Costa de Prata

The caves of the fox

The Grutas da Moeda are in São Mamede, on a distance of about 2 kilometres of Fátima. The caves were discovered in 1971 by 2 hunters who were following a fox. The fox escaped in a large cavity surrounded by bushes. The hunters were curious so they decided to enter the cavity, and that way they discovered the caves.

The corridors open to the public are 350 meters long, and reach a depth of 45 meters. The temperature inside the caves is very constant, always around 18˚ C. 

The largest caves in Portugal

They were discovered in 1947, and in 1974 they were opened to the public. There are several halls, each has its own name, like the Red Room, or the Chapel. A river runs through the caves. At the end of the tour you are 110 meters below surface, a lift takes you up at the end of the tour.

Fun for kids: there is an aquatic park right next to the exit of the caves.

grutasmiradaire.com

In these 'brother caves' you can admire thousands of stalactites and stalacmites

Although the Santo António caves were discovered in 1955, and the Alvados caves in 1964, they are always mentioned together. They are very close to each other, but they are very different.

The Santo António caves have a monumental hall with small waterways and natural lakes, completely filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The Alvados caves have endless corridors which unexpectedly open to small halls and several natural lakes, the many tunnels interrupted by deep “Algares” which is very specific for this region.