Mallorca 89/90

In 1989, a group of YSS cavers decided to visit and explore some of the caves of Mallorca. Because of the warm weather, we decided to go in October, when it is still in the mid 70s but out of the main tourist season. The intention was to make the holiday as relaxed and varied as possible. The trip was so successful that another team returned in October 1990.

The island has enormous potential for cave exploration, as well as presenting the holiday caver with some of the most striking scenery imaginable. A couple of gorge walks (see alternative activities below) add to the interest.

Caving wise, there is a distinct split in areas. The Pollensa area contains most of the more horizontal caves (COVAs/CUEVAs) while, around Escorca, many deep vertical AVENCs can be found. These comprise of surface pits descending to about -150m, ending in sand or boulder chokes. We decided to confine ourselves to the horizontal ones.

Both teams were based at Puerto Pollensa in the NE. This proved to be a good base as it is close to the major horizontal area and is fairly quiet.

Because of the stark terrain, cave location is difficult to say the least. The entrances are often in cliff faces and the walk there can be very tiring. There are few surface streams and no shake holes, so it's no use trying to use logic when searching for new entrances.

The caves themselves are usually warm and dry (about 20 degrees!) and adequate caving clothing is a pair of shorts and a boiler suit. They consist, typically of short sandy crawls and large, well decorated chambers.

Caves Visited:

Cova Del Cal Pesso Cova de les Rodes
Cova de sa Campana Cova de Can Sion
Other Caves Explored Alternative Activities

Conclusion:

Mallorca is an almost ideal centre for a caving holiday. It boasts many well-decorated caves with good prospects for new discoveries. As a popular holiday destination, cheap package deals are available and, in late season, the place is very quiet. Good food, beer and wine is available at a reasonable price and the locals are very friendly.

Members:

Alan Speight, Malc Hudson, Ady Kemp, Andy Maloney, Graham Shooter, Ian Scott, Helen Daley, Nick Sutcliffe, Jane Sutcliffe, Kev Sheard, Barry Smith, Chris Gill and family.