In July 2023, we took a 4-day trip through Central Portugal and one of the attractions visited was the largest cave in the country, known as Mira de Aire Cave. She was recently elected as one of the 7 natural wonders of the country and it really is a MUST SEE in this region of the country.
If you want to know more about this trip, click on the post below which has all the details:
The Mira de Aire Cave
The cave is located in the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, in central Portugal, and is easy to access if you go by car, as there is parking right next to the main entrance. If you live in Cascais like us, it will take about 1h30 to get there:
The cave, or rather the caves, were discovered in 1947, but were only opened to the public in 1970. They are over 11,500 meters long, of which only 600 meters can be visited. and yet, this stretch is enough for an impressive adventure, with enormous halls, magnificent rock formations and depths reaching 110 meters below the surface.
The visit to the Cave
You need to buy tickets at the time – see more details at official website – and get in a line that is usually not very long. The visit lasts an average of 60 minutes, starting with a short video, followed by a visit accompanied by an employee who will provide explanations along the route of the cave, and ending with a photographic exhibition on the 70 years of speleology in Portugal and an exhibition of rocks, minerals and gems.
We went down more than 680 steps with our group, very slowly and safely, and we took many photos and enjoyed the beauty of the place. I was fascinated by the illuminated stalactites and stalagmites that look like a great work of art. They knew exactly how to make the place magical with the right lighting!
Fortunately at the end of the tour, There was no need to climb almost 700 steps as they have an elevator that takes us to street level. Of course I already knew this, as I had researched and confirmed it at the ticket office, after all my children were 2 and 5 years old and we parents wouldn't be crazy enough to go up with them on foot.
Given that, I believe this tour is a MUST SEE in Portugal for all ages! Luckily the tickets are not very expensive and access is easy.
Our photos from the tour
