Gruta de las Maravillas

The Gruta de las Maravillas runs beneath the hill that carries Aracena's castle, and it was opened to visitors in 1914, the first show cave in Spain. The route covers about 1,200 metres through twelve chambers and six lakes, with the water reflecting the formations above it and giving the cave its particular character; stalactites, columns, flowstone and helictites fill the chambers, and one section is known for formations resembling human forms, which the guides make the most of. The temperature stays around sixteen to nineteen degrees with very high humidity. Entry is by timed guided tour in limited group sizes, and photography is prohibited inside to protect the formations.

What you actually see

• The underground lakes - six pools reflecting the chambers above.
• The twelve chambers - a 1,200-metre lit route through the system.
• The formations - columns, flowstone and delicate helictites.
• The 1914 opening - Spain's first cave developed for visitors.

When to go

Year-round; the constant temperature suits a hot summer day, and Aracena's Sierra setting is pleasant in spring and autumn. Tours are timed and limited in size, selling out at weekends and holidays.

Honest expectations

Photography is prohibited throughout and enforced. The route has steps and low sections and is not wheelchair accessible. Tours run in Spanish, with English commentary not always available.

Nearby

Aracena castle stands above the cave; the Sierra de Aracena villages and the Rio Tinto mines lie around.