Cova de les Calaveres

Cova de les Calaveres is one of the most fascinating attractions near Benidoleig, a small town in the Marina Alta region of Alicante province. The cave draws visitors both for its striking rock formations and for the dark history behind its name.

How to get there?

The cave sits on a hillside above Benidoleig, at roughly 70 metres above sea level, right at the entrance to the town. It's a short drive of around fifteen minutes from Dénia or Pedreguer, and there's a car park at the entrance for visitors. The location makes it an easy stop when exploring the Costa Blanca inland, and it can be combined with a trip to nearby coastal towns.

What will you see?

The cave stretches roughly 400 metres, with chambers reaching over 50 metres in height in places. The visitor route winds past striking stalactites and stalagmites, flooded chambers, and rock formations shaped over thousands of years. Careful lighting highlights the texture of the formations and gives a real sense of scale inside the underground galleries.

The cave's name comes from an event in 1768, when local residents discovered the skeletal remains of twelve people inside — most likely medieval farmers who became trapped while carrying out water-collection work and died inside the cave. That discovery gave rise to the name "cave of the skulls," along with a string of local legends about Moorish kings, hidden treasures and princesses that have circulated for generations. The site also carries real archaeological and geological weight, with traces of past habitation making it an important research location in the region.

The cave became a popular attraction in the early 20th century, and in the 1960s it was developed and opened to the public as a show cave. The walkways are safe and easy, making the route suitable for visitors of any age, including families with children.

When to visit?

The cave is open year-round, with seasonal hours: 9:00 to 18:00 in autumn and winter, and 9:00 to 20:00 in spring and summer. In summer, the cave's naturally stable temperature makes it a welcome break from the heat along the coast. Visiting in the morning is a good idea, since the cave tends to be quieter, allowing for a more relaxed look at the formations.

How long does it take and what does it cost?

The standard tour takes around 30 to 45 minutes. Adult tickets cost €4.90, children aged 4-10 pay €2, and groups of 25 or more pay €2.50 per person. School groups get an even lower rate at €1.50 per person. The route is technically easy, with no steep climbs, so it suits most visitors regardless of fitness level.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the cave's name come from? The name comes from the 1768 discovery of twelve skeletons inside the cave, believed to be medieval farmers who died while collecting water underground.

Is the cave suitable for children? Yes, the route is safe and easy, designed for visitors of all ages, including families with young children.

How long does a visit take? The standard guided route takes between 30 and 45 minutes to complete.

Are the opening hours the same all year? No, hours change seasonally — the cave is open 9:00 to 18:00 in autumn and winter, and 9:00 to 20:00 in spring and summer.