Grutas de Mira de Aire, central Portugal

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  Grutas (Caves) de Mira de Aire

The Grutas de Mira de Aire are the largest and most impressive caves in Portugal. Situated in Serra de Candeeiro mountains close to the central Portugal towns of Tomar and Torres Novas, the caves make for a fascinating day out for all the family.

The caves were discovered in 1947 by a group of geologists, though were only officially opened to the public on 11th August 1974 after an extensive network of reinforced walk ways, steps, lighting and an elevator were installed.

The Grutas de Mira de Aire cave system stretch for 11 kilometres but only a fraction of these tunnels and caverns are open to the public.

However the tunnels and caverns which are accessible to the public are lit by over 3,000 lights providing sufficient light to see some of the amazing stalactites and stalagmites which have formed over the centuries.

The Grutas de Mira de Aire may not be the only cave system in the Serra de Candeeiro mountains, though they are arguably the most extensive and impressive with cavern names such as Sala Vermelha (Red Room); Joalharia (Jewel Room) and Culpa do 2° Poço (Dome of the Second Shaft).

The caves are open all year round with guided tours down through the winding network of underground grottoes, reaching 110 metres below the surface of the mountainside. In addition to the superb stalactites and stalagmites the Grutas de Mira de Aire has an underground river, the Rio Negro (Black River). The waters of the Rio Negro flow through the cave system into a large lagoon at the Sala Grande (Grand Hall) where fountains are back lit in a variety of colours.

Rock Pools

Guided tours of the Grutas de Mira de Aire start at a visitor centre situated close to the original pot hole where the geologists discovered the cave system. Before you delve into the depths of the caves though you are treated to a 10 minute educational video detailing the discovery of the cave system and a little information on how they were formed.

Once inside the Grutas de Mira de Aire you will no doubt be amazed at the sheer size of the caverns and tunnels carved out over hundreds of thousands of years by water. A guide points out various key locations within the caves and a visit is not only educational but awe-inspiring.

Guided Tours of the Caves

The tour ends at the Sala Grande, one of the largest caverns of the system, complete with underground river and lagoon, subtly lit with hundreds of multicoloured lights. Fountains have also been rigged up to further heightened the experience. And if you are tired of walking at this point you don't have to worry about climbing hundreds of steps to reach the surface as there are elevators at the ready to ferry you to the second visitor centre.

The Grutas de Mira de Aire are open all year round and as they are underground there is no real optimum time to visit. However if you are holidaying in Portugal and the weather turns inclement then the caves make for a great afternoon out and you won't necessarily get wet.

Temperatures are also slightly cooler underground so if you want to get out of the heat of the Portuguese summer the caves also offer sanctuary from the sun.