The province holds an alluring draw for travelers who crave mystery. Beneath its surface lie caves filled with stone art, underground rivers, and stalactites and stalagmites shaped in unusual ways. These natural treasures blend archaeological significance with raw beauty, appealing not only to caving enthusiasts but also to anyone who loves nature. Here are five remarkable caves spread across the Alicante region that deserve a visit.
Canelobre Caves
Found in the town of Busot, about 20 kilometers from Alicante, these caves are famed for housing one of Spain’s tallest vaults, reaching a height of 70 meters. Yet that is only part of their appeal. A cluster known as the Holy Family features a column over 25 meters tall. In the central chamber, visitors will see a stalagmite called El Canelobre, which lends the cave its name and dates back more than 100,000 years. The site also includes zones prepared for spelunking and, on occasions, hosts concerts where the acoustics create an exceptional experience.
- Calendar: Summer from 10:30 to 19:30. Winter from 10:30 to 16:50, Sundays and holidays until 17:50.
- Pricing: Adults €6. Youth card and pensioners €3.50. Disabled visitors and children aged 5-12 €2.50. Children under 5 enter free.
Cave of Skulls
Dating to the 17th century, this space is part of a long history of speleology in the region. It is located within the Benidorm municipality, north of Alicante, and offers a route of over 300 meters through which visitors encounter stalactites, stalagmites, and domes surpassing 50 meters in height. The journey culminates at an underground lake known as Toll Blau, a feature once explored for agricultural irrigation during medieval Arab periods.
- Calendar: Spring and Summer 09:00–20:00; Autumn and Winter 09:00–18:00.
- Pricing: Adults €3.50. Children 4-10 €2.00. Children under 4 free. Pensioners €3.50. Large groups over 25 people €2.50. School groups €1.50.
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Cave of Rull
Located in Ebo Valley, northeast of Alicante, this site carries important geological features. It was discovered by José Vicente Mengual, known locally as Uncle Rull, during a hunting day in 1919 and opened to the public in the 1960s after a careful refurbishment. During tours, visitors see numerous columns, stalagmites, stalactites, and other intricate rock formations. The facilities were modernized in 1995 and are now managed by the city council.
- Calendar: April–September 10:30–20:30; November–February 11:00–17:00; March and October 11:00–18:30.
- Pricing: Adults €4. Children and seniors €2. Groups of adults €3.30. Groups of children or elderly €2.50.
Carved Cave
Stretching from Denia to Xabia and perched at sea level, this impressive cave lies within a marine nature reserve between Cape San Antonio. It is a popular summer option because the final stretch often allows visitors to swim in very clear waters. The route also includes ski-like tours, and the nearby Vase Tower is a highly recommended complement to the visit.
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Quarry Jacket
Known as Abric de la Cantera and formerly Cova Gelà, this site lies between Benidorm and Altea. A Paleolithic site, it was inhabited by hunters at least 25,000 years ago. The area splits into two spaces. In the first, a preserved stone wall sits atop valuable finds, including animal remains that reveal what life was like for prehistoric inhabitants. The site offers a glimpse into early human activity and the region’s distant past, helping visitors understand how communities lived during the Upper Paleolithic era.