Quick info
- Medium sized stunning cave with a technical entry and exit
- Needs gear to rappel into the cave and jug back out
- The entry is very close to the sea and can be inaccessible with high waves.
- Naturally a good option on a rainy day
General
Mallorca has many caves of various sizes and ease of access. Some, like the Cuevas de Porto Cristo, are fully developed tourist locations, while others, like the Cova Tancada, can be reached and entered without technical skills. Beyond that there are many many more that need some level of technical skill to be enjoyed - from a simple rappel to full scale spelunking tools and skills. Our goal was on the only slightly technical end of the scale: The Cova de na Mitjana (also called Cova d´en Gosti Lladre) at the very edge of the sea just north of Canyamel.
The cave does have a lot to offer even though is not huge. There is a tide pool that falls and rises with every wave pushing against the coast, a countless number of bizarre and interesting rock formations (especially the first moment of rappeling into the cave is quite impressive) and a unique double floor that has been formed by changing water levels in the cave. All of this is elevated by the fact that the hiking approach and technical entry into the cave make this just that bit more adventurous (and less visited) than most other caves.
Logistics
To reach the cave drive to Canyamel (follow the signs to the Coves d´Arta) and park a bit up the Carrer de l´Ermita in a right hand curve. Alternatively you can start the approach hike from the southerly most part of Sa Font de sa Cala.
Approach
In this guide we will describe the approach from Canyamel. However the northern approach from Sa Font de sa Cala does join this way for the final descent and scramble to the cave.
From the parking spot find the well trodden path leading up towards the visible tower on top of La Talaia Vella - there are blue marks on the rocks. Upon reaching the small plateau (about 15min) turn left and find a path along the hill leading towards a large open cave on the south side. Follow this path (still marked in blue on the rocks) to go around the hill. After surrounding the Talaia the path will lead downwards into rocky terrain - its easy to loose the path!
At a trail intersection (the northern approach joins here) take a sharp right and follow the cairns downwards towards a little rocky bay. Keep at it until you are almost at sea level. Now scramble (easy) a meters above the water towards the north. Keep an eye out for the small cave entry with rusty remains of a former gate closing it off.
For the way back either retrace your steps or from the rocky bay move up straight south through scramble terrain (blue line on the map) to reach the plateau of Talaia Vella.
Technical information
- Gear: 30 meter rope, slings to build the anchor (two 120cm work well), rappel device, gear to ascent the rope, headlamps.
- Be careful with the „double floor“ in the cave that is prone to breaking
- There is no cell reception at the cave entry (and of course not in it). As the exit is technical and not many people visit it make sure somebody knowns you are in there.
Route finding
The small cave entrance leads to a first chamber with a low ceiling. At the end of the chamber you will find a hole in the ground that leads to the actual cave. Right next to the hole there is a very solid (30cm diameter) rock column that is perfect as an anchor. Further back you can find many more columns which can be used for backup. Setup your anchor and fix the rope to rap down about six meters into the hole.
Once inside the cave the its impossible to get lost and you will have to problem finding the exit again (especially with the fixed rope hanging from the ceiling.
To exit the cave ascent the rope you have fixed at the entry.
From entry to exit the whole cave takes about an hour to explore.