Cave: Cova des Moro / Porto Cristo

Quick info

• Medium size cave with archeological sites that can be reached via a hike and short downclimb
• No technical gear needed 
• Can be combined with other caves or climbing for a full day out 

General

Situated right by the sea and very close to Cala Varques (popular among beach goers and deep water solo climbers alike) the Cova des Moro featured a large cavern with interesting formations and a unique atmosphere due to the little bit of light that enters the cave through small cracks. 

Getting to the cave is easy enough with a 30 minute hike ending in a short (safe) downclimb. The hike along the cliffs above the sea is worthwhile on its own but is elevated by several additional caves to explore. 

The Moro cave has been used by the prehistoric people of Mallorca which is evident by the massive rocks propped up by the entrance and the archeological excavation that has been done in the main chamber. It is surprisingly spacious upon entry and feels like a temple (which it might well have been) with its massive columns reaching from the floor to the ceiling.  

Logistics

The approach hike can be started in two places. Either by parking the MA-4014 road (blue on the map) from Porto Cristo towards the south or by the beach of Estany den Mas (red on the map). Both parking spots can be busy but there are more alternatives in Estany den Mas. 

This cave visit can be combined either with some deep water soloing at Cala Varques or with Cova des Genet (note that that cave needs rappel gear). 

Approach

The red variation is defininity more scenic than the blue one and we would recommend it. The hike starts on the beach by a well trodden path leading onto the cliffs (just to the right of the white rock face). Make your way to the cliff facing out to the sea and just follow the obvious path to the south. 

After about 1.3km up on the cliff you will have to start looking for an option to get down to the terrace about 20 meters below (see pictures). Once down continue to the south for about 200 meters to find the cave entrance by a rock jutting out to the sea. 

Technical information

• Gear: no technical gear needed, just headlamps. 
• Cell reception is spotty outside of the cave.

Route finding

The cave is actually one large cavern and it is impossible to get lost in here. There are no real obstacles in the cave either.