Top 9 Caves around Castell De Castells

The region is rich in history. You can visit Camino de Petracos – Remote Beauty & Ancient Rock Art, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its prehistoric rock paintings, some over 6,000 years old. Another historical site is Cova Obrada del Moro, an old Moorish cave believed to have been used as a refuge. Additionally, the Nevera de Baix Ice House offers a glimpse into historical refrigeration techniques.

Yes, Forat de la Juvea is a natural monument featuring a hole that allows a path through the mountain, and during the rainy season, a thirty-meter waterfall forms there. In the wider Alicante region, the Cova Tallada in Denia is a natural jewel at sea level, partly man-made, with a natural pool and impressive arches.

Difficulty varies. Sites like Camino de Petracos are rated intermediate, involving some rocky steps. For a more challenging experience, El Badall Cave is a challenging climb with a T4 section, chains, and staples, requiring some crawling through narrow passages.

The Camino de Petracos – Remote Beauty & Ancient Rock Art site is suitable for families. It features a circular route of just one kilometer with interpretive panels, making it an accessible way to experience ancient rock art and history.

At Pla de Petracos, which is part of the Camino de Petracos site, you can see examples of Macro-schematic Art, dating back over 7,000 years. The paintings include abstract symbols, anthropomorphic figures, and mysterious shapes left by early Iberian cultures. One cave notably features a wounded deer pierced by arrows.

The area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes around Castell De Castells, including trails like 'Els Arcs' or the 'La Venta del Collao Restaurant – Collado de Garga Viewpoint loop'. There are also options for cycling and running trails in the surrounding region.

The best time to visit is generally during the spring and autumn months when the weather is milder and more pleasant for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring. Summers can be very hot, and some natural features like waterfalls (e.g., at Forat de la Juvea) are best seen during or after the rainy season.

Yes, Cova Obrada del Moro offers good views of the Vall de Gallinera. Additionally, the Forat de Bèrnia, an impressive natural tunnel in the Sierra de Bèrnia, provides panoramic views after passing through it.

For sites like Camino de Petracos – Remote Beauty & Ancient Rock Art, a circular route of about one kilometer allows for a thorough visit to the rock art sites, which can take 1-2 hours depending on your pace and interest. More challenging caves like El Badall Cave could require several hours for the ascent and exploration.

The rock art at Pla de Petracos is considered exceptional due to its state of preservation and size, earning it the nickname 'Sistine Chapel of Neolithic art.' It provides a unique insight into the social and religious concerns of ancient peasant communities, depicting pleas for health, animal welfare, and good harvests, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Beyond Castell de Castells, the wider Alicante region features other notable caves. These include the Cova de les Calaveres (Cave of Skulls) in Benidoleig, a 400-meter-long cavern, and the Cova Tallada in Denia, a partly man-made cave at sea level with a natural pool.