Cova dels Toixons

Cova dels Toixons is a small cave in the municipality of Matadepera, tucked into the La Mola massif within the Sant Llorenç del Munt range, inside the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park. Sitting at roughly 945 metres above sea level, it isn't famous for dramatic rock formations, but it's a solid pick for hikers and light cavers looking for a quieter alternative to the busier trails around Barcelona.

How do you get there?

The usual starting point is the Can Pobla farmstead, from where a narrow channel heading north leads to the entrance. Cova del Manel and the Coves del Frare sit close by on the same stretch of terrain, so a single outing can cover several caves in one go. This isn't a route built for casual sightseers — the path crosses uneven, rocky ground, and going with a map, GPS, or someone who already knows the terrain is a sensible precaution.

What will you find inside?

The mouth of Cova dels Toixons is very narrow, which immediately filters out anyone not prepared for tight spaces. A few metres in, the passage splits: a cramped, demanding squeeze continues west, while a noticeably larger gallery opens up to the east, ending in a chamber. The full route runs about 105 metres with essentially no change in elevation — this is a horizontal cave, not one with steep drops to negotiate. Dripstone formations such as stalactites and stalagmites are modest here, so the appeal lies more in the layout of the underground passage and the sense of exploration than in ornate rock decoration.

A bit of history

The earliest documented survey of the cave dates back to September 1960, when the GES-CMB club estimated the route at around 70 metres. In the late 1960s, members of the GETIM club (Terra i Mar de Sabadell) forced their way through further sections — both in the tight squeeze near the entrance and in the narrow gallery at the far end — which established the longer route known today.

When should you visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons, when temperatures across the Sant Llorenç del Munt massif stay moderate and the approach through the natural park is more comfortable. Summer heat around Matadepera can make the walk in demanding, even though the cave interior stays cool year-round. Bring a headlamp, sturdy trekking shoes, and water — the nearest supplies are back in Matadepera itself.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cova dels Toixons suitable for beginners? The entrance is very narrow and one branch requires squeezing through a tight passage, so it suits visitors with at least some basic caving experience, or those accompanied by someone already familiar with the site.

How long does it take to explore? The route itself covers about 105 metres, so exploring the interior takes anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour depending on which branch you follow. The approach hike from Can Pobla takes longer than the cave itself.

Are there bats or other wildlife inside? Caves in the Sant Llorenç del Munt massif can host bat colonies, so it's worth keeping noise down and avoiding disruptive visits, particularly outside summer.

Can this be combined with other nearby caves? Yes — Cova del Manel and the Coves del Frare are very close by, making it easy to plan a single hiking route that takes in several underground sites in the same part of the park.