Caving

Countries known for popular and accessible caving spots

Slovenia

• Postojna Cave is often called the “Jewel of the Karst.” It’s a massive cave system with a unique cave train that takes you deep inside, making it perfect for women travelers of all ages who want an immersive yet comfortable experience. The infrastructure is excellent, with well-lit paths and guided tours. Postojna is also close to the scenic Predjama Castle, combining history and nature.
• Škocjan Caves offers a more rugged, adventurous feel. The giant underground river and vast caverns create an awe-inspiring natural cathedral. Tours here cater to those who want a mix of adventure and education about cave ecology.

France

• Grotte de Lascaux II (replica) allows visitors to step back into prehistoric times, making it a cultural and nature blend. The original cave is protected, but the replica offers an accessible way to appreciate early human art in a cave setting.
• Gouffre Berger in the Alps is for more advanced cavers. It’s a deep vertical cave that challenges explorers but rewards them with breathtaking views and a feeling of conquering nature. Women who are experienced cavers will appreciate its technical demands.

Spain

• Ojo Guareña is a sprawling limestone karst complex with archaeological sites and underground rivers. Guided tours make it accessible, and the area’s mountainous backdrop offers additional hiking and nature experiences.
• Cueva de Valporquero is known for its stunning dripstone formations and well-maintained tourist trails, making it safe and scenic for women who enjoy moderate physical activity.

Italy

• Frasassi Caves are famous for vast chambers and dramatic formations like “The Cathedral.” It’s well equipped for tourists, and guided tours ensure safety and engagement. This cave system is in the Apennine Mountains, adding a mountain adventure component.
• Castellana Caves offers both tourist-friendly tours and more intense spelunking options. The vertical shaft known as “The Abyss” is a highlight for those wanting an adrenaline rush.

United States

• Mammoth Cave’s extensive system allows for varied experiences—from easy, flat tours to challenging wild cave expeditions. It’s very visitor-friendly, with accessibility options and many amenities. Women traveling solo or in groups will find guided tours informative and safe.
• Carlsbad Caverns provides a dramatic experience with huge chambers like the “Big Room.” The cave’s location in the Guadalupe Mountains adds stunning mountain vistas before or after your subterranean adventure.

Mexico

• Sistema Huautla is for highly experienced cavers, offering deep cave dives and exploration of one of the planet’s deepest cave systems. Women with advanced skills seeking extreme adventures will find this rewarding.
• Cueva de Villa Luz is notable for its sulfur springs and rare ecosystem. Tours emphasize cave biology and geology, making it educational and unique.

Thailand

• Tham Lot Cave is a majestic limestone cave with a river running through it. The boat ride inside the cave is a peaceful, scenic experience suitable for women travelers who want gentle adventure surrounded by jungle mountains.
• Phu Pha Phet Cave offers beautiful formations and is easily accessible with local guides, perfect for combining with trekking.

China

• Reed Flute Cave is famous for its colorful lighting illuminating natural stalactites and stalagmites, creating a surreal atmosphere—great for photography and a relaxed visit.
• Dragon Cave in Guizhou is surrounded by mountains, with waterfalls flowing inside the cave system, offering a refreshing and visually stunning experience.

Vietnam

• Sơn Đoòng Cave is a bucket-list adventure, the largest cave in the world, located deep in the Annamite Mountains. It requires multi-day guided expeditions, offering women who are fit and adventurous a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
• Phong Nha Cave is more accessible, with boat tours inside the cave along the Son River, combining water adventure with cave exploration.

New Zealand

• Waitomo Glowworm Caves offer a magical experience with thousands of glowworms lighting up the ceilings. The gentle boat rides inside the cave are safe and enchanting, ideal for women travelers who appreciate nature’s wonders without strenuous effort.
• Ngarua Caves offer guided tours focusing on cave formations and geology, with a safe environment in New Zealand’s mountainous Waikato region.

Australia

• Jenolan Caves are among the oldest discovered caves in the world, nestled in the Blue Mountains. Tours range from easy walks to more demanding caving, making it versatile for all levels. The surrounding national park offers hiking and mountain scenery.
• Buchan Caves are scenic and well-developed with guided tours that highlight the geological history of the region.

Greece

• Cave of Perama near Ioannina offers stunning formations and historical significance, with well-maintained pathways and knowledgeable guides.
• Melissani Cave is part water cave, part limestone cavern, where you can take a boat on a crystal-clear lake inside the cave—an experience combining water and caving in a spectacular mountain setting.

Norway

• Setergrotta is a large cave with safe, guided tours that include fascinating light displays, perfect for tourists seeking easy adventure in the Norwegian mountains.
• Grønligrotta features underground rivers and dramatic formations with easy access, ideal for casual caving experiences.

United Kingdom

• Peak District Caves (like Speedwell Cavern and Peak Cavern) offer dramatic limestone caves with historical mining tunnels, accessible with guided tours and excellent safety measures.
• Cheddar Gorge Caves are rich in history and natural beauty, with a range of tours catering to all levels of fitness.

Portugal

• Algar do Carvão is a volcanic cave with a stunning underground crater and mineral formations, located on Terceira Island in the Azores—perfect for combining volcanic mountain exploration and caving.
• Gruta do Escoural has prehistoric rock art and fascinating geological features, set in a beautiful mountainous area.

Slovakia

• Demänovská Cave System is extensive, with ice caves and limestone galleries, combining easy walking tours and mountain hikes in the Low Tatras.
• Ochtinská Aragonite Cave is world-famous for its rare crystal formations and is a UNESCO site—safe and very educational.

Turkey

• Damlataş Cave is known for its air quality beneficial for respiratory health, nestled in the Taurus Mountains, making it a relaxing stop after mountain hiking.
• Altınbeşik Cave offers underground lakes and beautiful formations, accessible through guided tours with mountain views.

Brazil

• Gruta do Lago Azul is a stunning cave with an intense blue lake, offering a mystical, photogenic experience in the Serra da Bodoquena mountains.
• Lapa Doce Cave features extensive limestone formations and is part of the Terra Ronca State Park, great for combining caving and mountain trekking.

Morocco

• Friouato Cave is one of Africa’s deepest caves, offering deep exploration and mountain scenery in the Rif Mountains. Guided tours ensure safety for women travelers.
• Kef Aziza offers adventure caving in rugged mountain landscapes, ideal for experienced cavers seeking less touristy destinations.

Austria

• Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave is the world’s largest ice cave, accessed by a mountain cable car and then a hike. Inside, towering ice formations create a magical, chilly environment perfect for those who love both mountains and caves.
• Lurgrotte Cave is a large karst cave with underground rivers and accessible tours, located in the Styrian Alps, combining mountain hiking with caving.