get there soon enough. To call it a disgraceful eyesore would be unfair to disgraceful eyesores.

Very good selection of native plants with ID labels. Good layout in an attractive accessible pathway.