The caves of Almeria offer both a look into the past and history of ancient Almeria and the fantastic geology of the region.

Cuevas de Sorbas.

The caves at Sorbas are of Gypsum Karst and there are differing types of tours, ranging from a 1 hour easy tour to a 4 hour difficult tour for the fit and agile.

It is suggested that you visit the exhibition centre first to understand the formations and the importance of the Karst.

One and a half hour tour costs  -  Adults 10.50 euros and Children 6.50 euros.

Three and a half hour tour costs  -  Adults 18.00 euros and Children 12.00 euros.

Four and a half hour tour costs  -  Adults 36.00 euros. 

It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing and footwear and book in advance for the above routes.

To make reservations Tel: 950 364 704.

Cueva de los Letreros

 The Cueva de los Letreros are particularly spectacular because of their prehistoric cave paintings. the caves are located 3km outside the town of Velez Rubio. To find the cave follow the A317 north until you reach a petrol station on the left, next to which is a signed turning to the cave.

To gain entry to the site you will need to obtain the key. The key is held at the Almacen del Trigo information office in Vélez Blanco which is located at the far end of the town, you need to deposit your passport with them and they will give you the key.

The cave can be reached by following a path which starts from behind the petrol station.  The paths veers left before ascending steeply to a stairway which climbs halfway up a cliff to the fenced off rock shelter. This walk is about a kilometre in length. When you have gained access through the gate into the compound, you will observe surprisingly fresh looking red and brown sketches of human figures, birds, animals, astronomical signs and "indalos" which have been dated to around 4000 BC and are amongst the oldest representations of people and animals in the world.

Cueva del Gabar

Even more impressive than the nearby Cueva de los Letreros are the paintings at La Cueva del Gabar, to the north of Vélez Blanco.

The paintings here are in a better state of preservation, this cave can only be visited with a guide. The tourist information office at Vélez Rubio or the town hall at Vélez Blanco will advise you on a guide, the guide will provide you with a ladder and rope to assist you with ascending the sheer rock face, this is of course one of the reasons why they have survived more or less intact.