Cova de les Rates
Marine cave at Cap d'Or with Bronze Age and Iberian archaeological deposits. Accessible from the sea, it contains ceramic remains and evidence of ancient human occupation, with views of coastal cliffs.
The Cova de les Rates opens into the cliffs of Cap d'Or, the headland separating Moraira from Jávea, within the municipality of Teulada-Moraira. It's a sea cave formed by water eroding the limestone rock, with two entrances just a few metres above sea level leading into two large interior chambers.
An archaeological site and a bat refuge
Archaeological remains from the Bronze Age and the Iberian period have been found inside, along with material of possible Phoenician origin, confirming the cave was used as a refuge or settlement at different points in antiquity. Since 2004 it has been protected as a wildlife reserve for its bat colony, which includes the cave bat and the grey long-eared bat, and visitors are advised to avoid entering between April and August, the breeding season.
The cave can only be reached by sea, by kayak or boat, since there's no route in from land; it's best arranged through a specialist operator in the area rather than attempted independently. From the water, the route past Cap d'Or also gives good views of the cliffs and the coast between Moraira and Jávea. On land, the Castillo de Moraira and the Marjal del Senillar round out the municipality's heritage.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cova de les Rates free to visit?
No; since it's only reachable by sea, visiting normally means booking a kayak or boat trip.
Can you enter it at any time of year?
It's best to avoid the cave between April and August, the breeding season for the bats that live there.
What has been found inside?
Archaeological remains from the Bronze Age and the Iberian period, along with material of possible Phoenician origin.
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