Cueva de Gènova

Gruta de Gènova

Useful Information

Location:	Mallorca. In Gènova, 4,5 km West of Palma de Mallorca. Tickets at the reception of the Hotel Horizonte
Open:	All year daily 9:30-17:30. [2024]
Fee:	Adults EUR 12, Children (3-11) EUR 7, Children (0-1) free. [2024]
Classification:	Karst Cave Coloured Light
Light:	Incandescent
Dimension:	VR=36 m.
Guided tours:	self guided, D=25 min.
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address:	Cueva de Gènova, Carrer del Barranc 45, 07015 Gènova, Palma, Mallorca. Tel: +34-871-508764. sescovesdegenova@gmail
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1906	discovered.

Description

The Coves de Gènova or Cueva de Gènova is named after its location in a suburb of Palma which is named Gènova. It is located only 4 km from the center of Palma de Mallorca. The cave was discovered in 1906 when the owner of the place tried to dig a cistern for rainwater. At that time this was farmland, not a suburb. The entrance of this cave lies in the restaurant Ses Coves de Gènova. It seems there is nothing noteworthy to say about the cave except that. Neither the webpage nor the Wikipedia page has any other info. The explanations during the tours, when there still were guided tours, were limited to recognizing dwarves or Mary with the child in stalagmites. The explanation which mineral gives which colour to the speleothems is best hushed up.

This cave has a long history of being closed and reopened. It also seems to depend very much on the tenant of the restaurant where it is located. Currently [2024], the tenant has invested some money in new light (unfortunately coloured), advertising and a new website. As a result, the tiny cave has a steep entrance fee, which is criticized by numerous reviewers on travel portals. There is not even a reduction for guests of the restaurant. All caves on the island have rather high entrance fees, but this one is probably the most expensive compared to its size.

Another problem is the fact that the cave is now visited on self-guided tours. Visitors who book online can download a video about the cave which explains a bit about the cave. But the main problem is that the cave has some bulbous sinter and some helictites, and there is a massive danger of damage on unaccompanied visits. The tenant stores a huge pile of wine bottles in the cave, we are astonished that he never thought about cave visitors taking a souvenir home.