Cavalum Caves, Lava tube system in Machico, Portugal
The Cavalum complex contains four volcanic tubes stretching between 50 and 300 meters in length through basalt formations at 157 meters elevation.
The caves developed during the Neogene period, with the last volcanic activity occurring approximately 6000 years ago near the Paul da Serra plateau.
Local residents used these subterranean passages as a refuge during the Revolta da Madeira rebellion of April 1931.
The network of caves maintains temperatures between 15 to 18 degrees Celsius and requires visitors to bring their own lighting equipment.
The cave system houses thirteen endemic species, including two cave spiders from genus Centromerus found nowhere else on Earth.
Location: Machico
Elevation above the sea: 157 m
GPS coordinates: 32.73242,-16.78461
Latest update: March 4, 2025 07:04
Machico beach
2.6 km
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
2.3 km
Forte de Nossa Senhora do Amparo
2.5 km
Forte de São João Baptista
2.9 km
Machico Municipal Stadium
1.1 km
Tristão Vaz Teixeira by Anjos Teixeira
2.4 km
Capela do Senhor dos Milagres
2.4 km
Capela de São Roque
2.8 km
Solar do Ribeirinho
2.2 km
Santo da Serra Golf Club
2.1 km
Mercado Municipal de Machico
2.5 km
Mercado Velho de Machico
2.5 km
Paços do Concelho de Machico
2.4 km
Casa Teixeira de Aguiar
2.3 km
Chalet da Rua da Estacada
2.2 km
Antigas cavalariças do Solar Cupertino da Câmara
2.4 km
Chalet do Caminho de São Roque
2.7 km
Casa dos Romeiros
2.8 km
Fontanário de São Roque
2.8 km
Alameda dos Plátanos
2.5 km
Miradouro do Pico do Facho
2.6 km
Casa do Arco
2.4 km
Antigo Matadouro e Talho Municipal de Machico
2.5 km
Casa do Americano
2.5 km
Junta de Freguesia de Machico
2.4 km
Fontanário do Largo do Município
2.3 km
Solar Cupertino da Câmara
2.4 km
Casa com Porta Manuelina
2.3 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes