Dénia & Cueva de las Calaveras Day Trip from Valencia — Prehistoric Cave, Castle and Beach

A prehistoric cave and a beach town: the day that has it all

Few day trips from Valencia combine underground nature, Arab history and a Mediterranean beach so perfectly. The Cueva de las Calaveras in Benidoleig and the coastal town of Dénia make an unforgettable pair: you go down into the depths of the earth, then dive into the sea.

With ValenciaTribe everything is organised: private coach, a coordinator with you and the best vibes to discover two of the most special corners of Alicante province.

Cueva de las Calaveras: 400 metres underground

The Cueva de las Calaveras («Cave of the Skulls»), in the village of Benidoleig, is one of the most impressive caves in the Valencia region. With over 400 metres open to visitors, it holds stalactites and stalagmites millions of years old, an underground lake and a story that blends geology, archaeology and legend.

Its name comes from the human skulls found by the first explorers in the 19th century — remains of Neolithic and Bronze Age people who used the cave as a burial site over 3,000 years ago. Archaeologists have also found bones of cave bears, mammoths and woolly rhinos, making the cave a natural archive of the region’s prehistory.

The guided visit (included in the price) lasts about 45 minutes and is suitable for everyone. It’s around 18 °C inside, so bring a layer if you feel the cold.

Dénia: where the sea meets the mountain

Dénia is a town with real character. Its Arab castle, overlooking the bay from a hilltop, was for centuries one of the most important fortresses in the western Mediterranean and now houses an archaeological museum with stunning views of the sea and the Montgó.

But Dénia isn’t just history. Its northern beaches, with fine sand and calm water, and the wilder, crystal-clear coves to the south make it one of the best swimming spots on the coast. The fishing port, with its fresh-fish market and restaurants serving oven-baked rice and red prawns, is a must for lovers of authentic Mediterranean food.

Dénia red prawns, considered among the best in the world, are reason enough to come.

Itinerary

• 08:15 — Meeting point at Mestalla stadium, Valencia (exact details in your confirmation)
• 08:30 — Private coach departs
• 10:00 — Arrival at the Cueva de las Calaveras (Benidoleig). Guided visit
• 11:30 — Coach to Dénia
• 12:00 — Arrival in Dénia. Free time: castle, beach, lunch, port
• 17:30 — Coach back to Valencia
• 20:00 — Arrival in Valencia

Times are approximate and may vary with traffic.

What’s included

• ✅ Private coach Valencia → Benidoleig → Dénia → Valencia
• ✅ Cueva de las Calaveras entrance with guided visit
• ✅ ValenciaTribe coordinator with you all day
• ✅ Private WhatsApp group for the trip
• ✅ Digital group photo
• ✅ Liability and transport insurance

❌ Not included:

• Dénia castle entrance (optional, ~€3)
• Food and drinks

Why book with ValenciaTribe?

• 🚌 Coach from Mestalla stadium: no car, no parking, no driving back tired.
• 🗣️ Bilingual coordinator (English and Spanish) all day.
• 🤝 Open, social group: locals, Erasmus students and expats. Perfect if you’re coming solo.
• 🛡️ Activity insurance included.

FAQ

Is the cave OK if I’m claustrophobic?

Most of the cave is spacious, but there are some narrower sections. If you have severe claustrophobia, ask us before booking.

What’s the temperature inside the cave?

About 18 °C all year round. We recommend a light jacket.

Is there time to swim in Dénia?

Yes. With about 5 hours in Dénia there’s plenty of time for the castle, lunch and the beach.

Can I bring children?

Yes, it’s a great family trip — kids love the cave.

How do I get to the Cueva de las Calaveras from Valencia without a car?

The cave is in Benidoleig (Alicante), very close to Dénia, just over an hour and a half from Valencia by road. There’s no direct public transport, so on this trip you leave by coach from Mestalla stadium and we take you to the cave and then to Dénia.

Where does the coach leave from?

From Mestalla stadium (Avenida de Aragón, Valencia). The exact time is in your booking confirmation.

Can I come on my own?

Yes. Most people come solo, and it’s the easiest way to meet new people in Valencia.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If there is a weather warning or unsafe conditions, we let you know in advance and offer a new date or a refund.

Other trips you might like

Jávea and Dénia, Dénia boat trip or Peñíscola and the San José caves.

¿Prefieres leerlo en español? Ver esta excursión en español.