Exploring hidden underground locations is something you must do at least once in your lifetime. That’s why we’ve curated a selection of the best caves in the country for caving and encourage you to experience this thrilling adventure.
THE BEST CAVES FOR CAVING IN SPAIN
Nerja Caves (Málaga)
Located in the municipality that shares their name, these caverns were declared a Site of Cultural Interest for obvious reasons. Accidentally discovered by children in the mid-20th century, these caves have since become a national benchmark for caving.
This cave features its own parking facilities, as well as a café and restaurant to relax in after your route.
It’s adapted for tourist visits, suitable for all ages, but also for the more adventurous: you can embark on specific caving routes through the so-called Upper Galleries and New Galleries, passing through cavities like "The Columns of Hercules" or the "Spear Hall". For more information, check out all the companies offering this activity. Highly recommended!
El Soplao Cave (Cantabria)
Dubbed the "Sistine Chapel" of geology—just imagine why! It’s the most geologically significant cave in Cantabria and one of the most impressive in the world, located just a few kilometres from Santander in the Sierra de Arnero. Its geological importance has long fascinated experts, making it a global reference.
The cave offers tourist access (a 2 km route out of nearly 18 km total), allowing the public to explore 2 of its 8 galleries (La Gorda and Los Fantasmas). There’s also a more "adventurous" visit requiring proper gear for direct cave contact. Here you can see all the options. Entry for both is via an old mining train track, as it was discovered during mining operations. A true marvel!
Gruta de las Maravillas (Huelva)
The Sierra de Aracena holds spectacular treasures, including Gruta de las Maravillas, nestled in the heart of Aracena village behind a house’s entrance. It’s Spain’s first tourist cave, open to the public since 1914. The visitable route spans just over 1 km across two distinct levels, though the entire system exceeds 2,000 metres. If you’re in the area, explore the companies offering tours.
Highlights include subterranean lakes and stunning karst formations, stalagmites and stalactites in chambers like Los Brillantes or the Great Lake. Oh, and it’s starred in countless national and international productions. Fascinatingly, it lay hidden beneath Aracena for centuries.
Pando Cave (Asturias)
This cave is ideal for budding cavers. Located in Ribadesella, the full route takes about two hours. At the end, "crawls" await—narrow passages where you’ll slither like a true caver. Not for the claustrophobic! Take a look!
If interested, check all the companies offering trips here and to other Asturian caves. Bonus: animal fossils embedded in the walls. Mind-blowing!
Now that you’ve glimpsed some of Spain’s best caving spots, where’s your next adventure?
