Cau de la Figuera

Cau de la Figuera (literally "Fig Tree Cave") is a small cave in the Montgrí massif, within the municipality of Torroella de Montgrí (Baix Empordà, Catalonia), one of several prehistoric burial caves scattered across this rocky range. The cave entrance is well hidden among vegetation, adding a sense of discovery to reaching it.

What will you see?

The entrance is of decent size, though the interior is reduced essentially to a vestibule — the remains of a former gallery that appears to have collapsed at some point in the past. The site has long been known, cited in old speleological catalogs, and served as a shelter during the Spanish Civil War in 1936.

Archaeologists Lluís Pericot and M. Pallarès examined the cave during the 1920s, but abandoned excavation work due to large rock blocks hindering exploration. Cau de la Figuera belongs to a group of prehistoric burial caves in the Montgrí massif, alongside Cau d'en Calvet and Cau de l'Olivar d'en Margall — together documenting the rich Neolithic and Chalcolithic settlement of the Empordà region.

How to get there?

The cave lies along a hiking trail connecting several sites of the Montgrí massif, described as the "Massís del Montgrí" route (Cau de la Figuera – Cau de l'Olivar d'en Margall – Cau de les Dents). Reaching the entrance itself can be demanding due to dense vegetation masking the opening and a somewhat scrambly approach.

When to visit?

Spring or autumn is the best time to visit, when vegetation is less dense and temperatures suit longer hikes across the massif's rocky terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the cave entrance hard to find? The opening is well hidden among vegetation, which has historically made both its discovery and systematic archaeological study difficult.

What was the cave used for during the Spanish Civil War? In 1936 it served as a shelter.

Why did the 1920s archaeological excavations stop? Archaeologists Pericot and Pallarès encountered large rock blocks hindering further exploration and abandoned the work.

What other caves are worth seeing on the same route? Cau de l'Olivar d'en Margall and Cau de les Dents — both part of the same network of prehistoric burial caves in the Montgrí massif.