Cavalum Caves, Lava tube system in Machico, Portugal
Description
Cavalum Caves are a lava tube system in Machico consisting of four volcanic passages running through basalt rock. These passages vary in length and sit at approximately 157 meters elevation.
History
The system formed during the Neogene period through volcanic activity, with the last eruption occurring around 6000 years ago near a high plateau. This geological history makes the caves a window into the region's volcanic past.
Culture
Local people sought shelter in these passages during a major uprising in 1931. The caves tell the story of how residents used the landscape to protect themselves during conflict.
Practical
The location stays cool year-round, with temperatures between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius, so proper clothing is important. Visitors should bring their own lighting since the tunnels are dark.
Did you know?
The system houses thirteen species found nowhere else in the world, including two spider species from the genus Centromerus. These creatures have adapted to cave life over thousands of years in complete darkness.
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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
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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
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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
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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 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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