The Underground World of Ibiza: A Journey into the Caves of Can Marca

 Nestled high on a cliff face overlooking the stunning Port de San Miguel in northern Ibiza, lies a hidden world waiting to be explored. The Cova de Can Marca, once a secret hideout for smugglers, is now one of the island's most captivating natural attractions.

My visit on the 12th of July, 2014, was a journey back in time and deep into the earth. The adventure began with the breath taking descent. The entrance steps, carved into the side of the cliff, offer panoramic views of the Mediterranean's brilliant turquoise waters, an incredible welcome before stepping into the cool, dark embrace of the cave.

The cave itself is a masterpiece of nature, sculpted over millennia by water and time. As you venture deeper, the atmosphere shifts. Eerie, yet beautiful formations of stalactites and stalagmites stretch from the ceiling and floor, creating a surreal landscape. The air is cool, and the sounds of the outside world fade away, replaced by a sense of calm and wonder.

The tour, which takes about 40 minutes, is a truly immersive experience. Cleverly placed lighting illuminates the ancient formations in a spectrum of colours, highlighting the intricate details of the rock. The highlight of the tour is a spectacular light, sound, and water show. A natural waterfall, now re-created with a special effects display, cascades down the rock face, the water shimmering and changing colour with the lights. It's a magical moment that truly brings the cave to life.

The Caves of Can Marca are more than just a tourist attraction; they are a testament to the raw beauty and power of the natural world. From the stunning coastal views on the approach to the mesmerizing light and sound show within, it's an unforgettable experience. If you find yourself in Ibiza, be sure to take a detour from the beaches and clubs and delve into this magnificent underground world.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Entrance steps to the cave

Exit stairs from the caves.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

An Underground Oasis: Discovering Jameos del Agua in Lanzarote

On July 30, 2013, with my Samsung Galaxy Tablet, I had the pleasure of exploring one of Lanzarote's most extraordinary attractions: Jameos del Agua. This unique site is a brilliant fusion of art, nature, and architecture, born from a collapsed volcanic tube and transformed into a cultural center by the visionary artist and architect, César Manrique.

The journey begins as you descend into the cool, dark embrace of the earth. The air, thick with the scent of salt and rock, leads you into a subterranean world. The most captivating sight is the saltwater lake, a tranquil body of water nestled deep within the cavern. Its waters are home to a rare and fascinating creature: the squat lobster. These tiny, white, and blind crustaceans are an endemic species, found nowhere else on Earth. Peering into the crystal-clear water, you can spot them scuttling along the rocks, a silent community thriving in the perpetual darkness.

Further into the cavern, the space opens up, revealing a breathtaking auditorium carved directly from the volcanic rock. The stage and seating are a testament to Manrique's genius, blending seamlessly with the natural contours of the cave. I can only imagine the incredible acoustics and the magical atmosphere of a concert held in such a unique venue.

Emerging from the depths, you are greeted by an explosion of light and color. The path leads to a sun-drenched pool area, a stark and beautiful contrast to the dark cavern below. The stunningly white pool, surrounded by black volcanic rock and vibrant green palms, is an image of pure, tranquil beauty. It is said that only the King of Spain is allowed to swim in this pool, adding to the mystique of the place.

The gardens surrounding the pool are a lush haven, with native plants thriving in the volcanic soil. As you climb the stairs, you are treated to a view of the pool from above, and the unique architecture continues to impress. The stairs themselves, with their abstract design and a natural light source filtering down from an opening in the cave ceiling, feel like a piece of art in their own right.

Jameos del Agua first opened to the public in 1966, and it truly embodies César Manrique’s philosophy of harmonizing art with nature. By preserving the natural landscape and enhancing it with his creative touch, he created a place that is not just an attraction, but an experience. It's a reminder of the power of art to transform, and the incredible beauty that can arise when we work in harmony with the natural world.

Clicking any image below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The lobster sign at the entrance.

The swimming pool area, the guide I was with claimed that only the King
of Spain is allowed to swim here.

The stairs up from the saltwater cave to the swimming pool
and bar area.

The auditorium, the guide claimed gives one of the best sounds around.

The saltwater cave that is home to the squat lobster.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.