The Flintstones meet five-star service — that’s the vibe we’re diving into with this list of Europe’s most incredible subterranean stays.
Wave goodbye to standard hotel rooms and say hello to nights spent in ancient stone-carved suites that ooze history and luxury.
Ready to trade skyscrapers for stalactites? Here are our top five coolest cave hotels in Europe, all easily accessible by train.
Image Credit and Location: Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, Matera, Italy
1. Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, Matera, Italy
Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita is a real-life portal to the past. Nestled in the ancient town of Matera and known for its extensive cave dwellings, this hotel offers an immersive experience. Each room is uniquely carved into limestone, with furnishings that blend rustic charm with swanky modern touches. The real showstopper is their candlelit breakfast served in a cave.
Train & coach route to Matera
From Rome or Naples, take a train to Bari followed by a bus to Matera. Le Grotte Della Civita is just a 15-minute walk from Matera Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, where most buses arrive.
2. Iconic Santorini Hotel, Greece
Perched on the edge of Santorini’s caldera, suites at the Iconic Santorini Hotel are literally dug into the side of a volcano (no lava, promise!). Each room comes with its own plunge pool. Yeah, you heard that right — a mini pool just for you to splash around in while you soak up those epic views of the Aegean Sea. Inside, it’s all crisp white and bright blue, like someone took the Greek flag and turned it into an interior design mood board.
How to get to Santorini
Once you arrive in Athens or Piraeus, you can find ferry services that operate between the mainland and Santorini. The ferry ride itself is an experience, with stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
Image Credit and Location: Les Hautes Roches, Loire Valley, France
3. Les Hautes Roches, Loire Valley, France
In the serene Loire Valley, there’s this place called Les Hautes Roches, and it’s not your average hotel — it’s a bunch of old monk caves turned into cozy rooms. Their restaurant is set in a cave, too, and it dishes out some seriously delicious French food with fancy cheeses and local wines.
Travel route to Les Hautes Roches cave hotel
Board a train to Tours in the Loire Valley. A short taxi ride from Tours will then transport you to this romantic cave retreat.
4. Cuevas del Pino Casas Rurales, Spain
Fancy a cave stay with a side of olives and grapes? Cuevas del Pino, set in the picturesque hills of Córdoba, Spain, has got you covered. Today, these caves — inhabited since prehistoric times — are fully equipped with contemporary comforts. The setting here is like Mother Nature’s own backyard, with olive trees and vineyards as far as the eye can see.
How to get to Córdoba
Travel by train from Madrid or Seville to Córdoba. A short taxi journey from the city center will lead you to this enchanting cave retreat.
Image Credit and Location: Deep Sleep Hotel, Wales, UK
5. Deep Sleep Hotel, Wales, UK
The Deep Sleep Hotel in Wales is the closest you can get to being a modern-day Indiana Jones. Located 1,375 feet (419 meters) underground in an abandoned Victorian slate mine, it’s the deepest hotel on the planet. In fact, this isn’t just a hotel; it’s a full-blown underground expedition. The journey includes a hike and a descent through historic passages. You’ll be sleeping in a remote off-grid adventure camp with cozy twin-bed cabins or a romantic grotto with a double bed. Expect historical tales, an expedition-style meal (meat, vegan, and vegetarian options available), and an unforgettable night deep beneath the Welsh mountains.
Train route to the Deep Sleep Hotel in Wales
Start by traveling to the Blaenau Ffestiniog train station, the nearest major station to the hotel. From there, you can arrange for a shuttle or taxi service to take you to the hotel.
Image Credit and Location: Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, Matera, Italy
What’s a cave hotel?
Imagine a hotel room that Fred Flintstone would dig, but with Wi-Fi and hot showers. Cave hotels are like normal ones, except they’re built inside real caves.
Is it worth staying in Matera, Italy?
It’s a must. Heading to Matera, Italy, and staying in a cave hotel is like hopping in a time machine. You get to sleep in rooms carved out thousands of years ago — but luckily, they’ve upgraded since the Stone Age.
How many cave hotels are there in Matera, Italy?
The city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has seen many of its ancient cave dwellings and structures turned into boutique hotels, B&Bs, and lodgings. The count can vary from around a dozen to potentially over 50, depending on what you classify as a “cave hotel” and the ongoing development of the area. Here are just three of them:
- Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita (4-star). This one is all about authenticity. They’ve preserved ancient cave dwellings, so you’ll feel like a true cave dweller while enjoying modern comforts.
- Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort (5-star). If you want the best views of Matera, this is your spot. The cave rooms offer panoramic vistas of the city.
- Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & Spa (5-star). This place in Matera is like the Ritz and a cave combined. It’s got a spa, indoor pool, and other fancy amenities in a historic cave setting.
Image Credit and Location: Armeni Luxury Villas, Santorini, Greece
What is a famous cave hotel in Santorini?
There’s more than one. Here’s our top three:
- Iconic Santorini (5-star). Located in Imerovigli, this hotel offers rooms with private plunge pools and excellent dining options.
- Perivolas Hotel (5-star). A luxury retreat in Oia known for its cave rooms with caldera views.
- Armeni Luxury Villas. In Oia, these villas provide cave suites with private hot tubs or pools, offering a blend of luxury and stunning views
Are cave hotels worth the splurge?
Heck yes! If you’re into one-of-a-kind experiences and want more than just a bed in a box, cave hotels are totally worth it. It’s like living in a nature documentary, but with minibars and fluffy towels.
What is the deepest hotel in the world?
Deep Sleep hotel in an old Victorian slate mine in North Wales wins this one. It’s a mind-blowing 1,375 feet (419 meters) underground. Before it reclaimed the crown in 2023, Sala Silvergruva in Sweden held the title at a depth of 509 feet (155 meters) below the surface. Sala Silvergruva, however, eventually underwent renovations and was closed in 2020 until further notice.
Image Credit and Location: Deep Sleep Hotel, Wales, UK
How much does the Deep Sleep Hotel in Wales cost?
The cost for the Deep Sleep Hotel in Wales depends on your choice of accommodation:
- For a private cabin for two, it’s £350 ($446).
- If you prefer a grotto experience for two, it’s £550 ($700).
Everything is included: your evening meal, all the hot drinks you can handle, and some breakfast snacks for the morning. Plus, they’ve got your bedding sorted. These prices are for the entire cabin, so you can split the cost if you’re with a buddy. It’s worth every penny for bragging rights alone!
And that wraps up our tour of Europe’s coolest cave hotels. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or just looking for a unique place to crash, these beautiful cave hotels promise a stay to remember. Download the Trainline app today to book your trips to these unique destinations.
Header Image Credit and Location: Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, Matera, Italy