Quick info
- A large cave that can be reached via a hike and easy scramble
- No technical gear needed
- Fairly popular but definitely not overrun
- The approach would be tricky in the rain
General
Among the caves of Mallorca the Cova Tancada holds a special place because of its sheer size, impressive rock structures and the ease of access compared to other large caves. Visiting this cave is doable for most folk as there is „just“ the approach hike and a few scramble bits to be navigated. So this cave might be a good option as a recovery day activity for the whole family.
The cave is split up into a number of caverns that culminate into the large hall that has been proven to be jaw dropping for anybody we witnessed seeing it for the first time.
The Cova Tancada has been used commercially historically. However today only the remains of a boat landing area and the few steps that have been built into the rock of the cave floor are sights of this history.
Logistics
There are two possible ways to reach the Cova Tancada. Either via a longer hike along the coast of the Alcudia peninsula or shorter from one of the parking spots along the small and rough road towards the Coll Baix. Both ways meet for the final way down to the coast and the cave entrance.
So either park at the golf course in Alcanada, which in turn is right outside of Port d´Alcudia.
Or find the small road leading out to the peninsula in the south east of Alcudia and find a parking spot whenever you feel the road gets too tough for your car. The road is first named Cami de s ´Alou and then turns into Cami de la Muntanya.
Approach
We would recommend the longer but more scenic approach hike starting at the golf course. Follow the coastal path first right along the water and then moves up onto the cliff. Then continue on the path running along the cliff until you reach a set of ladders over a fence - cross it and walk on to the right. At a large intersection turn right again and follow the 4x4 track that winds up the hill through the wood.
The 4x4 track will start to descent and shortly after a clearly visible trail to the right leads steeply down. Take that trail first through the wood, then on more open rocky ground. Finally continue steep downwards into a large barranco. From the base of the barranco the path will turn into more of an easy scramble with some iron pegs and chains for support at critical points. Just stay on the path until you finally reach the cave entrance.
Return to the car the same way.
The alternative shorter route starts by climbing up through the woods on the 4x4 track until it joins the longer approach for the final path downhill. This approach is marked blue on the map.
Technical information
- Gear: no technical gear needed, just headlamps.
- Cell reception is spotty outside of the cave.
Route finding
Upon entering the cave you will make your way through a number of small caverns one after the other. There is just one way - so getting lost is impossible. After these you will reach the large hall which can be explored in many different ways. Again finding your way back to the entrance is easy.