Musement takes you on a discovery of some of the most beautiful caves in Europe.
Fascinating and mysterious, caves are spectacular natural settings that may retell a moment in history or even reveal a secret about the land. And some of them can easily be explored. That’s why we’ve compiled a ranking of some of the most beautiful and breathtaking caves for you to visit in Europe.
Keep reading to embark on a surprising journey into the underground world.
1. Gaping Gill, England
In North Yorkshire you’ll find one of the largest natural caves in all of Great Britain. Introducing Gaping Gill, an underground world 322ft deep, crossed entirely by the Fell Beck stream. The stream turns into one of the highest uninterrupted waterfalls in the whole of the old continent, rushing headlong into the Gaping Gill from a height of almost 340ft. Although the water from the waterfall seems to disappear into thin air, it was later discovered that it resurfaces in the adjacent Ingleborough Cave, which is connected to Gaping Gill. Keep in mind a visit to the cave is only possible twice a year, when special transport is installed to allow small groups of visitors to descend deeply.
Since 1872 the only underground double-track train in the world has been taking the curious through this two-million-year-old subterranean den. While the caves extend 15 miles long, only 3 miles of it are accessible to the public: around 2 by mini-train and 1 on foot. So bring good walking shoes and don’t forget to carry a sweater, the temperature in the caves is a nippy 10°C. And make sure to check out Predjama Castle, the world’s largest castle built within a cave.
3. Eisriesenwelt Cave, Austria
Ice in the middle of summer? In Austria, it’s possible! From May to October you can visit the stunning Werfen ice caves in the Salzburg province, accompanied by experienced guides. With its 28 miles of sculptures and ice formations, Eisriesenwelt is a winter wonderland-like experience at sub-zero temperatures. The visit takes around an hour and fifteen minutes, and good physical endurance is necessary as you’ll have to climb numerous steps in the cave. Even though it’s possible to arrive by cable car, you’ll have to walk another 20 minutes to reach the cave.
4. Caves of Artà, Spain
A must-see when visiting Mallorca, these caves are ideal for the whole family. Surrounded by the island’s mountain ranges on the Canyamel Coast, the Caves of Artà are known for their impressive formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The most spectacular of these extends 72ft high and can be found in the aptly named Hall of the Queen of Columns. The underground tunnels are also said to have fascinated Jules Verne and inspired him to write his famous novel _Journey to the Center of the Earth._ A guided tour for small groups lasts about 35 to 40 minutes and includes light and sound effects, which add a cinematic touch to the experience.
5. The cave of Saint-Marcel d’Ardèche, France
At the gates of the Ardèche Gorges you’ll find this immense cave with around 37 miles of tunnels and passages. The Saint Marcel is one of the largest quarries in France and also houses an impressive beauty: the Gours waterfall. The visit inside takes about 1 hour and includes two light and sound shows. Since 2013 the cave has also become a wine tourism center complete with its very own cellar where wine is aged 200ft underground.
Located off the island of Capri, this shimmering sea cave is one of the most famous caves to visit in all of Europe. Famed for the brilliant blue of its water, the cave itself is around 82ft by 195ft, while the small entrance is less than 3ft high. This is why it’s only possible to access the site onboard small boats, which can carry up to four people at a time. Once inside you’ll find yourself floating in the dark on a luminous bed of water. Our advice is to visit the Blue Grotto between midday and 2pm, when the colors of the sea are at their most intense.
To the north of Lanzarote, inside the same volcanic tunnel that houses the Cueva de los Verdes, lies the Jameos del Agua. The entire volcanic tunnel is believed to extend about 4 miles, of which 1 mile is located under the sea, forming the section of the so-called Atlantic Tunnel, while the Jameos is the closest to the coast. The Jameos del Agua consists of an underground salt lake as well as a cultural and artistic center created by the artist César Manrique. It’s also home to rare types of blind crabs, which have become a symbol for this natural attraction.
8. Melissani Cave, Greece
The Melissani Cave on the island of Kefalonia, Greece, it’s one of the most beautiful caves in Europe and has long been the setting for myths and legends. In fact it was here that nymph Melissani from Greek mythology decided to end her life after being rejected by Pan, by throwing herself into the emerald lake within the cave. Today the lake and karst cave of the same name are beloved natural attractions. The cave is over 500ft long and features stalactite formations that date back thousands of years. The entrance to the tunnel is also particularly scenic as it’s covered with dense vegetation. The site can be accessed both by rowing boat (since the lake is connected to the sea) and on foot.
9. Benagil Cave, Portugal
Tucked away in the south of Portugal, on the coast of the Algarve region, lies a rock formation of orangey hues, lapped by a turquoise sea. Welcome to the Benagil Cave. Its partially eroded ceiling means that a truly spectacular light filters in, creating shifting shades of color on the inner walls and hidden beach depending on the time of day. The best way to access this Portuguese coast treasure is by boat or canoe.
Already conquered Austria’s Werfen caves? Adventurous spelunkers might want to up their game by tackling the Vatnajökull Glacier Caves in Skaftafell, 180 miles from Reykjavik. These caves are formed only in winter and are the result of snow solidifying after the melting of the glaciers in summer. For this reason it’s a constantly evolving site, which is sadly in danger of disappearing due to global warming. A chilly –120 degrees inside, remember to dress appropriately when you visit what are some of the largest ice caves in the world.
Discover the most beautiful caves in Europe with our experiences:
