Most Beautiful Caves in the World: Our List of the Top 14

Caves fascinate me, and I am not alone. These geological formations have captivated human curiosity for thousands of years. We’ve been fortunate enough to explore some of the most beautiful caves in the world, but many still remain on our bucket list.

Our adventures have taken us deep into the earth, where we discovered the hidden wonders that lie beneath the surface. These subterranean marvels have an almost magical quality. From the majestic limestone structures to the vibrant crystal formations, each cave we visit offers a new and enchanting experience.

Whether it’s the vast chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, serene underground lakes, or prehistoric cave drawings, beautiful caves leave us in awe.

Below, we share our list of a dozen of the most beautiful caves in the world, each with its unique features and natural wonders.

Where are the most beautiful caves in the world

Our favourite beautiful caves

I haven’t been to them all; some are still on my wish list. After a bit of research and some cave exploration, I believe these are the most beautiful caves in the world:

• Son Doong Cave, Vietnam
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
• Škocjan Caves, Slovenia
• Batu Caves, Malaysia
• Reed Flute Cave, China
• Mammoth Cave, USA
• Caves of Altamira and El Castillo, Spain
• Fingal’s Cave, Scotland
• Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines
• Caves of Aggtelek Karst, Hungary
• Crystal Cave, Bermuda
• Cenote Ik Kil, Mexico
• Harrison’s Cave, Barbados
• Kelly Hill Caves, Australia

More on each of the beautiful caves on our list

Listed here in no particular order.

Son Doong Cave, Vietnam

At 5.6 (9km) miles long and up to 500 feet (150m) wide on average, Son Doong Cave in Vietnam is the largest cave in the world by volume. Its vast chambers can accommodate entire city blocks, complete with their own weather systems. Its unique feature is the ‘Garden of Eden,’ an area of the cave where plant life grows.

Located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the cave is about 500 kilometres south of Hanoi and 400 km north of Da Nang.

Access to Son Doong is highly regulated, with a limited number of permits issued each year. Visitors must join a guided expedition, which involves several days of trekking and camping in challenging conditions.

If you can’t access a Son Doong tour, consider its sister cave, Hang Pygmy Cave, the fourth largest cave in the world with a tropical jungle inside. Both caves are masterpieces of nature, with otherworldly landscapes. After making your way through the tropical jungle, you will camp underground inside Pygmy Cave. Reserve your 2-day Hang Pygmy exploration tour here

Waitomo Glowworm Cave, New Zealand

Waitomo Glowworm Caves were the first of many NZ glow worm caves we have entered since relocating to New Zealand over 20 years ago, and definitely the most well-known.

Despite the passage of time, I have never forgotten the gliding silently beneath thousands of glowing lights. The ethereal blue light created by these tiny creatures provides a magical and serene atmosphere.

While the downside is the difficulty for photographers (as we need a long exposure, which is impossible in a moving boat), many consider it to be one of the best caves to visit in NZ.

Located near the small town of Waitomo, we have stopped here while driving from Auckland to New Plymouth.

Guided tours are the only way into the caves. Reserve your Waitomo Caves tour here.

Skocjan Caves, Slovenia

The Škocjan Caves in Slovenia are a UNESCO World Heritage site known for their extraordinary underground river canyon. This impressive cave system features massive chambers, waterfalls, and a river that flows through the caves, creating a dynamic and breathtaking underground gorge.

Located in the Kras region, the Škocjan Caves are easily accessible from the capital city of Ljubljana, approximately 50 miles away.

Visitors can join guided tours to explore the caves, which include walking paths and bridges that provide stunning views of the underground river. There are strict regulations in place to protect the environment, including limitations on group sizes and photography restrictions in certain areas.

Batu Caves, Malaysia

Our Batu Caves adventure started on arrival when we were greeted by the 42.7m tall statue of Lord Murugan. Looking just beyond that, we could see the 272 steps to the cave entrance—a steep climb yet worth the effort. Besides, several wild macaques (monkeys) held my attention as I climbed, and again inside.

The caves are a series of limestone formations housing Hindu temples and shrines. The main attraction is the Temple Cave, which can be entered at the top of the stairs.

Visitors are welcome year-round, but there are some restrictions, such as appropriate dress codes to respect the religious site. The caves are conveniently located about 13 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, making them easily accessible by public transport or taxi.

It may not really belong among the most beautiful caves in the world, but it sure is one of the best caves to visit, just for the full experience.

Reed Flute Cave, China

Reed Flute Cave, known as the “Palace of Natural Arts,” is one of China’s most famous and beautiful caves. Located in Guilin, Guangxi, the cave is renowned for its stunning array of stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations, all brilliantly illuminated by multicoloured lighting.

The cave gets its name from the reeds that grow outside the cave, which were once used to make flutes. Visitors explore the cave via a paved pathway that winds through its impressive chambers.

The cave is easily accessible by bus or taxi from Guilin (5km away), a popular tourist destination known for its dramatic karst landscape of mountains and caves. Although the entry fee is small, it’s recommended to go with a guided tour to fully appreciate the cave’s history and geology.

Mammoth Cave, USA

I visited Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, USA, as a child with my family, and the memories of its vastness have stayed with me ever since. Holding the title of the world’s longest cave system, Mammoth Cave boasts more than 400 miles of explored passages, we obviously only saw a tiny portion of this.

The cave is renowned for its vast chambers, complex labyrinths, and unique limestone formations. Highlights include the Frozen Niagara section and the Mammoth Dome, showcasing the cave’s geological diversity and beauty.

Located in Mammoth Cave National Park, the cave is about 93 miles from Louisville, Kentucky. Visitors can choose from a variety of tours, ranging from easy walks (like we did) to strenuous spelunking adventures.

Caves of Altamira and El Castillo in Puente Viesgo, Spain

Northern Spain and southern France are dotted caves that you can visit, although many, like Altamira (and Lascaux in France), are no longer open to the public. In their place, visitors enter caves created as exact replicas.

We were lucky and got into Cuevo de la Castello in Puente Viesgo, one of the few original (non-replica caves) that people can enter with a guide. Inside we were fascinated by cave drawings and handprints that lined the walls. To me, these prints instantly added to our most beautiful caves in the world.

Our tour was in Spanish, but our follow-up research confirms what we understood. In 2012, new technology determined some of these to be 40,000 years old, suggesting they may have been put there by Neanderthals. Photos are not permitted in the cave.

Prior to our visit, we went through Altamira Cave. Despite being an exact replica of the original cave that sits right next to it, we still wanted more. We outlined our adventure here, including how to get tickets.

Fingal’s Cave, Scotland

Fingal’s Cave is famous for its unique basalt columns and natural acoustics.

The cave’s striking hexagonal columns were formed by volcanic activity, creating a visually stunning geometric pattern, and are similar to what we saw in Ireland at the Giant’s Causeway. According to the Legend of Finn MacCool, they are the two sides of a bridge.

The cave’s natural cathedral-like structure, combined with the echoes of the waves, produces a haunting, melodic sound that has inspired composers and artists. Composer Felix Mendelsohn visited the island in 1829 and then wrote the Hebrides Overture opus 26, commonly known as the ‘Fingal’s Cave Overture‘.

Fingal’s Cave is located on the uninhabited island of Staffa in the Inner Hebrides, just off the west coast of Scotland. Due to frequent rough seas, visiting the cave can be weather-dependent, and walking access is only possible during low tides.

Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines

The Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, Philippines, is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. This spectacular river flows directly into the sea and is navigable by boat, allowing visitors to explore its stunning cave formations and unique wildlife.

The cave features impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and its entrance is surrounded by lush jungle, adding to its allure.

Located about 71 kilometres north of Puerto Princesa City, the underground river, a UNESCO World Heritage site is accessible by boat from the nearby village of Sabang. Use of life jackets and helmets during tours is compulsory.

Caves of Aggtelek Karst, Hungary

Caves of Aggtelek Karst (600+ caves) in Hungary are part of a vast karst system that extends into Slovakia. These caves are renowned for their dramatic stalactites and stalagmites and for their diverse cave fauna.

Baradla Cave, the most famous in the system, features stunning rock formations and underground rivers, offering a captivating experience for visitors.

Located in Aggtelek National Park, the caves are about 215 kilometres northeast of Budapest. Guided tours are available to explore the main caves, with some areas requiring special permission. The caves are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and conservation efforts are in place to protect their unique geological and ecological features.

Crystal Cave, Bermuda

Crystal Cave in Bermuda is known for its crystal clear underground lake and impressive formations. The cave features dramatic stalactites and stalagmites that reflect in the pristine waters, creating a breathtaking sight.

Two boys discovered the cave in 1905, and it has since become one of Bermuda’s top tourist attractions.

Located near Hamilton, Bermuda, the cave is easily accessible by public bus or taxi. Visitors can join guided tours that provide insights into the cave’s history and geology.

Cenote Ik Kil, Mexico

Cenote Ik Kil, located near Chichen Itza in Mexico, is one of the most picturesque and popular cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula. This natural sinkhole features clear, turquoise-blue waters surrounded by lush vegetation and hanging vines. The cenote is open to the sky, allowing sunlight to illuminate the waters and create a magical swimming experience.

Situated about 3 kilometres from the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil is easily accessible for visitors exploring the region. The cenote is open to swimmers, but there are regulations to ensure safety and preserve the natural beauty.

Life jackets are available, and visitors are required to shower before entering the water to protect the ecosystem.

Harrison’s Cave, Barbados

This stunning limestone cavern is known for its crystal-clear streams, cascading waterfalls, and towering columns. The cave features a tram tour that took us through its extensive network of underground passages, showcasing the beautiful formations and serene pools.

Located in the central uplands of Barbados, near the town of Allen View, Harrison’s Cave is easily reachable from the capital city of Bridgetown.

The cave is open to the public year-round, with guided tram tours that provide a comfortable and informative way to explore its wonders. Many tours, like this one include transportation, although ours was from our cruise ship.

Kelly Hill Caves

When we visited the Kelly Hill Caves on Kangaroo Island, we were mesmerised by their beauty and history. To explore these impressive limestone caves, we needed to join a guided tour. The caves are renowned for their extensive network of limestone formations, including a massive number of stalactites hanging down from the ceilings.

While the stalactites were enough to hold my attention, it was our guide’s stories that truly made the experience unforgettable. The guide shared fascinating tales of the caves’ formation, history, and the local legends that surround them.

One of my favourite stories: A horse named “Kate Kelly” fell into a sinkhole in 1880, which led to the discovery of the caves. Rumour has it that the horse belonged to the sister of famous Australian outlaw Ned Kelly.

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Do you agree with our choices of the most beautiful caves in the world? And which of these beautiful caves have you entered?

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