There’s no better way to treat yourself to that magical feeling that comes with exploration than by descending deep into the world’s largest and downright enchanting caves! Are you ready for your next subterraneous journey? You’ll be happy to know there are plenty of unique, breathtaking destinations to choose from.
Are you excited to see vast chambers sculpted by passing underground rivers? Or do you wish to see some of the oldest stalactites and stalagmites in the world? Whatever your desire, these caves have it all. Check out this list of the most amazing caves worldwide and pick your next destination!
Exploring some of the world’s most gorgeous and splendid caves and cave systems comes with great rewards. Whether you’re there to forge unforgettable memories or take ethereal pictures, you won’t be disappointed as you traverse the destinations mentioned in this post and meet their many age-old formations, underground rivers, deep pools, and canyons. From the magical ambiance of Slovenian and Maltese caves to the geological riches of Chile’s Marble Caves and Bermuda’s Crystal Caves, you’ve got some exploring to do! Do you have a new favorite yet?
Škocjan Caves, Slovenia
Škocjan Caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most beautiful cave systems. Nestled in the Kras Plateau of Slovenia, this magnificent subterranean network of fossil-filled caves is famous for its fairytale-like landscape and the turquoise river flowing through the underground canyon.
A tourist hot spot since the early 19th century, the limestone cave offers a surreal experience to those brave enough to explore its hydrological, speleological, and morphological karst features.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, USA
Home to a network of over one hundred caves, this New Mexico national park boasts gorgeous displays of stalactites and massive chambers connected by trails you can hike with your family. Several caves are open to the public and ready for your exploration.
If you’re exploring the park without a guide, take the famous Big Room Trail, which descends into the depths of the earth via the steep Natural Entrance. From there, you can better look at the spectacular geological formations offered by the 3.1-hectare Big Room and meet the Devil’s Spring, the Iceberg Rock, and the Whale’s Mouth.
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, USA
Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave is the longest-known cave system in the world, spanning 426 miles of subterranean chambers and tunnels. It is also home to some of the world’s most splendid underground theaters and millennia-old formations.
National park visitors can choose from various guided tours to explore parts of Mammoth Cave and get close to nature. Since parts of this UNESCO World Heritage site are at least ten million years old, you will be mesmerized by the cave’s natural beauty!
Reed Flute Cave, China
Also known as the Palace of the Natural Arts, China’s Reed Flute Cave is named after the reeds growing outside the cave. Inside the cave, walls of limestone formations are decorated by ancient inscriptions dating to the 8th century BCE.
The well-maintained cave is a pleasure to walk through and has magical vibes thanks to its multicolored lighting.
Postojna Cave, Slovenia
Another awe-inspiring natural gem in central Europe is the Postojna Cave in the Mediterranean country of Slovenia. The cave system stretches 15 miles underground, with four caves connected by the same river.
Along with the Škocjan Caves, this mainstream destination remains one of the top-visited places in the country. Are you ready for its expansive subterranean halls, giant stalactites, and protruding age-old stalagmites? Don’t forget to say ‘hi’ to the baby dragons residing in the cave while you’re there!
Waitomo ‘Glowworm’ Caves, New Zealand
Glowworms everywhere you look are one of the top reasons the cleverly named Waitomo ‘Glowworm’ Caves attract visitors worldwide. Located on New Zealand’s North Island, these magnificent caves are magical thanks to the presence of fluorescent fauna and fun activities like rafting.
As you descend into Waitomo caves via a spiral stair entrance, you’ll be met with a subterranean world like no other. With or without the cool-looking worms, the destination is a worthy contender that offers plenty of geological marvels like underground waterfalls.
Cave of the Crystals, Mexico
The Cave of the Crystals in Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico, is small but magnificent. The main chamber of the selenite crystal-rich cave is just 350 feet long and was discovered by accident in 2000 when miners working on a new tunnel came across the most magnificent sight.
While the cave is open for exploration, it requires special assistance and equipment to fully explore because navigating through a sea of crystals is far from easy.
Marble Caves, Chile
The marble caves of Chile are a marvelous nature preserve and one of the world’s most unusual cave systems. Carved into the sides of the Patagonian Andes, they rest on a marble peninsula and border the ancient glacial lake of General Carrera, which played a crucial role in the cave system’s development.
While beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, it’s hard not to gaze at the cave’s cerulean pillars and naturally decorated ceilings with awe and respect for Mother Nature.
Hang Sơn Đoòng, Vietnam
Vietnam’s Hang Sơn Đoòng is one of the largest caves in the world, and it is lightened up by natural skylights in some locations. The fairytale cavern is also home to rather unusual flora and fauna. It boasts massive cave pearls bigger than anywhere else in the world.
If you want to explore Hang Sơn Đoòng and its fossils dating back to the Paleozoic era, be ready to pay a whopping $3,000 per person for the tour of this natural wonder.
Fingal’s Cave, Scotland
Located on the uninhabited Scottish island of Staffa, Singal’s cave is part of a national nature reserve known for its natural acoustics. The spectacular sea cave has been a part of Scotland’s culture, art, and folklore since its discovery in 1772.
Besides its acoustics, Fingal’s Cave earns a place on this list thanks to its hexagonal basalt pillars caused by volcanic activity. After entering the cavern through its splendid, movie-like entrance, visitors are met by a majestic chamber fit for a royal dinner.
Crystal and Fantasy Caves, Bermuda
Bermuda’s Crystal Caves and Fantasy Caves duo is a must-see destination for all cave lovers and visitors of the British island territory.
The crystal caves are famous for their floating pontoons, which lead you through the subterranean area under thousands of spectacular stalactites resembling chandeliers. While strolling through the cave, you’ll be surrounded by a crystal-clear underground lake. On the other hand, the nearby Fantasy Cave is a hidden gem comprising stunning formations and waterfalls frozen through time. The cave also offers a close look at its deep pools and walls glazed with mineral deposits.
Nerja Caves, Spain
The Nerja Caves are part of a cave network stretching over three miles. The caves remain an integral part of Spain’s tourism. They are famous for the theatrical chamber, which resembles an amphitheater and is home to out-of-this-world concerts and shows.
The caves carved into the land of Malaga province are also famed for their dramatic stalagmites, stalactites, and karst formations unique to this natural marvel.
Blue Grotto, Malta
The southern coast of Malta is home to a network of beautiful, dramatic caves cut into the cliffside by the surrounding sea over millions of years. As you approach the cave network by sea, you’ll be met by a giant 100-foot arch before witnessing stunning reflections of crystal clear water on the vaulted ceilings of the chambers.
The caves are famous for glowing in colors ranging from green to purple and orange, depending on their mineral composition.