Caves to visit on the Costa Blanca

Caves to visit on the Costa Blanca : The Costa Blanca is known for its stunning beaches, charming villages, and sunny weather — but did you know it’s also home to fascinating cave systems just waiting to be explored? Whether you’re escaping the summer heat or looking for a winter adventure, staying in Benidorm, Alicante, or exploring inland villages, these caves are accessible, affordable, and absolutely worth a visit. Discover Hidden Wonders Beneath the Surface.

🏞 Cuevas de las Calaveras – Benidoleig

(Skull Caves – Wheelchair Accessible)
📍 Located between Pedreguer and Benidoleig, 52km from Benidorm

The Cuevas de las Calaveras (Skull Caves) are steeped in myth and history, named after the human skulls discovered inside when they were uncovered in 1768.

With a pathway of over 300 metres, you’ll walk through limestone formations that date back 135 million years, discovering soaring chambers, ancient legends, and fossils of prehistoric animals like hippos, hyenas, and rhinos.

💡 Highlights:

• 300m walking path through domes and stalactites

• WWII history: once used to store food and repair aircraft engines

• Archaeological finds: fossils of rhinos, bears, and hippos

• Family-friendly: bar, kids’ play area, gift shop, and ample parking

🕒 Opening Hours:

• Winter: 09:00–18:00

• Summer: 09:00–20:00
  💶 Entry: Adults €3.90 | Children €2.90

🧭 Getting There:

Book the Jalon and Caves of Skulls trip with Round Town Travel

• 🚘 By car: 36 minutes from Benidorm

• 🚌 Bus + Taxi: ALSA bus to Pedreguer, then 8-min taxi

• 🚆 Train + Taxi: Benidorm to La Xara, then 13-min taxi

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Caves to visit on the Costa Blanca

🌄 Coves del Canelobre – Busot

📍 24km inland from Alicante

Among the most impressive caves in Spain, the Canelobre Caves boast cathedral-like chambers, towering 70-metre-high vaults, and surreal formations lit dramatically to showcase stalactites, stalagmites, and the iconic "candelabra" formation. Originally carved out millions of years ago, these caves were used during the Spanish Civil War as aircraft repair stations.

💡 Highlights:

• 70m-high vault — one of Spain’s tallest

• 45m tunnel leading to 80,000 m² of chambers

• Beautiful stalagmites, stalactites, and jellyfish-like rock forms

• Stunning views and a scenic picnic area outside

❄️ Visitor Tips:

• The internal temperature remains steady at ~17–18 °C year-round, so bring a light jacket or jumper even in summer.

• Comfortable, non-slip shoes are essential: cave floors can be damp and uneven.

• Photography is typically restricted, and flash/tripods are not permitted—so enjoy the view without your camera.

🕒 Opening Hours:

• Summer: Daily 10:30–19:30

• Winter: Tues–Fri 10:30–16:50, weekends 10:30–17:50
  💶 Entry: Adults €8 | Kids (5–14) €4 | Under 5 free

🚍 Getting There:

• Bus C-52 from El Campello or Mutxamel (accessible via Alicante Tram Line 1)

🚗 Driving to the Coves del Canelobre from Benidorm

🧭 Distance & Duration

• Approx. 40–43 km

• Estimated 40–45 minutes driving time, depending on traffic and route

🛣 Route Overview:

1. Head out from Benidorm via the AP‑7 motorway (also known as Autovía del Mediterráneo).

2. At exit 67, follow signs toward Busot / El Campello using roads CV‑800, CV‑773, and CV‑776.

3. These roads lead uphill onto the northern slopes of Cabeçó d’Or (Golden Head mountain).

4. After about 8 km on CV‑773, turn right onto CV‑777, then follow the final stretch on CV‑776 directly to the caves.
   Total ascent is roughly 700 metres elevation.

🅿️ Parking Info:

• Free parking is available on-site, with a small lot near the cave entrance and more space lower down the hill.

• However, during weekends, holidays, and summer months, parking can be difficult, especially in the late morning and early afternoon.
  ⏰ Tip: Arrive early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid peak times.

🚆 By Train & Tram

While there’s no direct train to Busot, you can reach a nearby town and continue by bus or taxi:

🚌 By Bus

• Local buses run from El Campello and Mutxamel to Busot (lines C-52 and C-51 respectively).

• From Alicante, take bus line C-23 to Mutxamel, then switch to C-51 to reach Busot.

Keep in mind that buses do not go directly to the cave entrance, so a short taxi ride or walk may still be needed from the centre of Busot.

Caves to visit on the Costa Blanca

🦇 Cueva del Rull – Vall d’Ebo

📍 73km north of Benidorm - located near the CV-712, a short distance from the village of Vall de Ebo

Discovered by accident in 1919, this beautifully preserved cave system features intricate stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and ribbon-like banderols.

The guided 45-minute tour takes you through 220 metres of circular trail, ideal for families and casual explorers. It's an easy, relaxed walk with dramatic underground views.

Outside you’ll find picnic areas and panoramic countryside. A perfect half-day trip!

🕒 Opening Hours:

• Apr–Sept: 10:30–20:30

• Oct: 11:00–18:30

• Nov–Jan 14th: 11:00–17:00

• Closed: 15 Jan–15 Feb

💶 Entry: Adults €4 | Children €2.70 | Discounts for groups

📞 Tel: +34 965 571 413

🚙 Getting to Cueva del Rull – Vall d’Ebo From Benidorm

🚗 By Car (Recommended)

• Distance & Duration: Around 45 km, about 55 minutes drive through scenic mountainous terrain 

• Route:

  1. Head north from Benidorm on the AP‑7 motorway.

  2. Exit toward Pego / Vall d’Ebo and follow CV‑712 inland.

  3. Continue through Pego and Castell de Castells into the Marina Alta, then arrive at La Vall d’Ebo 

• Why Drive: Remote rural roads and limited public transport make driving the most convenient and flexible option.

🚍 By Public Transport (Limited Availability)

There is no direct train or bus route between Benidorm and Vall d’Ebo.

🚆 Train + Bus

• Take the TRAM Line L1 from Benidorm to Denia or Gandia, followed by regional buses to Pego, Castell de Castells, and finally Vall d’Ebo.

• Caveat: Expect long travel times, limited schedules, and the need for multiple transfers—public transport is not practical for day trips here. Reddit

🚌 Bus Only

• Regional bus services exist, but none go directly to the cave entrance. You may need a combination of bus segments and a final taxi or arranged transfer—particularly challenging without a car.

🏞 Cova de l’Or – Beniarrés (Archaeological Site)

📍 104km from Benidorm

Step back to the Neolithic era (circa 5600 BC) with a visit to this archaeological gem. Located in the mountains above Beniarrés, Cova de l'Or offers a guided walking tour along a scenic mountain path (30 minutes) leading to the cave. Inside, you'll see remnants of early human life and learn about fascinating discoveries now housed in the Prehistory Museum of Valencia.

The visit includes time in the on-site Interpretation Centre, featuring an engaging audiovisual display of excavated artefacts.

💡 What to Expect:

• Guided tours with hiking path to the cave

• Interpretive exhibits and audiovisual displays

• Rich historical insight into early human settlement

🕒 Visit: Weekends 9:00–14:00 – by appointment only
💶 Entry: €5 (book via MARQ Museum – 📞 965 14 90 00 | 📧 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

📍 Meeting Point: Calle Rosa Escrig, 12, 03850 Beniarrés

Caves to visit on the Costa Blanca

🌊 Les Coves de Sant Josep – Vall d’Uixó (Valencia Region)

📍 130km north of Benidorm – 2 hours away

Home to the longest navigable underground river in Europe, this truly magical experience takes you by boat through illuminated cave passages, mysterious waterways, and ancient rock formations.

A perfect detour if you're visiting Valencia, the 45-minute tour is unforgettable – a highlight for kids and adults alike. There’s also hiking trails, playgrounds, and a summer pool onsite.

🕰️ A Brief History of Les Coves de Sant Josep

Les Coves de Sant Josep have long been part of local tradition. In the 19th century, villagers celebrated La Festa de les Flors at the nearby spring, where only the bravest dared enter the dark depths of the cave.

The first formal exploration took place in 1902, reaching what was then the limit: La Boca del Forn. Over time, curiosity grew. In 1915, historian Carlos Sarthou Carreres explored part of the cave, and by 1926, locals had reached Lago Diana and La Galería de los Sifones. Tragically, in 1929, one explorer lost his life while attempting to venture deeper.

From 1936 to 1950, the cave was prepared for tourism — walkways and a dam were added, and sections were enlarged with controlled blasts to allow boat access.

In the decades that followed:

• 1954: The first detailed map of the cave was created.

• 1961: The stunning Blue Lake and Dry Gallery were discovered.

• 1971–1975: New galleries were found, bringing the known length of the cave to 2,348 metres — though its true end and water source remain a mystery.

Today, these historic caves offer a unique journey through time, geology, and legend — all while gliding peacefully along Europe's longest navigable underground river.

🕒 Opening Hours:

• Nov–Feb: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00

• Mar–Nov: 10:00–13:30 and 15:30–18:00
  💶 Entry: Adults €10 | Seniors €7 | Children €5

🎟 Advance booking recommended due to limited capacity.  Tickets can be purchased online HERE 

🚗 By Car

Driving is the most direct and flexible option to reach Les Coves de Sant Josep.

• From Benidorm: approx. 150 km / 1 hr 45 mins
  Take the AP-7 motorway north, then connect to the A-7 and follow signs to La Vall d’Uixó.
  The caves are well signposted once you reach the town.

• From Valencia: approx. 50 km / 45 mins via AP-7 south.

🅿️ Parking: Free public parking is available on-site. However, during weekends and holidays, spaces can fill up quickly, so arrive early or book your ticket online in advance to ensure entry.

🚆 By Train

• RENFE offers short and long-distance trains from major cities like Valencia and Castellón to nearby towns such as Xilxes or Moncofa.
  From there, you’ll need to take a taxi or local bus to reach La Vall d’Uixó.

Tip: La Vall d’Uixó does not have its own RENFE station, but nearby towns are within 15–20 minutes by car or taxi.

🚌 By Bus

• Several regional bus services connect La Vall d’Uixó with nearby cities such as Valencia, Castellón, Sagunto, and Nules.
  Bus stops are located within walking distance (10–15 mins) from the cave entrance.

🧭 Tips for Cave Explorers

• Wear sturdy shoes – paths can be slippery

• Bring a jacket – caves stay cool year-round

• Photography is often allowed but flash may be restricted

• Book in advance for guided tours, especially in peak season

Find ideas of other wonderful places to visit in the surrounding area

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