Cova Obscura

Cova Obscura is a cave in the municipality of Atzeneta del Maestrat, in the province of Castellón, Valencian Community. It sits in the hilly, sparsely populated Alt Maestrat district, surrounded by typical Mediterranean upland scrub and limestone outcrops that have shaped many caves and rock shelters across the area.

What will you see?

The cave covers roughly one hectare and ranks among the most important bat refuges in the Valencian Community — it is the fourth-most significant site in the region for the geoffroy's bat (Myotis emarginatus). Alongside it, the cave shelters the greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), Mehely's horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus mehelyi), Natterer's bat (Myotis nattereri), and Schreiber's bent-winged bat (Miniopterus schreibersii). Because of this density and variety of colonies, Cova Obscura has been designated a Site of Community Interest (ZEC). The cave also hosts specialised cave-dwelling arthropods typical of subterranean environments.

Traces of prehistoric human occupation have been found both inside the cave and in its immediate surroundings, making it a point of interest for archaeology as well as nature.

How to get there?

A popular circular hiking route of about 6.3 km leads to Cova Obscura, typically completed in under two hours. The moderate trail first climbs to the ruins of an old castle (El Castell) overlooking the area, then descends to the cave itself. The return leg passes the Font de la Torre spring and continues through the Barranc de Torrosselles ravine back to the starting point near Atzeneta del Maestrat. The route sees relatively little foot traffic, making for a quiet walk through the landscape.

When to visit?

Since parts of the trail are exposed and run across rocky terrain, spring and autumn are the best seasons, when temperatures in this part of Spain are milder. Summer heat can make the open stretches of the walk demanding, while winter visitors should check the weather forecast given the hilly terrain of Alt Maestrat.

What should you know before visiting?

The cave is an active refuge for protected bat species, so visitors should keep noise to a minimum and avoid disturbing the colonies, especially during breeding and hibernation periods. The site carries legal protection as a Site of Community Interest, which limits interference with the natural environment.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the cave? Cova Obscura is a protected bat habitat, so visits should stay limited to the surrounding area and entrance without disturbing the colonies inside.

How long does the hike to the cave take? The popular circular route of about 6.3 km takes roughly one and a half to two hours, depending on pace.

What else is along the trail? The route passes the ruins of a medieval castle, the Font de la Torre spring, and the scenic Barranc de Torrosselles ravine.

Are there traces of ancient settlement in the cave? Yes, traces of prehistoric human use have been found both in the cave and its surroundings.