Andalusia can be considered as a privileged territory in terms of abundance and variety of karst formations , both superficial and underground, that have been originated by the dissolution of the rock by effect of the water. In this section we will introduce you specifically to the attractiveness of Andalusian caves to offer different activities to their visitors.

Cavities are a very important part of the valuable Andalusian geodiversity . As we enter the depths of the subsoil is when we begin to glimpse the enormous hidden beauty under this curious landscape. Intricate galleries appear before our eyes, speleothems (stalactites and stalagmites, among others) that have witnessed the passage of our ancestors through these caves and that left their mark in the form of paintingss and rock engravings; in short, a heritage that can only be admired in this underground world.

For the general public, there are Andalusian caves that can be visited and in which to enjoy the contemplation of a multitude of forms of great beauty and uniqueness. Some widely known as the Gruta de las Maravillas in the Sierra de Aracena Natural Park and Picos de Aroche , the Cuevas de Sorbas in the Karst Natural Park in Yesos de Sorbas or the Cueva de Nerja in the Sierra de Tejeda Natural Park , Alhama and Almijara . But they are not the only ones and include, among others, the Cueva de los Murcielagos in the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park , the Iznalloz Water Cave in the ZEC Sierra de Arana , the natural monument of the Cueva de las Ventanas in Piñar ( Granada ), the Cueva de la Pileta in the Park Natural Sierra de Grazalema or the Cueva de Ardales ( Málaga ). These last two are home to some of the most important sets of cave paintings in the Iberian Peninsula..

On the other hand, there is the possibility of practicing caving and living with it more daring emotions entering narrow cavities, descending through deep chasms or immersing yourself in underground lakes . This activity should be done in goup and requires technical knowledge and a certain physical condition to develop it safely. There are numerous caving clubs distributed throughout the Andalusian provinces and there are active tourism companies among whose activities they offer a caving route.

In the "Companies" section of each of the files of the protected natural areas of this web portal, you can consult the companies adhered to both the Andalusian Natural Park Brand and the European Charter for Sustainable Development , which operate in each space.

If you want to learn more about the practice of speleology in Andalusia, you can obtain more information through the website of the Andalusian Federation of Speleology (http://www.espeleo.es/).