These caves, 2km east of the town of Sorbas, are part of the vast network of underground galleries and tunnels of the Sorbas gypsum karst, a geologically unique area created by water eroding a layer of the soft mineral gypsum that was laid down as the sea retreated 5 million years ago. Gypsum erosion is normally quite rapid, but the lack of rain in Almería has slowed the process dramatically, resulting in the survival of this rare and spectacular cave network.
Several tours are available on which you can see glittering gypsum crystals, tranquil ponds, stalactites, stalagmites and dark otherworldly tunnels. The basic tour, suitable for everyone from children to seniors, lasts about 1½ hours. Tours need to be reserved at least one day ahead; English-, French- and German-speaking guides are available.
Sorbas is 60km northeast of Almería and 36km west of Mojácar. Buses run from Almería to Sorbas (€4.75, one hour) three times Monday to Friday, twice on Saturday and once on Sunday. Returning, there are three daily Monday to Saturday and two on Sunday.
