The Cave of the Mushrooms is one of those mysterious places that only the most adventurous know about. Without signage or directions, this route is ideal for those seeking an authentic and out-of-the-ordinary experience. Are you brave enough to discover it? If the answer is yes, keep reading and prepare for a unique excursion that will take you through forgotten paths and ancient tunnels.
📍 Location
Just 1 hour and 20 minutes from Barcelona and 45 minutes from Girona, the Cave of the Mushrooms is accessible yet hidden, perfect for the most intrepid explorers. The route is not marked, so you will need a GPS track to reach it without any issues. If you decide to venture out, feel free to ask me for it; I’ll be happy to share!
🅿️ Starting Point
The journey begins near Vila Carmelita, where you can park your car. From here, a 2.5-kilometer walk along a dirt track will lead you to the entrance of the mine. Although the elevation is not too steep, the terrain can be somewhat uneven, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear.
⛏️ Underground Exploration
Once inside the cave, you have several options: you can either follow the main tunnel, which stretches about 2 kilometers, or venture into one of the branches and look for other, more hidden and harder-to-reach mines. If you decide to stick to the main route, you’ll encounter fascinating remnants of the past.
🍄 A Place with History
Of all the mines you can explore in the area, the Cave of the Mushrooms stands out for its rich history. Inside, you’ll come across pieces of track, rusty carts, manure bags, and old boxes that were once used for mushroom cultivation. This place retains a ghostly atmosphere, echoing an industrial past, and moreover, you’ll be accompanied by dozens of bats that make this cave their home.
♻️ Respect for the Environment
It is essential that, as with any hiking or exploration route, you respect the environment. Take all the trash you generate with you and make sure to leave the cave in better condition than you found it. Also, respect the local wildlife, such as the bats that inhabit the mine. Together, we can contribute to the conservation of these special places.
🔦 Safety Tips
To explore the Cave of the Mushrooms safely, it is essential to bring a headlamp (head flashlight), as the darkness inside the mine is total. Make sure to wear appropriate footwear and pay attention to every step, as there are plates on the ground that could cause accidents if you don’t tread carefully. Although the place is safe and there is no risk of collapse, caution is always key. Additionally, the cave has good oxygen circulation, so you needn’t worry about that, but bring a light jacket, as the temperature inside is somewhat cool.
🥵 Prepare for the Initial Warm-Up
The initial stretch of the mine can be demanding, so be ready to break a sweat. The excitement of entering the cave will warm you up quickly, but once inside, the atmosphere will be more comfortable.
💚 A Special Thanks
It’s wonderful to discover hidden gems like this one thanks to local people who share their secrets and lesser-known routes. It’s one of the great gifts offered by social networks: connecting with other adventurers and discovering unique places that would otherwise go unnoticed.