Believe it or not, as great as Spain is above ground, it has another spectacular world below. The structures that nature has managed to slowly build underground over millions of years without man’s help are truly impressive, and so today we’re looking at such magical places as caves and grottoes and marvel at the formations of stalactites and stalagmites inside.
We have selected 6 caves for you to visit that aren’t too well known, that will surprise you and will delight your travelling companions, both children and adults!
1. Gruta de las Maravillas
In the heart of the town of Aracena, in the mountain range of the same name located in the north of the province of Huelva, is a cave system discovered by a local shepherd in 1886. La Gruta de las Maravillas, which translates to ‘The Cave of Marvels’ was opened to the public in 1914, so it was the first tourist cave in Spain, and visitors today can see 1200 metres of caves split over two levels.
Although the passageways in the grotto are very narrow and dark, it’s an easy and pleasant walk. What’s more, there are even several underground lakes to see along the route with magnificent still, flowing water through the rocks.
Ticket price: Adults 9 euro; children from 6 to 12 years 6.50 euro; children under 6 years free.
Opening times: from 10am to 1pm and from 3pm to 6pm.
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2. Grutas del Águila
Located in the Tiétar valley, to the south of the province of Ávila, these caves were discovered by chance on Christmas Eve 1963. Hunters from the area entered through a narrow tunnel on the southern slope of the Sierra de Gredos mountain range to discover the cave. Just 53 years have passed since the cave was discovered but it’s estimated to be approximately 12 million years old.
The stalactites hanging from the ceiling are a true spectacle worth seeing, especially in the autumn months. It’s strange to find such beautiful natural vaults in an area with so much granite like the Sierra de Gredos, which is worth getting to know while you’re there too.
Ticket price: Adults 8 euro; children up to 5 years old free.
Opening times: Spring-summer, from 10.30am to 1pm and from 3pm to 7pm; autumn-winter until 6pm.
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3. Cueva del Soplao
Discovered in 1908 but not made available to the public until almost 100 years later, in 2005, the Cueva del Soplao today has more than 12 miles of caves of unparalleled beauty.
Apart from the stalactites and stalagmites, El Soplao has the largest concentration of 'eccentric' helictites in the world. These eccentrics have a very appropriate name as they are stalactites that grow in any old direction and no one really knows how or why – one of nature’s greatest mysteries.
Ticket price: Adults 12.50 euro; children from 4 to 16 years 10 euro; children up to 3 years free.
Opening times: November, December, January, February and March (from 10am to 2pm and from 3pm to 5pm); April, May, June and September (from 10am to 2pm and from 3pm to 6pm), July (from 10am to 7pm) and August (from 10am to 9pm).
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4. Cuevas del Hams
The Hams Caves, in Manacor in Mallorca, were formed millions of years ago from an underground river that flowed into the sea and were accidentally discovered in 1905. The name comes from the branched formations that resemble hooks (hams in the local Mallorcan language).
Inside, there is an underground lake called 'El Mar De Venecia' (The Venice Sea), where they hold audiovisual shows, and spectacular formations of stalactites and stalagmites which are every bit as impressive as in the neighbouring Cuevas del Drach.
Opening times: Autumn-winter, first visit starts at 10am and the last one at 4pm; in spring the last one starts at 4.30pm and in summer at 5pm.
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5. Cueva del Tesoro
The so-called ‘Cueva del Tesoro’ (Treasure Cave) is located in Rincón de la Victoria in Malaga, just a few miles from the sea. It is one of only 3 marine caves in the whole world, the only one in Europe (the other two are located in Asia and America) and the only one that can be visited!
The cave is small but alluring, and if there aren’t too many people the silence in the cave is stunning. The name comes from a myth that there is a hidden treasure there. This, together with the fact that one of the treasure seekers died there during a detonation, gives the cave a certain mysterious air.
Ticket price: Adults 4.65 euro; children up to 3 years old free of charge.
Opening times: Visits from 10:45am; in winter the last visit starts at 5pm; in spring at 5:15pm and in summer at 7pm.
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6. Cueva del Viento
More than just a cave, this one is more like a volcanic tube – the longest in Europe, no less! The Cueva del Viento (Cave of the Wind) is the perfect opportunity to get to know a little more about not only the world of caves, but also the world of volcanology.
The Cueva del Viento remains in an exceptional and almost natural, unchanged state, although visits are still very safe. In addition, the spectacular surroundings will make you fall in love with the local area of Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
Ticket price: Adult 20 euro; children from 5 to 12 years 8.50 euro; children under 5 years old cannot enter.
Opening times: October to March from 9am to 5pm (Thursdays until 6pm); from April to September Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 4.30pm, the rest of the days until 7pm (online booking required).
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