Avenc del Daví

Avenc del Daví is one of the best-known karst caves in Sant Llorenç Savall, tucked into the heart of the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park. It is a vertical pothole (an "avenc" in Catalan) that has drawn cavers, naturalists, and curious hikers for more than a century.

How do you get there?

The starting point is Coll d'Estenalles, a mountain pass on the road to Sant Llorenç Savall, where you'll find a large car park and the park's interpretation centre — a good stop before heading out to learn more about the area's geology and wildlife. From there, a trail leads toward Els Òbits, from which the cave entrance is just a short walk away. The route forms part of the wider network of hiking paths across the massif that draw visitors to the park throughout the year.

What will you see?

The entrance to Avenc del Daví is wide and unusual: two openings on either side of a wedged rock block form a kind of natural bridge over the shaft. The main pothole drops around 65 metres, and the full system of passages runs to roughly 250 metres in total length. At the foot of the shaft lies an impressively large chamber, one of the cave's main draws for those exploring it with proper caving equipment.

The cave also holds real ecological weight. It shelters one of the region's largest bat hibernation colonies — estimates put the wintering population at several thousand individuals. To protect them, entry is banned from 1 November to 31 May. Two protected endemic species also live here under the area's Natural Interest Spaces Plan: the beetle Troglocharinus kiesenwetteri sanllorensi and the aquatic isopod Stenasellus virei, found only in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula.

Avenc del Daví carries its own history, too. It was first explored back in 1912 by members of the Centre Excursionista de Terrassa, accompanied by geologist Marià Faura i Sans. Local folklore also ties the cave to counterfeiters, said to have used it as a hiding place for forged coins.

When should you visit?

Summer through early autumn — roughly June to October — is the best window, since access isn't restricted during this period thanks to the bat protection rules. Keep in mind that going inside the cave requires proper caving gear and experience; this is not a spot for casual visitors without preparation. The surrounding area, including the approach via Coll d'Estenalles and Els Òbits, is enjoyable year-round and offers fine views over the Sant Llorenç del Munt massif.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go inside the cave without caving experience? It's not advisable. Descending the 65-metre shaft requires proper equipment and technical skill. Visitors without experience should go with a local caving club or a qualified guide.

Why is access restricted in winter? A large bat colony hibernates in the cave from 1 November to 31 May. The seasonal ban protects the bats from disturbance during hibernation.

How far is the cave from the Coll d'Estenalles car park? The approach runs via Els Òbits and forms part of the park's popular hiking trail network, suited both to those heading directly to the cave and to hikers simply passing nearby.

Does the cave hold any unique species? Yes — two protected endemic species live here: the beetle Troglocharinus kiesenwetteri sanllorensi and the aquatic isopod Stenasellus virei, found only in northeastern Spain.