On a warm day in Portugal, we decided to seek adventure – underground. And honestly: the Grutas de Mira de Aire turned out to be the perfect family outing. Exciting, impressive, and surprisingly doable with kids.
We went with the four of us: two adults and our kids, aged 7 and 10. Sturdy shoes, a light jacket, and yes – 638 steps down. Sounds like a challenge? It’s not. Here’s what you need to know if you want to visit too.
Heading down? Yes. Hard? Not at all.
You descend 638 steps into the cave, but it sounds more dramatic than it feels. The path gently winds downward through a natural system of terraces. In total, you walk about 600 meters, gradually going deeper into the cave.
Our kids found it thrilling (in a good way). You barely notice that you’re descending nearly 100 meters – it feels more like a magical underground walk. And at every “terrace”, you can stop, take photos, look around, and admire what you see: massive stalactites, shimmering rock walls, and crystal-clear underground pools.
Highly recommended for any holiday in central Portugal, along the Costa da Prata.
The caves are just an hour’s drive from Lisbon. Combine your visit with the beautiful Monastery of Alcobaça.
Bringing a baby? Dog in a backpack? Yes, you can.
Got a baby? A carrier is your solution. The stairs are solid and wide, but strollers are not allowed – and really not practical. Our tip: kids aged five and up can manage just fine – especially if they’re used to a bit of walking.
And yes, dogs are welcome too – as long as you carry them. We saw two couples with tiny dogs in backpacks. Everyone happy.
Claustrophobic? Don’t worry.
We get it if you’re unsure – a cave might sound narrow and dark. But this one is actually very spacious and open. High ceilings, wide paths, lots of air. You never feel like you’re being squeezed through tight spaces. Even if you’re not usually a fan of enclosed areas, this one is very doable.
The scariest part? The elevator at the end. After all that descending, a vertical lift takes you back to the surface. A little nerve-wracking, maybe – but it’s over quickly.
The tour: Portuguese + a handy app
The guided tour is in Portuguese, but don’t worry: upon arrival, you’ll get instructions to download an audio guide app. With it, you can follow numbered points along the route – like a little treasure hunt. At each stop, you’ll hear short explanations of what you’re seeing – fun and educational for both kids and adults.
The points come in quick succession, so we suggest pausing now and then to really take things in. You don’t need to hear every bit to be impressed – the visuals speak for themselves.
Good to know
Wear sturdy shoes – it can be a bit damp inside.
Bring a sweater – it’s a cool 17°C underground, even if it’s 35°C outside.
Photos are allowed, but please turn off the flash.
The guide takes it slow and lets you enjoy the experience.
There’s a restaurant on-site.
We visited outside peak season and parked easily at P1. If it’s busy, go straight to P2 – it’s only a 300-meter walk to the cave entrance.
There are plenty of souvenir shops, and a photo of your group is taken at the entrance – you can buy it at the end. A nice keepsake!
Why this trip is a must-do
Grutas de Mira de Aire is one of Portugal’s 7 Natural Wonders – and now we totally understand why. It’s a magical place, well-organized, and accessible for anyone with a basic level of fitness.
Our kids still talk about it – and so do we. No stress, no hassle – just a beautiful adventure to enjoy together.
More info & tickets: grutasmiradaire.com
