Spain boasts a wealth of attractions at first glance. From lush nature in the north to dreamy beaches. But it also hides true treasures. Underground, we can discover impressive caves in Spain.
The caves you must visit in Spain
Although there are thousands of caves in Spain, today we’ll reveal the ones you can’t miss.
1. Altamira Caves, in Cantabria
One of the best-known caves in Spain due to the cave paintings that were created during the Paleolithic period, some 14,000 years ago.
The cave was discovered in 1879. The drawings depict animals such as bison, horses, and deer, although some abstract figures have also been observed.
Due to its historical importance, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. To prevent its deterioration, only 260 people are allowed to enter each year, for which a waiting list is established. However, there is a very interesting replica, the Neo Altamira Cave, which can be visited.
2. Drach Caves, in Mallorca
Another of the most important caves to visit in Spain is located in the Balearic Islands. The Drach Caves are made up of four interconnected cavities: the Black Cave, the White Cave, the Luis Salvador Cave, and the French Cave.
Its depth is 25 meters and its length is 2.4 kilometers. It was formed by erosion caused by the Mediterranean Sea as it entered the cave.
3. The Zugarramurdi or Witches’ Cave, in Navarre
Shrouded in an endless list of mysteries and legends due to the terrible stories that occurred in this area involving witchcraft.
They are located in Zugarramurdi, where in 1610, around 30 women were accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake. This cave is a tribute to the memory of these events.
4. Cave of Wonders, in Huelva
Another of the most attractive caves in Spain is the Cave of Wonders. It was discovered by a shepherd in 1886.
Although it is 2 kilometers long, only a little more than half of the route is accessible. Its beauty is due to the combination of stalactite and stalagmite formations and the presence of water in the cave.
5. Valporquero Cave, in León
This cave is a good option for speleologists, as it has nooks and crannies that allow them to explore the most inaccessible part of the cave.
The origin of this formation dates back approximately one million years. The waters of the Valporquero stream began to filter through the limestone rock, and thus this large cave and its curious stalactites and stalagmites emerged.
6. Jameos del Agua, Lanzarote
5,000 years ago, the Corona Volcano erupted, and the lava it expelled flowed into the Atlantic. Canarian artist César Manrique was commissioned to design this space, which has now become one of Lanzarote’s main tourist attractions.
The contrast between the turquoise pools and the black volcanic rock is striking. This place even hosts concerts and has a restaurant.
7. Cueva de los Verdes, Lanzarote
Its origin is the same as that of Jameos del Agua.This cave is associated with a long list of legends. It was a refuge for the local population from pirates in the 16th and 17th centuries.
In this case, the artist Jesús Soto has made the most of the formations, and the ochre and reddish hues stand out among the volcanic darkness.
8. Nerja Cave, in Malaga
Discovered by chance in 1959, it has been declared a Historic Artistic Monument and a Site of Cultural Interest by the Spanish Historical Heritage. The cave paintings it houses are 42,000 years old and are considered the earliest known works of art in human history. Another interesting fact is that it contains the largest stalactite ever discovered in the world.
Although it has three galleries: the Lower, the Upper, and the New, only the first can be visited.
9. El Soplao Cave, in Cantabria
Covering a large area of 15 kilometers, you can explore four of them in one visit. In this case, it was discovered because it was located in an area with mining activity, although it is currently protected due to its great geological value.
Interestingly, its name is a term used in mining to define the air perceived when penetrating a gallery from another gallery with less oxygen.
10. Sant Josep Cave, in Castellón
This underground cave in Spain can be explored by boat. During the 800-meter walk over the water, you’ll see the Bat Room, the Goddess Diana Lake, the Blue Lake, and the Siphon Gallery. But the visit doesn’t end there. This cave also boasts cave paintings dating back some 15,000 years.
In short, these caves in Spain are worth a visit, and their formations, lights, shadows, and stories will remain forever in your traveler’s mind.