The Gypsum Karst Caves of Sorbas have been formed in eastern Andalucía, one of the most arid regions in Europe, by erosion from water travelling through the soft rock. The formation is a stunning subterranean network of caves and canyons, the best preserved of its kind in the world due to the low levels of rain which keeps the process slow and prevents the delicate structure from collapsing.
Sorbas is a municipality of Almería and the Sorbas basin is thought to have been filled with water millions of years ago. As the water receded and evaporated it left behind the mineral gypsum and other soft sediments. Rainwater can dissolve the rock easily, leading to surface depressions or sink holes. When the water penetrates it forms caves and, in turn, the complex network of galleries. In Sorbas there are over 1,000 caves, most of which are interconnected and display wonderful crystalline formations, stalagmites, stalactites and columns.
The visitor centre offers information, guided tours, a restaurant and a gift shop. Be prepared for an authentic experience; there are no steps or lighting, you wear a hard hat with a light and are in for some scrabbling and a bit of squeezing through narrow sections, but the sights are worth it!
Located in the Gypsum Karst Natural Park, the surface area of this cave system acts as a sponge, collecting and storing the rainwater. Plants endemic to the area such as the Sorbas daffodil rely on this to live and the constant presence of water in this otherwise dry environment creates an oasis effect, generating a wetland of immense ecological value. Pampas grass, reeds and White Poplars flourish along with the riverine woodland which houses colonies of water birds, Warblers, Nightingales and Kingfishers. The rocky crevasses and banks are also the perfect habitat for birds of prey like the Eagle Owl and Bonelli's Eagle as well as foxes, badgers and weasels.
For a little more information and for tour prices, have a look at the website here!
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