Quick info
- Medium sized cave with many interesting rock formations
- Entry by short rappel and exit by jugging
- Easy approach hike that can be combined with visiting Cala Varques
General
Of the many bays of the Mallorcan east coasts Cala Varques (also spelled Cala Barques) might be one of the most frequented by tourists (who are willing to walk the necessary 40 minutes there). Either they are visiting the picturesque beaches flanked by cliffs or more specifically to deep water solo climb - both good reasons to come.
Very close to the main beach there is a more hidden gem to be found by entering the fairly well hidden and unknown Cova des Genet.
Logistics
The parking to reach Cala Barques is a few kilometers south of Porto Cristo in a bend of Ma-4014 (about 500 meters before the junction with Ma-4015). There is quite a bit of parking space available, however during the high season these are occupied quickly.
Of course any of the other reasons to visit the Cala can be combined with this cave. Either bring just a towel to spend some time at the beach or your climbing shoes if you want to give the DWS areas a go (to really enjoy the area you need to be climbing 6b comfortably).
Approach
Walk along the road for about 300 meters before turning left onto a dirt road that is closed off by a gate (with signage telling people not to drive down the dirt track).
Follow the dirt road for 1.5 kilometers until another gate blocks it off completely. At this point follow the clear path signs right over two small walls and then continue on on the very visible path until you reach the main beach.
At the beach turn left (north) and walk up a small slope for about 100 meters, cross a old dry stone wall and start looking around for a one meter diameter hole by a tree and hidden by brush - you might need to search a bit, however when you find a hole that has an obvious possible thread for a rope on one side you found the cave.
Technical information
- Gear: 20 meter rope, slings to build the anchor (60 or 120 cm work well), rappel device, gear to ascend the rope, headlamps.
- The cave takes about 30 minutes to explore
- Take care with the slippery rock during entry, exit and on the inclined parts in the cave itself.
- Make sure not to damage the needle thin stalactites and other delicate rock formations
Route finding
Build a rappel anchor either by the tree right next to the entrance or by threading the rope in the rock itself.
After entering you will have to make your way down a slippery, muddy mount for a few meters to reach the actual level of the cave bottom.
Finding the entry point again can take a while however the cave is not big enough to actually get lost.