A story shared many times verbally deserves to be written. The heat, as well as the holiday fever are taking over Valencia and, while most of you are checking the nearest beaches, I would like to share with you another type of activity – family friendly, perfect for dates, definitely fun and a challenge! This is a real-life escape room or as we call it in our family “The Cheese Caves”.
Covetes dels Moros or The Moorish Caves
If you head straight to Bocairent it would take approximately 1h15min and some euros from your budget as the A7 highway is the one with the toll. You may also choose the road along the coast (which is a slower drive through the villages) and after passing Gandia take the turn-off to Bocairent. This would be 1h40min drive.
When approaching the caves, you will see the wall full of small windows. Originally, they were made as separated storage units or chambers. Due to the lack of the funds, there is no complete research about their origin but most likely they were carved between 10th and 11th century, during the Hispanic-Arabic period.
The fun part starts when you discover that they are all connected. The chambers are spread across three irregular levels which makes the cave kind a look like cheese.
To enter there are stairs installed and upon reaching the first cave or room you will have to listen to the instructions from the guide – for example, it is forbidden to hang out of the windows. You also cannot bring your backpack with you as you might get stuck and I don´t recommend taking your sunglasses. Basically, you will need both your arms and legs to get through the labyrinth. And wear something comfortable!
You will start your journey on one side and stay on that side until you get out at the other exit. There are some ropes hanging for you to help yourself to get to some of the top levels. Did I mention that it is not only a horizontal path? The connecting holes might be just beneath or above you.
I recommend enjoying this experience in a small group or with family as you might need some extra help or someone may need your help to climb and get through. I would say as well that it is a perfect date plan. You will definitely learn much more about your partner and you will have to break the physical distance rule! Remember there will be pushing and pulling and giving a hand to help your partner!
The caves opening hours are Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Sat, Sun and bank holidays 11am-2pm and 4.30pm-7pm, and the entry price is only 1.50€
I have been there a couple of times already and I could always go a couple more.
The order doesn´t change the pleasure but one of the must see and swim places near Bocairent is
Pou Clar
Just 14 min drive from the cave location you will be stunned by the beauty created by 6 natural water pools surrounded by rocks where the brave ones can climb up to 2-3 meters and jump right into the water.
Now, while the water is between blue and green and refreshing, it is an excellent place to be. I believe it is the place with the coldest water temperature I have ever swam in – I go for lots of really quick swims as the sun doesn´t spare anyone. Although it is a popular place for locals as well as tourists and expats, there is enough space for everyone.
Each one of the pools has its own unique name.
El Pou dels Esclaus (the Slaves), el Pou Clar (the Pure), el Pou Gelat (the Frozen), el Pou de la Reixa (the New), el Pou Fosc (the Dark) and el Pou dels Cavalls (the Horses) – in which one you will jump in first?
My advice, apart from – enjoy?
Bring swimming shoes. This way you can get into the water easily, walk and climb without stepping on the uncomfortable small rocks with your bare feet.
I hope I have given you some ideas about what to see if you decide to go for a day trip. This is why we love Valencia, there are so many things to see and do close by.
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