Select The Caves of Sant Josep: An Underground Adventure on the Trip to Valencia The Caves of Sant Josep: An Underground Adventure on the Trip to Valencia

When planning a camper van trip towards the coasts of the Valencian Community, most itineraries focus on the most famous destinations: the City of Arts and Sciences, the beaches of Benicassim, the natural parks of the Sierra Calderona. However, hidden near the small town of Vall d’Uixó, in the heart of the province of Castellón, there is a place that absolutely deserves to be included in the route: the Coves de Sant Josep (Caves of Sant Josep), an underground complex that represents one of the most fascinating geological phenomena in continental Europe.

For those arriving from France following the Mediterranean coast, reaching these caves represents a logical and well-positioned detour along the way to the Nomadic Experience – Motorhome Park in Valencia, the ideal base for exploring the region. The distance separating the caves from the motorhome park is approximately 50 kilometers, equivalent to a 40-45 minute drive by camper van, which makes the visit perfectly integrable into a half-day trip.

Aspect	Detail
Location	Vall d’Uixó, province of Castellón, Valencian Community
Address	Paratge de Sant Josep s/n, 12600 Vall d’Uixó
Official Website	www.covesdesantjosep.es
Telephone	+34 964 690 576
Visit Duration	40-45 minutes
Ticket Price	€10-15 (adults)
Camper Parking	8 official pitches + free general parking
Camper Services	Water, toilet facilities, night lighting
Distance from Valencia	~50 km (40-45 minutes)
Internal Climate	20°C constant
Guide Languages	Spanish, English (verify availability)
Best Periods	Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October)

Visit Valencia Explore

The Longest

Underground River in Europe

The Coves de Sant Josep represent an exceptional example of a hydrologically active cavern, where a navigable underground river flows for about 2,750 meters in total length – the longest in all of Europe. This fact, although impressive, must be immediately contextualized: of the total 2,750 meters, only 800 are accessible to visitors during the standard tour, while the remaining 1,950 meters are still in the phase of speleological exploration, with new material still covered by water and difficult access.

The formation of these caves dates back to the Middle Triassic Period, when complex hydrochemical processes progressively dissolved the limestone, creating the system of galleries and chambers we observe today. What makes Sant Josep even more exceptional is the fact that the dissolution process is not over: the river actively continues to shape the caverns, depositing minerals and creating new geological formations. This means that, contrary to many European caves, we are facing an underground ecosystem that is still “alive” and evolving.

The official discovery of the caves dates back to 1902, when the first documented expedition took place. However, the structure had been locally known for centuries, and in the 18th century, the prestigious naturalist Josep Cavanilles mentioned the importance of these caverns in his scientific studies. Only in the 1950s, thanks to a system for stabilizing the river level, was it possible to make a significant portion of the cave accessible to the public, thus inaugurating the first tourist route.

The Visit

How is it organized

A visit to the Coves de Sant Josep has an approximate duration of 40-45 minutes, divided into two main components: a nautical component and a hiking component.

The Boat Section (800 meters)

The core of the experience is undoubtedly the navigation on the underground river. Visitors embark on manual boats (special gondolas) guided by expert boatmen and are slowly led through the crystal-clear waterway. During this route, visibility is excellent as the waters are extremely transparent, allowing geological formations to be observed both from above and reflected on the surface. The artificial lighting, carefully designed not to disturb the underground ecosystem, creates a surreal atmosphere that transports the visitor into an almost extraterrestrial landscape.

During the navigation, the boatmen point out the most significant formations and areas of major geological interest. The guides are generally knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the cavern, and often available to provide detailed explanations. It is important to note that tours are available in multiple languages, thanks to multilingual guides, but it is not uncommon to encounter guides who speak predominantly Spanish – it is therefore advisable to verify the availability of English-speaking guides at the time of booking.

The Walking Section (250-255 meters)

After the boat trip, visitors disembark from the gondola and continue on foot through a dry gallery. This stretch is very short – about 255 meters – but is located in an area of great geological interest where some of the most iconic formations of the entire cavern are found. The path is well-lit and relatively easy, although it does feature some steps and irregular, sometimes slippery surfaces. Sturdy and comfortable shoes are highly recommended, as is a light jacket, since the temperature inside the cave remains constant at 20°C all year round – a feature that makes Sant Josep an ideal refuge during the hot Mediterranean summers, but which requires thermal adjustment during the winter months.

"the entrance"

"the Sant Josep complex"

The Geological Formations

Spectacles of Calcite and Water

During the tour, visitors have the opportunity to admire a remarkable variety of calcitic formations. Among the most famous are the Murciélagos Room (Sala dei Pipistrelli), named for the historical proximity of local bat fauna, and the Pondi d’Azul (Blue Pond), a pool of impressively transparent water. Further notable areas include the Diana and El Diablo Lakes, so named for their shape and their location respectively in areas where the light creates effects of great suggestion.

Other formations worth mentioning are the Medusa, a stalactite with a particularly singular shape, the Cascada de la Flor (Flower Waterfall), and the Portal de Belén (Bethlehem Portal), the latter famous for its impressive opening that recalls the architecture of a Gothic cathedral.

A fundamental aspect is that photography inside the cave is partially limited, for conservation and safety reasons. Generally, taking photos is allowed in the final section of the walking tour, while flash photography is prohibited during the boat tour. This restriction, while frustrating for those wishing to capture the experience, is intelligently motivated by the need to protect the subterranean microbial ecosystems and to preserve the visual capabilities of visitors in the passages where lighting is minimal.

“Let's enter ...”

"reflections of light in every corner"

Practical Aspects

for the Camper Van Traveler

Booking and Opening Hours

A visit to the Coves de Sant Josep requires minimal but essential planning. The caves are open throughout the year, with tours available at regular intervals. However, during the summer months (July and August), hours are extended with an additional departure at 6:00 PM, which allows for organizing visits during cooler periods.

Online booking is highly recommended, especially during the summer season when the flow of visitors is high. It is possible to book through the official website www.covesdesantjosep.es or contact the facility directly at the number +34 964 690 576. Tickets can also be purchased directly at the ticket office, but availability is not guaranteed in case of high attendance. The professional advice is to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time of the visit, if the reservation was made online – failure to respect this timing may result in the cancellation of the reservation.

Access Fees

The access cost for adults is around **€10-15** per person, depending on whether one opts for the basic tour or for packages that include additional services. Children and seniors generally benefit from reduced rates. For those who wish for a more adventurous experience, **specialized speleokayak tours** are available, where it is possible to navigate the river using single or double kayaks – these require moderate physical fitness and appropriate clothing (wetsuit), as well as confirmation of swimming ability.

Parking and Infrastructure for Camper Vans

One of the great positive surprises of Vall d’Uixó is the excellent infrastructure for the camper van traveler. The **official motorhome stopover area** is located just a few minutes’ walk from the cave entrance and consists of 8 dedicated pitches, which stand alongside a large paved, level, and illuminated mixed parking lot at night.

The **camper van pitches** are relatively spacious and allow access to basic services: free water supply via a refill tap and access to toilet facilities (open during weekdays, with limited availability at night). The maximum stay is limited to 48-72 hours, depending on local regulations – it is recommended to check with staff upon arrival.

The general parking lot, although lacking specific camper services, is completely free and suitable for accommodating medium-sized camper vans. The area is quiet, with police patrols at night contributing to safety. Just **200 meters from the parking area**, there is a shopping center where it is possible to stock up on groceries, fuel, and essential services – the town of Vall d’Uixó offers all the necessary shops within a few minutes’ walk.

The Natural Context

From the Cave to the Sierra de Espadán

The Coves de Sant Josep do not exist in isolation: they are an integral part of the **Sierra de Espadán Natural Park**, a protected area of notable ecological and scenic value. The Sierra de Espadán represents one of the few non-urbanized mountain systems in the Valencian Community, characterized by Mediterranean forests, canyons of great beauty, and significant biodiversity.

The town of Vall d’Uixó, despite being a locality of modest size (about 8,000 inhabitants), represents an important historical center with roots dating back to the Roman era. In the subsoil of the city, Iberian-Roman settlements and significant archaeological finds have been discovered, suggesting that the importance of this area has been well known for millennia.

The climate of the area is clearly Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. This means that a visit to the caves is feasible throughout the year, although spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal weather conditions for the camper van trip towards Valencia.

"magnificent colors and reflections"

"crystal-clear water"

Logistics of Continuity:

Connection Towards Valencia

After the visit to the caves, the continuation towards the Nomadic Experience – Motorhome Park is logistically straightforward. From Vall d’Uixó, the route towards Valencia is well signposted and uses the coastal road that crosses fascinating agricultural landscapes. The 50-kilometer journey – equivalent to 40-45 minutes – allows camper van travelers to arrive at the motorhome park in the early afternoon, thus leaving ample time for settling into the pitch and planning excursions into the city of Valencia during the afternoon or evening.

The Nomadic Experience is located in Albalat dels Sorells, a small urban center with easy access to main infrastructures. The motorhome park features 42 pitches with electrical hookups (10-16 amps), hot showers included in the fee, free gray and black water disposal, and free WiFi connection. The location is strategic: a subway station is just 600 meters away, allowing you to reach the center of Valencia in about 20 minutes, or you can reach the city via the numerous safe and flat cycle paths that cross the region’s historic market gardens (the so-called “huerta”).

Considerations

Special Recommendations

Physical Accessibility

It is important to emphasize that the Coves de Sant Josep are not completely wheelchair accessible. Although the boat section is technically accessible (the gondolas are stable and transfer is assisted), the walking section features steps, irregular surfaces, and gallery stretches with variable heights. People with reduced mobility should contact the facility directly to assess the feasibility of the visit based on their specific conditions.

Suitability for Various Groups

The visit is suitable for visitors of all ages, including small children and seniors, provided they are in good health. Particularly small children (under 3 years old) may experience difficulty transferring from the boat to the walking section, so a case-by-case evaluation is recommended.

Psychological Effects of the Underground Environment

Some visitors report feelings of slight claustrophobia during the boat navigation, especially in the sections where the galleries are narrower. The environment is completely safe, but the awareness of being at a considerable depth underground can generate anxiety in people who are particularly sensitive to enclosed spaces. The time spent on the route is, however, always controllable, and the guides are trained to manage situations of psychological distress.

The Phenomenon of Underground Concerts

During the summer months, the Coves de Sant Josep host a series of concerts called “Singin’ in The Caves”, where artists of various genres (from classical music to flamenco, from indie to fado) perform inside the cavern. The exceptional acoustics of the cave create a unique and memorable sensory experience. These events require specific reservations, and it is advisable to inquire in advance with the facility.

Conclusion: The Importance of a Planned Stopover

The Coves de Sant Josep represent an exceptional opportunity for the camper van traveler passing through the Valencian Community: this is not a conventional tourist attraction, but a true geological phenomenon of European significance. The half-day dedicated to the visit – including travel to and from the area – constitutes a minimal time investment that yields an experience of great educational and recreational value.

The infrastructure for camper vans is appropriate, access times are flexible, and the geographical location makes it easy to integrate into the wider itinerary towards Valencia. Whether arriving from France following the coast or coming from the interior, the Coves de Sant Josep absolutely deserve to be included in the travel program: an underground adventure that you will remember for a long time.