Grutas de Mira de Aire, grotte in Portogallo
The Grutas de Mira de Aire are caves in Portugal with large chambers, passages, and galleries extending over 11 kilometers total. Visitors walk on marked paths covering about 600 meters, passing features like the Pearl Fountain, named galleries, and underground streams.
The Grutas de Mira de Aire were discovered in 1947 when two men explored an underground passage and recognized from the echo that the cave was much larger than expected. From 1949 onward, cavers systematically explored new areas, built wooden walkways, and created maps, leading to the official opening to the public on August 11, 1974.
The caves are named after the small town of Mira de Aire where they are located. Today, visitors experience the quiet passages and witness the natural rock shapes that formed over thousands of years.
The cave is open year-round with longer hours in warmer months, especially summer until around 8 or 9 at night. Visitors should expect cool and somewhat damp conditions, wear sturdy shoes, and groups smaller than 20 people typically do not need advance reservations.
In 2007, an expedition team discovered more than one kilometer of new underground passages while exploring the Galeria do Rio Negro, extending to the nearby São Mamede Plateau. This late discovery shows that even intensive exploration can still uncover hidden sections of these caves.
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