7 of the World’s Most incredible Caves

1. 7 of the World’ ’s Most incredible Caves Discover these mystical caverns... Caves are some of the most amazing and miraculous natural spectacles in the world, hidden beneath the earth, within mountains and under rocks, the ocean or ice. The caves listed below are worth adding to your bucket list or at least adding to your google search bar. These mysterious subterranean wonderlands are home to all sorts of natural and geological treasures, including precious stones, underground waterways, wildlife, stalactites and stalagmites. Blue Grotto - Italy Blue Grotto is a little sea cavern set on the coast of Capri in Italy, and is known for its magical blue glow that illuminates from the sunlight which passes through it and shines on the seawater. You can reach this natural cavern via a wooden rowing boat, and have to lay as you enter the cave’s mouth as it’s so small! There are many guided tours that take you to Blue Grotto, which used to supposedly be a popular swimming spot for Roman Emperor Tiberius, and there ’ s a myth that a secret passageway of the cave led to his villa...

2. Cave of the Crystals - Mexico This is a more recent, modern wonder of the world, which was discovered in 2000. Set 300m below the earth and connected to the Naica mine, the cave is renowned for its gigantic stacks of selenite crystal formations, some of which measure over 36ft high and weigh up to 55 tonnes. It’s a surreal sight for sure, but not a cave you can just walk into. There are some extreme temperature conditions due to the magma beneath it and therefore quite unexplored, but if you want to see one of the crystals up close, there’s one on display at the Astro Gallery of Gems in New York.

3. Fingal's Cave - Scotland Set on Scotland’s uninhabited island of Staffa, the majestic Fingal’s Cave is a true natural marvel and one of the world’s most famous caves, renowned for its incredible hexagonal rock columns which were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The cave is considered to resemble a cathedral with its grand height, arched roof and echoing sounds that are produced by waves of the sea hitting the cave walls. To reach Fingal’s Cave you need to climb some steep steps, but it’s totally worth it as once you reach the top, there are some spectacular vistas. Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave - Austria This natural limestone cave is one of the largest ice caves in the world, considered as the World of the Ice Giants with a labyrinth of stunning natural ice formations and sculptures. The cave is hidden inside the Hochkogel Mountain - a section of the Austrian Alps and was formed by the Salzach River, and its ice formations were created by frozen snow that had once drained into the cave. Extending over 42km, Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave is a natural wonder of the world which you can come and witness via a scenic cable car ride and two small trails.

4. Mammoth Cave National Park - USA Mammoth Cave National Park boasts the longest known cave system in the world with over 400 miles explored. The cavern area forms part of the Green River valley in Kentucky and comprises of passageways and chambers deep underground, so it certainly makes for an unforgettable adventure. The UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve is free to enter and there are various chargeable tours you can enjoy at the park, which take you to the notable features of the cave. Mammoth Cave National Park is gloomy, eerie, breath-taking and beautiful! Book flights to the USA with Brightsun and discover this mega cave for yourself.

5. Škocjan Caves - Slovenia This spectacular underground cave system is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underground wetland and biosphere reserve, and is widely considered by scientists as one of the most significant natural treasures on the planet, dating back to prehistoric times. Here you’ll discover various stalactites, stalagmites and captivating rock formations, as well as colonies of various bat species, cave salamanders, an underground river that runs below it and a number of waterfalls. The natural beauty of these caves is truly awe-inspiring! Škocjan Caves runs various guided tours that allow you to explore the cave via trails and bridges underground. Waitomo Glowworm Caves - New Zealand This incredible cave system is situated under the lush hills of Waitomo and puts on the most amazing displays of Mother Nature. Discover thousands of glow worms called Arachnocampa Luminosa which can only be found in New Zealand, as well as stunning cave formations, chambers and stream passages. When visiting, you get to take a serene boat ride through the cave’s Glowworm Grotto along an underground river and admire a galaxy of the illuminated living creatures above you on the ceiling, which is similar to watching a glistening starry night sky. Brightsun has various flight offers to New Zealand, so you could be visiting the Waitomo Glowworm Caves soon!

6. The Reed Flute Cave - China The Reed Flute Cave is an alluring karst cave in Guilin that makes for perfect Instagram opportunities. The ancient cave received its name from the reeds that grow at its entrance, which are often collected to create flutes. You can discover many amazing rock and mineral formations, stone pillars, stalactites and stalagmites here. The fascinating thing about the Reed Flute Cave is that it ’ s creatively lit in various bright colours and is considered as one of the world’s most colourful caves. The walls of the cavern feature ancient calligraphy inscriptions that date back as far as the country’s Tang Dynasty, allowing a glimpse to history.