Europe Explored » stalactites https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 5 Major Things to see in Majorca | Spain https://europeexplored.com/2012/09/27/5-major-things-to-see-in-majorca/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/09/27/5-major-things-to-see-in-majorca/#comments Thu, 27 Sep 2012 08:47:24 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=11572 Katmandu Park This attraction is on the unusual and wacky side and will appeal to all ages. It is a good way to get out of the heat of the day, as a lot of it is undercover, or to visit at night, when it is lit up. The highlight is the upside down house, […]

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Katmandu Park

This attraction is on the unusual and wacky side and will appeal to all ages. It is a good way to get out of the heat of the day, as a lot of it is undercover, or to visit at night, when it is lit up. The highlight is the upside down house, which is a fictional history and full of quirky facts. It is surprising and fun and makes a change from a day at the beach.  The 4D rollercoaster and the 4D/5D theatre are unique and very popular with teenagers, as is the laser shooting game. The onsite grill is reasonably priced and the fajitas are highly recommended! The park is a good place to spend 4 or 5 hours and admittance fees are 24 euros adult.

The house of katmandu in Magaluf, Mallorca, Spain
The house of katmandu in Magaluf, Mallorca, Spain by Rafael Ortega Díaz

Caves of Drach

These caves are situated near Porto Cristo and are composed of beautiful rock and limestone formations, set against semiprecious agates. The stalactites and stalamites glisten in the wide expanse of underground caverns, four in total and the visitor to the caves can travel for more than a mile underground. At the end of the caves there is one of the largest underground lakes in the world. All this is set to music and illuminated with an artistic multicolored light show. The acoustic qualities of the caves lend an ethereal atmosphere to the experience.

Caves of Drach, Majorca, Spain
Caves of Drach, Majorca, Spain by no

Cap de Formentor

This stunning bluff of cliffs, shaped over time by wind and waves, is named the “meeting point of the winds” and is a good example of the more natural side of Majorca. Standing on the cliffs, the wind will surround you and the waves below will be crashing onto the rocks. A nearby lighthouse will give stunning views of the sea and relaxation can be found on Formentor Beach. The area is a dramatic 20 min drive  from Port de Pollenca and is Majorca’s most northerly point. The Formentor Hotel is a good place to stay, with a mix of remoteness and classic luxury.

Cap de Formentor, Majorca, Spain
Cap de Formentor, Majorca, Spain by Sethaphopes

Serra de Tramuntana

This provides a chance to see the unspoilt Majorca, away from the tourists. The limestone mountains stretch along the entire northwest coast and are suitable for hiking, walking and day trips. The drive along them is twisty and turny, with lovely scenery, small villages and towns such as Valldemossa and Soller. Lush green gives way to bare rocks and The Canyon of Torrent leads down to the wild sea.

Serra de Tramuntana, Majorca, Spain
Serra de Tramuntana, Majorca, Spain by Pete Gonçalves

S’Albufera Wetlands

This area is free to visit and bikes can be hired locally to explore the open spaces and tracks. Many species of birds can be seen in spring and autumn, but it is also a good place to get out in the fresh air and have a walk around. Nature comes first here and the area is very eco-friendly. Food should be taken along and the bus from Porto Pollensa is a good way to get there.  Butterflies and Mediterranean birds are the main attractions here, alongside the chance to visit the largest wetlands of The Balaerics. These days you can get great rate holidays to the island of Majorca so now is perfect time to pack your bags and get to see these wonderful sights.

S’Albufera Wetlands, Majorca, Spain
S’Albufera Wetlands, Majorca, Spain by Kiko Piris

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Jasovská cave – national natural monument of Slovakia https://europeexplored.com/2011/06/10/jasovska-cave-national-natural-monument-of-slovakia/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/06/10/jasovska-cave-national-natural-monument-of-slovakia/#comments Thu, 09 Jun 2011 22:34:34 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=4407 Jasovská cave (or Jasovská jaskyňa in Slovak) is located in the Slovak Karst, near the village Jasov, in the south-eastern part of the Slovak Republic. The cave has been known since time immemorial. There were found artifacts from the Paleolithic, Neolithic and Hallstatt periods. The stalactite cave was first open to the public partially in […]

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Jasovská cave (or Jasovská jaskyňa in Slovak) is located in the Slovak Karst, near the village Jasov, in the south-eastern part of the Slovak Republic. The cave has been known since time immemorial. There were found artifacts from the Paleolithic, Neolithic and Hallstatt periods. The stalactite cave was first open to the public partially in 1846 by monks from the nearby Jasov monastery. Between 1922 – 1924 the lower parts of the cave were discovered and already in 1924 Jasovská cave was officially opened.

There were built routes and electric lighting. The total length of cave is 2811 meters, of which about 550 meters are available to the public. Jasovská cave has a rich sinter decoration. You can admire Virgin stalactites and waterfalls. At the top floor there is also interesting sign written in black letters in 1452 and which talks about the victory of the Hussites in Lučenec.

The cave is a home to 19 species of bats, which live in the cave especially during winter. Since 1995 Jasovská cave is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list as a part of the Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst site.

The air temperature ranges between 8.8°C to 9.4°C, relative humidity from 90% to 98%. The cave is open daily – except of Mondays – from April 1 to October 30. Basic admission fee is €5.

See pictures of Jasovská Cave on flickr.com

For further information you can visit official website of Slovak caves www.ssj.sk.


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Gouffre de Padirac – great limestone cave in France https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/28/gouffre-de-padirac-great-limestone-cave-in-france/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/28/gouffre-de-padirac-great-limestone-cave-in-france/#comments Sat, 28 May 2011 19:03:08 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=4197 Gouffre de Padirac (Padirac Cave) is a great limestone cave and a natural monument located in south-western part of France, about 20 km east of the medieval pilgrimage town of Rocamadour. Gouffre de Padirac cave has a depth about 100 meters and is more than 100 m wide. Visitors can see impressive underground lakes here, […]

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Gouffre de Padirac (Padirac Cave) is a great limestone cave and a natural monument located in south-western part of France, about 20 km east of the medieval pilgrimage town of Rocamadour.

Gouffre de Padirac cave has a depth about 100 meters and is more than 100 m wide. Visitors can see impressive underground lakes here, as well as beautiful formations of stalactites and limestone waterfalls. The tour through the cave takes about 1.5 hour and it is divided in both walking and partially on boat. The huge number of visitors during the summer season is quite a big disadvantage.

Gouffre de Padirac cave is best accessible by car or by train. The nearest train station is located about 10 km west from the cave. Till now, more than 20 million visitors saw the cave.

Gouffre de Padirac is open daily from April to November. Basic admission fee is €9.40.

For more information about the cave, please visit official website here.


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