The Caves of Canalobre

The Caves of Canalobre are in Buscot, a small village 24 kilometers north of Alicante with approximately 1,500 inhabitants whose houses are grouped around a hill topped by a 12th-century Moorish castle which although now ruined formed part of the medieval defensive system of Alicante.

The famous Cuevas del Canalobre or Candelabra Caves are located about 3 kilometres from the village, on the slopes of the golden hill, at a height of 700 metres. The caves comprise a spectacular cavern with curious limestone formations many of which resemble candelabras as suggested by the name given to these caves.

Formed in limestone rock approximately 150 million years ago, sometime during the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous periods, their formation is related to the underground forces that helped to form the whole area. The main vaulted area of the cave is one of the largest in Spain, and from the ceiling stalactites of up to 12 metres hang down directly above their corresponding stalagmites.

The drive up to the entrance of the caves is well sign posted and the views are stunning.  The entrance to the caves is along an artificial tunnel leading directly to a balcony overlooking a large inner gallery. This gallery reaches 45 metres in height, 45 metres in length and is 35 metres wide. The acoustics of the cave are excellent and concerts have been held in this area, set upon the specially designed stage that is still present.

Inside the caves the guide will then proceed along the set route which for 175 metres twists and winds around the cave allowing the visitor the most impressive views of the myriad of unusual shapes formed by the thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, formed over millions of years by dripping water containing sediments that slowly build up into columns. It is here that the imagination runs wild, as at every turn there is a face, a castle, a dragon, all carefully lit with an artistic use of lamps. In addition to the stalactites and stalagmites, there are also helictites, a lesser-known element of such caves, that form delicately along the walls. Also, slimy looking formations created by running water cling, like mossy aliens to the cave walls, these are known as ‘flowstone’ and do indeed give the appearance of fluid stone.

A word of warning if you are visiting the caves, take some warm clothes as the temperature inside the caves can be very cold!
                   
Open 11 am - 5.50 pm (Oct-June) 10.30 am-7.50 pm (July - Sept)