Cueva de las Calaveras

Cova de les Calaveres


Useful Information

Location: Benidoleig. Near Denia, at the road Denia/Javea to Benidoleig.
(38.793231, -0.017597)
Open: APR to SEP daily 9-20.
OCT to MAR daily 9-18.
[2021]
Fee: Adults EUR 3.90, Children (4-10) EUR 2, Children (0-3) free.
Groups (25+): Adults EUR 2.90, School Pupils EUR 1,90.
[2021]
Classification: SpeleologyKarst cave
Light: LightIncandescent Electric Light System
Dimension: L=900 m, A=70 m asl.
Guided tours: L=400 m.
Photography:  
Accessibility:  
Bibliography:  
Address: Cueva de las Calaveras, Ctra. Pedreguer, s/n, 03759 Benidoleig, Alicante, Tel: +34-966-404235, Fax: +34-966-404393.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

17th century cave explored and 12 skelettons discovered, cave named.
1768 AJ Cavanilles reports the discovery of archaeological remains when drilling for water.

Description

Cueva de las Calaveras (Cave of the Skulls) got its name from the 12 skeletons which were found in the cave during a 17th century exploration. The 400 m long dry level is developed as a show cave, the lower level is 500 m long and filled with water. The cave has some nice erosional forms on the walls and some speleothems. Unfortunately the operators thought it would be no great enough and made some improvements. There are various exhibits along the trail, starting with Brazilian amethyst geodes of respectable size and actually no connection to the cave at all. And there is a smoking fountain at the entrance, which is a nice example of a karst spring with some tufa deposits. Those additions are definitely kitschy and actually unnecessary as the cave is definitely impressive.

There is also a vitrine with human skulls, which are replicas of the 12 skeletons found in the cave. The cave was visited by Homo neanderthalensis and Hommo sapiens, but also by numerous animals. The remains of hyenas, horses, bears, bulls, hippos and rhinos were found. The paleontological remains are on display at the Alcoy museum.