Caves of Canelobre at Busot
The famous Canalobre caves, or in English, 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 that are quite awe inspiring, and indeed, many of the formations resemble candelabras, as suggested by the name given to the cave.
Curious caves in BusotBusot is a tiny village in the Marina Baixa that is situated within sight of the sierra known as the Cabeço d' Or (Golden Hill). The landscape is dry, scorched and jagged and only the traditional dry-crops can be grown upon it. Today most of the village's inhabitants are involved in tourism and the service sector. It is a small village with approximately 1,500 inhabitants whose houses are grouped around a hill topped by a 12th-century Moorish castle. The ruined castle formed part of the Alicante's medieval defensive system.
Busot is fairly well signposted and can be found 24 kms from Alicante and 40 km from Benidorm, sitting in a vast and beautiful wilderness, pleasingly lacking in cranes and disruptive building works that seem to appear almost everywhere else along the coast. This is what makes a drive to Busot such a refreshing day out – just a few kilometres inland and it feels as though one has travelled to the heart of a wild and natural Spain.
The famous Canalobre caves, or in English, 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 that are quite awe inspiring, and indeed, many of the formations resemble candelabras, as suggested by the name given to the cave.
The drive up to the caves’ entrance is well signposted, and the views are stunning as the boundless arid countryside stretches out as far as the eye can see below. Endless rows of craggy mountains complete the picturesque views, and are at their most spectacular as the Autumn sun sets amid piercing golden rays, and sinks slowly behind the pointed distant peaks.
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, careful to point out where the floor boarding is loose! For 175 metres the route 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.
History
The Canelobre Caves history is a long one. 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. Life in the cave is minimal, although there are small colonies of cynobacteria, algae, fungi, mould and even a small colony of bats. The all year round temperature of 18 degrees Celsius helps to ensure their survival.
The caves have also been used by humans over the years, and their discovery is thought to have been by mining prospectors during the Moorish occupation. The Arabs themselves are said to have used the caves for shelter, and later, during the Spanish Civil War, the caves were used as a protected place in which to repair aircraft engines. From the mid 19th century the caves have been visited by tourists, and are still as popular as ever with visitors.
The area of Busot provides another attraction for the visitor. A short hiking route ascends from the Caves to an exceptional look out point, and passes by a quaint farmstead known as Casa de Polset, continuing along past ancient mines. The mountain also has two areas classified as micro-reserves containing protected species of interest to anyone with knowledge of the local flora. This area should not be visited without a camera. Luckily, the caves are open all year round, so the summertime tourist buses can be avoided by visiting now. From October 1 to June 20 the opening times are from 11.00 – 17.50. Easter week from 10.30 – 19.50, and for the remainder of the year from 10.30 – 19.50, closed only on December 25 and January 1.
For more information about the Canelobre Caves call 96 569 92 50
Curious caves in BusotBusot is a tiny village in the Marina Baixa that is situated within sight of the sierra known as the Cabeço d' Or (Golden Hill). The landscape is dry, scorched and jagged and only the traditional dry-crops can be grown upon it. Today most of the village's inhabitants are involved in tourism and the service sector. It is a small village with approximately 1,500 inhabitants whose houses are grouped around a hill topped by a 12th-century Moorish castle. The ruined castle formed part of the Alicante's medieval defensive system.
Busot is fairly well signposted and can be found 24 kms from Alicante and 40 km from Benidorm, sitting in a vast and beautiful wilderness, pleasingly lacking in cranes and disruptive building works that seem to appear almost everywhere else along the coast. This is what makes a drive to Busot such a refreshing day out – just a few kilometres inland and it feels as though one has travelled to the heart of a wild and natural Spain.
The famous Canalobre caves, or in English, 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 that are quite awe inspiring, and indeed, many of the formations resemble candelabras, as suggested by the name given to the cave.
The drive up to the caves’ entrance is well signposted, and the views are stunning as the boundless arid countryside stretches out as far as the eye can see below. Endless rows of craggy mountains complete the picturesque views, and are at their most spectacular as the Autumn sun sets amid piercing golden rays, and sinks slowly behind the pointed distant peaks.
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, careful to point out where the floor boarding is loose! For 175 metres the route 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.
History
The Canelobre Caves history is a long one. 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. Life in the cave is minimal, although there are small colonies of cynobacteria, algae, fungi, mould and even a small colony of bats. The all year round temperature of 18 degrees Celsius helps to ensure their survival.
The caves have also been used by humans over the years, and their discovery is thought to have been by mining prospectors during the Moorish occupation. The Arabs themselves are said to have used the caves for shelter, and later, during the Spanish Civil War, the caves were used as a protected place in which to repair aircraft engines. From the mid 19th century the caves have been visited by tourists, and are still as popular as ever with visitors.
The area of Busot provides another attraction for the visitor. A short hiking route ascends from the Caves to an exceptional look out point, and passes by a quaint farmstead known as Casa de Polset, continuing along past ancient mines. The mountain also has two areas classified as micro-reserves containing protected species of interest to anyone with knowledge of the local flora. This area should not be visited without a camera. Luckily, the caves are open all year round, so the summertime tourist buses can be avoided by visiting now. From October 1 to June 20 the opening times are from 11.00 – 17.50. Easter week from 10.30 – 19.50, and for the remainder of the year from 10.30 – 19.50, closed only on December 25 and January 1.
For more information about the Canelobre Caves call 96 569 92 50
Caves of Benidoleig
Benidoleig is a small town, just a short drive from Denia, Pedreguer and the coast. The town sits at the base of the mountain and is a good example of a typical Valencian town. Whilst the town has a thriving community, tourism has not taken over and spoilt it.
One of the most attractive and most visited things in Benidoleig are the caves. Located a few kilometres from the town centre, alongside the N332 highway, the caves make an interesting visit. The caves are open every day and entry is just €2 for children and €3.50 for adults. See a video of the caves here.
The prehistoric caves are known locally as the 'Cova de les Calaveres' and date back millions of years. As far back as 100,000 years ago, the caves were used as a dwelling place. Stone age bones and tools have been discovered in the caves. During the Spanish Civil War the cave was used as an ammunition depot. In the 1960's the caves were opened to the public and since then have proved to be a popular visit.
Outside the caves is a small gift shop with a bar, childrens' play area and ample free parking. Access is right off the main road.
You will receive a warm welcome here and all the displays are in English and German too. Some of the areas are accompanied by audio explanations and the caves are fully disabled friendly.
One of the most attractive and most visited things in Benidoleig are the caves. Located a few kilometres from the town centre, alongside the N332 highway, the caves make an interesting visit. The caves are open every day and entry is just €2 for children and €3.50 for adults. See a video of the caves here.
The prehistoric caves are known locally as the 'Cova de les Calaveres' and date back millions of years. As far back as 100,000 years ago, the caves were used as a dwelling place. Stone age bones and tools have been discovered in the caves. During the Spanish Civil War the cave was used as an ammunition depot. In the 1960's the caves were opened to the public and since then have proved to be a popular visit.
Outside the caves is a small gift shop with a bar, childrens' play area and ample free parking. Access is right off the main road.
You will receive a warm welcome here and all the displays are in English and German too. Some of the areas are accompanied by audio explanations and the caves are fully disabled friendly.
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