Discover the hidden natural treasures of the Almeria Caves
Almeria is home to some of the most important geological sites in the world
The passage of centuries has created an incredible underground world in the region of Andalucia, a hidden labyrinth set in some of Spain’s most forbidding landscapes. The caves of Almeria are without doubt the jewel in the crown and today attract tourists from far and wide, and have even been the setting for several Hollywood blockbusters.
Here, we’ve rounded up some of the most impressive caves in Almeria province.
Cuevas de Sorbas
This underground maze is set in the breathtaking Karst in Yesos de Sorbas at the eastern end of the Tabernas Desert, Europe’s most arid desert system. The Cuevas de Sorbas hide more than 1,000 crystal-lined caves, the most in all of Spain, and the Wild West-like landscape has made it the perfect setting for movies like The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
The cave system was created more than six million years ago through a combination of soil erosion and scant rainfall and now consists of striking canyons, gorges and wastelands, as well as crystalline formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, columns and corals beyond number.
This natural area is just two kilometres from the town of Sorbas and about 70 kilometres from the capital. Many kilometres of caves and cavities means that there are several guided routes for visitors to choose from, some of which require no previous experience and are suitable for the whole family.
Geode of Pulpí and Mina Rica del Pilar de Jaravía
Located in Mina Rica, in the eastern sector of the Betic mountain range and at the foot of the Sierra del Aguilón, this giant geode is eight metres long and two metres high. Its stunning walls are covered with enormous gypsum crystals, making it a unique geological heritage site worldwide.
It’s believed to be the second largest of its kind in the world, after the Cueva de los Cristales in Chihuahua, Mexico, and the most visited geode on the planet.
Guided tours are offered through the Pulpí Geode but the experience is not for the faint-hearted, as the top level can only be accessed by climbing 164 steps. The tour lasts around 90 minutes and is suitable for anyone over the age of eight.
Cueva de Los Letreros
Dozens of prehistoric shelters have been found in the mountains of the Los Vélez Region, but none is as unique or as well preserved as the Cueva de los Letreros in Vélez-Blanco. Here, several cave paintings were discovered that are believed to have been made by the first settlers in the southeast of Spain and the cave has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Cueva de Los Letreros contains representations of what is called Levantine rock art that date back to around 5,000 years BC. Declared a National Historical Monument in 1924, the figure of Indalo was discovered there, which has become the symbol of Almería.
Cueva de Ambrosio
Also located in the Los Vélez region, the Cueva de Ambrosio Natural Monument is a Paleolithic site that houses a set of cave paintings and is widely considered to be one of the most important in Andalucia. Set in an area dominated by staggering karst formations, the cave is 39 metres wide and 18 metres high.
It has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Cuevas del Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata-Níjar
It’s undoubtedly the best known natural park in the province of Almería, the first protected maritime-terrestrial space in Andalucia and Cabo de Gata-Níjar has the 50 kilometres of best preserved cliff caves on the European Mediterranean coast.
With sheer walls, magnificent natural beaches, hidden and almost inaccessible coves and spectacular volcanic cliffs and reefs, it also hides a plethora of underground treasures.
Image 1: La Geoda de Pulpí
Image 2: Cuevas de Sorbas Natur-Sport
Image 3: Delegación de Andalucia
Image 4: Guia Repsol
Image 5: Andaltura
Image 6: Guia del Parque
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