Cueva de las Güixas

Cueva de las Güixas is a karst cave in Villanúa, sitting at the foot of the Collarada massif (2,886 m) in the Aragonese Pyrenees. Its name comes from the Aragonese word "güixa," meaning witch — local oral tradition from the 15th to the 19th century told of witches gathering deep inside the cave for sabbaths. The cave itself was carved out through the dissolution of limestone during the Quaternary period, in the Würm glaciation, roughly 25,000 to 30,000 years ago.

How do you get there?

Villanúa sits in the Aragón valley, right on the N-330 road heading toward the Somport pass and the French border, close to Jaca. The cave entrance is in the village itself, and every visit starts at the Centro de Interpretación Subterránea (Underground Interpretation Centre) in Villanúa.

What will you see inside?

The visit opens with a multimedia display at the interpretation centre, explaining how the cave formed and outlining the geology of the Collarada massif. After that introduction, the group heads out on a roughly 400-metre circular route through the cave itself — always with a guide, since independent access is strictly forbidden. The cave is protected as a Site of Community Interest within the Natura 2000 network, which is why entry rules are so strict. The full visit, interpretation centre included, runs about one hour and fifteen minutes. Inside, the temperature stays cool and constant year-round, so bring warm clothing and comfortable, non-slip shoes. The site is equipped for visitors with reduced mobility.

When to visit and how to book?

The cave can be visited all year, but only in guided groups and with a prior reservation. Standard visiting slots run at 10:30, 12:00, 16:00 and 17:30, Tuesday through Sunday — the site is closed Mondays, except on public holidays. During high season, meaning summer and Easter week, more time slots are added. It's best to book ahead through the Villanúa tourist office (email: cuevas@villanua.net, phone +34 974 37 84 65) or the town's official tourism website.

How much does it cost?

A standard adult ticket costs €8, children aged 5 to 12 pay €6, and kids under 5 get in free. Prices can change, so it's worth confirming the current rate when you book.

Background and legend

Beyond the witch legend, the cave's history runs much deeper — the earliest traces of human presence in the area date back to the Eneolithic period, around 3,000 BC. According to legend, in a section known as the "Dolina" or "Chimenea" (chimney), witches would hold their sabbaths, using a natural opening in the rock that let them see the sky, the moon and the stars — elements considered essential to their rituals.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the cave on your own, without a guide? No. Because it's a protected site within the Natura 2000 network, entry is only allowed in guided groups with a prior reservation.

How long does the visit take? The full visit, including the interpretation centre, lasts about one hour and fifteen minutes, and the route inside the cave itself covers around 400 metres.

Is the cave accessible for visitors with disabilities? Yes, the site has facilities in place to accommodate visitors with reduced mobility.

Where does the name "Güixas" come from? It comes from the Aragonese word for witch, tied to a centuries-old local legend about witches holding sabbaths deep inside the cave — though some researchers also link the name to "guixa," a type of legume once grown in the surrounding fields.