Mira de Aire Caves | Portugal
Mira de Aire Caves — Portugal’s largest cave and one of its seven natural wonders, unveiling 150 million years of underground beauty.
Located within the Natural Park of Serras d’Aire and Candeeiros, the Mira de Aire Caves are Portugal’s largest caves and proudly counted among the country’s seven natural wonders. Discovered in 1947 by local villagers searching for water, the caves were only opened to the public in 1974.
The cave system stretches over 11 kilometers, but visitors typically explore a well-lit 600-meter route during the guided tour. The journey begins with a descent of 683 steps, reaching 110 meters below the entrance. Although the number of steps may seem daunting, several resting points and levels make the descent manageable—and don’t worry, the return is via elevator.
Maintained at a steady 17°C year-round, the caves offer a comfortable environment to admire a variety of stunning limestone formations that have been shaped over 150 million years. Each formation has its own name based on its shape.
As visitors follow the marked path, they encounter breathtaking underground galleries, waterfalls, and small lakes. The tour ends at a large illuminated lake formed by the flowing waters of the Rio Negro. After the elevator ride back to the surface, visitors follow a blue line on the ground to reach the exit, located 300 meters from the entrance.
The entire visit lasts about 50 minutes, providing an unforgettable glimpse into Portugal’s subterranean wonders. For current visiting hours and ticket information, check the official site.
In addition to the caves, the site features a seasonal water park open from mid-June to mid-September, perfect for some summer fun.