Cueva El Soplao

Historical landmark · Cantabria ·

Cueva El Soplao

Historical landmark · Cantabria ·

Unique cave with geological formations and mine history

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Prao el Colla, s/n, 39553 Celis, Cantabria, Spain Get directions

@nomadicmatt

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Spain’s Hidden Villages and Untamed Landscapes

"One of my favorite spots in northern Spain is Santillana del Mar in Cantabria, a perfectly preserved medieval village about 30 minutes inland from the coast where cobbled streets, stone houses and wooden balconies feel alive rather than dusty: bakeries sell buttery sobaos, shopkeepers greet you, horses sometimes clop through the lanes, and staying overnight lets you enjoy the town’s tranquility once day-trippers leave. I explore the Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana and its cloisters, stand beneath the impressive Altamira Cave replica to see Paleolithic bison and horses, visit the Museo de Altamira for engaging exhibits, and relax in the Plaza Mayor with a coffee or glass of cider; nearby attractions include the Cuevas de El Soplao and the Modernist town of Comillas. Practical tips I use: get there by bus from Santander or Bilbao or rent a car to explore coves and valleys, and aim for spring or autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/off-beaten-path-spain/

Cueva El Soplao

thebearded C.

Google

Impressive and unique experience Guides are funny and friendly 1 min little train ride down to cave. Bring a jumper it's cold You will walk 2.4 km inside Parking outside Book your cave visit in advance if you don't want to wait. 15 euros per person Great panoramic view at the top in front of entrance.

Barbora H.

Google

What a visit! We couldn't recommend the Speleological Cave Tour more highly. It was absolutely fascinating, and our two guides did a terrific job explaining everything about the cave's origins and formation. Wearing the protective suit, helmet with a flashlight, and boots made me feel like a real explorer... or even a scientist! 🤣 We were also lucky to be in a small group of just seven people, all English speakers. So, although the tour is normally conducted in Spanish, our guides kindly did the entire excursion in English so we could follow along. They were not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also super friendly, helpful, and funny. Thanks again for this amazing experience! We’ll definitely be back!

Ionut P.

Google

Speleological Cave Tour a must! Book in advance and enjoy a unique experience. We have seen 100+ caves, but this one is one of a kind, 100% worth exploring like that. We had two dedicated and knowledgeable guides, and we were provided with protective jumpsuits, helmets, lights & gloves. Pictures are not allowed to be taken inside during the visit. The temperature inside is 12°C and humidity is >90%, therefore some layered, breathable clothing would be good to have. Duration ~2.5 hours. Enjoy!!!

M.Y.Voyage

Google

1, the way up to the cave is very beautiful, full of sycamore trees. 2, Inside the cave is really cold, indeed. Remember to bring a jacket or a coat. 3, the cave itself is amazing of course, art of nature and time. But, yes, but, if you have already been some similar places like this, it wouldn't surprise you too much. For example, Reed Flute cave, Guilin, China, it is much bigger and more complicated. 4, it could be boring for children. We didn't think to bring Mei here before because we knew it could be boring for her yet, but her grandparents were here and they wanted to visit it so.....yes, we were right. Mei felt bored after staying in the cave for a while. A 6 years old kid, watching "stones " in the dark and cold..... not very good idea. 5, although, outside, the view is nice at sunset. And those cows are very calm. 😍 6, There are EV chargers.

Reka Sz V

Google

The train was not working - which I can understand, but it would've been nice if we're informed in advance before I'm waiting an hour as this was the primary reason I wanted to do the tour. The tour guide speaks no English at all, so you have no context or information to make the experience more enjoyable. If you haven't seen such caves before, or you speak Spanish I highly recommend it, but as someone who has seen similar formations before it felt quite disappointing.

Jelle D.

Google

Nice place,beautiful cave nice panoramic view outside. Reservations acquired in summer. You enter the cave by train,then there is a walk with a guide who does the explanation about the cave, how they discovered it,etc... Arrived in the morning and could only buy tickets for the afternoon. But worth it, very beautiful inside especially with the lights

Sonam

Google

One of the amazing place I have ever visited. The cave is full of mysteries and very worth visiting. The one thing you need to remember is that take a warm jacket as is it cold inside the cave. Also you need to book a entry in advance to secure you entrance. Better if you can reach earlier so you can have a walk around and see wonderful view around. Negative part is there is no public transportation to reach there.

David P.

Google

Very interesting caves and rock formations in an old mine. Well presented with little train to take you down into mine. Great views over the mountains. Good cafe and shop. Fairly easy to get to off A8 motorway.

@nomadicmatt

6,682 Postcards · 1,172 Cities

Spain’s Hidden Villages and Untamed Landscapes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/off-beaten-path-spain/

Cueva El Soplao

thebearded C.

Google

Barbora H.

Google

Ionut P.

Google

M.Y.Voyage

Google

Reka Sz V

Google

Jelle D.

Google

Sonam

Google

David P.

Google

Cueva El Soplao

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Spain’s Hidden Villages and Untamed Landscapes

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