Asturias is a true natural paradise. Although at first glance its attractions are its green forests, charming villages, and beaches, there is also great wealth in this region hidden within the darkness of its caves. On your cave tour through Asturias, you will not only be amazed by the beauty of its stalactites and stalagmites, but also by the historical and geological insights you will gain from your visits.
Tito Bustillo Cave, a gem of rock art
Located in Ribadesella, this spectacular Asturian cave was discovered in 1968 and named in honor of one of the young men who discovered it, who died just three weeks after finding it.
It is one of the best caves in Asturias and the entire world, housing 33,000-year-old cave paintings in an excellent state of preservation. It is considered one of the finest examples of rock art in the world. For this reason, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
La Cuevona de Ardines, the cave without a roof
Also in Ribadesella, it is actually part of the Tito Bustillo Cave formation, although they are not connected.
The main chamber of this magnificent cave is a circular floor plan of about eighty meters, with an open ceiling, through which natural light enters from a height of 70 meters. These views are worth the effort of the 300 steps you must climb to access it.
The Water Caves: Discover them without leaving your car
The Water Caves are well-known and connect the small town of Cuevas del Agua with the municipality of Ribadesella. The cave consists of a natural tunnel about 300 meters long that can be explored by car, bicycle, or on foot. Inside, you can admire the stalactites, stalagmites, and other geological formations that have been sculpted by the action of water over thousands of years.
Avín Cave: Learn about glacial fauna
This Paleolithic cave was renovated along with the forge for the museum project.
One of its most notable features is the Glacial Fauna Interpretation Center, where reproductions of mammoths, rhinoceroses, and fossil remains are displayed. Caving excursions are organized in the Peruyal Cave or Rhino Cave.
El Pindal, with an entrance overlooking the sea
The setting of this cave is spectacular, at the mouth of the Carés River. In its 600-meter gallery, you can see rock art depictions such as deer, bison, horses, and even a mammoth.
Peña de Candamo Cave, victim of vandalism
Another of the best caves in Asturias, discovered in 1914. It is 60 meters long and houses artistic engravings from the Solutrean period, which are considered to be more than 30,000 years old.
Unfortunately, several drawings were erased due to lack of control and vandalism, so it had to be closed to the public between 1980 and 1990.
Huerta Cave, the largest in Asturias
Located in Tevega, its almost 20 kilometers of galleries and shafts make it the largest cave in Asturias, although it cannot be fully visited.
It has been declared a Natural Monument and offers two types of visits: via the walkway or along the riverbed.
Covaciella Cave, an example of conservation
Its chance discovery was relatively recent, in 1994. For this reason, the state of conservation of its paintings is excellent, and it was declared a World Heritage Site in 2008. To ensure it doesn’t suffer the consequences of massive influxes, it is closed to the public, but you can visit the interpretation room at La Casa Bárcena, located on the map in Carreña de Cabrales.
The caves in Asturias are a heritage of great value and offer us the opportunity to learn from another perspective about the history of this land and what the passage of time does to the least-seen natural environment. Without a doubt, visiting any of these wonderful caves will be a great plan for your next trip.