Top 5 Caves around Suances
Best caves around Suances offer a unique opportunity to explore Cantabria's rich geological formations and prehistoric heritage. This coastal town provides access to both local natural features and globally renowned Paleolithic art sites. The wider Cantabria region is notable for its abundance of caves, with over 60 containing ancient paintings. Visitors can discover significant archaeological sites and diverse natural landscapes.
Best caves around Suances
- The most popular caves is Somocuevas Beach, a beach known for its natural caves nestled among the rocks. Its name derives from these formations, contributing to a unique and impressive landscape.
- Another must-see spot is Liencres Blowhole, a natural monument featuring coastal geysers. These narrow openings in the rock funnel strong waves, creating spectacular water fountains.
- Visitors also love Altamira Cave, a globally famous cave for its Stone Age paintings. This historical site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with impressive ceiling paintings dating from 16,500 to 13,000 BC.
- Suances is known for natural rock formations, blowholes, and significant Paleolithic art sites. The region offers a variety of caves to see and explore, from coastal features to ancient archaeological wonders.
- The caves around Suances are appreciated by the komoot community, with users contributing 49 photos and 57 upvotes, highlighting their appeal.
Last updated: June 7, 2026
Somocuevas Beach
Highlight • Beach
Its name comes from the caves between the rocks at the tip of Somocuevas. Nearby there is an islet that is frequented by seagulls and cormorants.
It has a length of 100 meters and its access is through a staircase of 139 steps that descends from a high cliff located to the west of the beach. This staircase is reached by a narrow path that comes from the parking area located a few hundred meters from the stairs. The slope of access to the water is gentle and the waves are also gentle because it is protected from the open sea by an inlet. The bottom is partly rocky although fine sand is also abundant. It is frequented by nudists, it is not official nudist as such. It is freely accessible.
The surroundings are made up of Atlantic meadows and residential developments. To the west is the natural park of the Dunas de Liencres, one of the most important coastal points of the Cantabrian Sea.
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Altamira Cave
Highlight • Cave
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National Museum and Research Center of Altamira
Highlight • Historical Site
The Altamira National Museum and Research Center, located near the Altamira Caves, is an important place to learn and experience cave art, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This museum offers visitors a unique educational experience about the lives of the region's first inhabitants.
The Neok Cave is a faithful replica of the original cave, designed to preserve the ancient paintings.
Guided tours are highly recommended to maximize the experience, with guides providing detailed and entertaining explanations.
Entry is free on Sundays, although there can be long queues, so arriving early is advised.
The natural environment surrounding the museum is enchanting and makes the experience even more enjoyable.
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Liencres Blowhole
Highlight • Natural Monument
When the sea is calm, all you can see are the huge holes at the top of the coast and, with a bit of luck, like at Bufon de Liencres, the opening to the sea.
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Fuente de las Palomas Recreation Area
Highlight • Rest Area
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Other adventures around Suances
Tips from the Community
The Costa Quebrada is a magnificent coast for hiking. The access to the bay is currently closed (13.4.26).
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The Altamira Cave covers an area of more than 5500 m². It was used from 33,600 BC until the entrance collapsed in 11,000 BC. The particularly impressive ceiling paintings are dated to the period 16,500 to 13,000 BC.[3] The cave was discovered in 1868 by a hunter due to the disappearance of a hunting dog, who immediately reported the discovery to the lord of Santillana,[2] the naturalist Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola (1831–1888). The paintings were discovered by Sautuola's five-year-old daughter Maria, who was able to walk upright through the cave and made out images of "cattle" on the ceiling.[2] Marcelino began systematically digging in the cave in 1879[2] and published a short description of the "prehistoric objects in the province of Santander". Even the Spanish King Alfonso XII was invited into the cave. However, the academic world doubted the authenticity of the cave paintings.[2] The French prehistorian Émile Cartailhac described the paintings as a "vulgar prank by a scribbler" that he and his contemporaries did not even want to look at. The discovery had to wait almost 23 years for recognition. It was only when similar paintings were discovered in the Font-de-Gaume cave near Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil in the Dordogne department (France) in 1901 that the attitude of French researchers and Cartailhac, who became the symbol of archaeological ignorance, changed. Cartailhac apologized posthumously to the Marquis de Sautuola in an essay in 1902 ("Mea culpa" d'un sceptique[4]).
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The Altamira Cave covers an area of more than 5500 m². It was used from 33,600 BC until the entrance collapsed in 11,000 BC. The particularly impressive ceiling paintings are dated to the period 16,500 to 13,000 BC.[3] The cave was discovered in 1868 by a hunter due to the disappearance of a hunting dog, who immediately reported the discovery to the lord of Santillana,[2] the naturalist Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola (1831–1888). The paintings were discovered by Sautuola's five-year-old daughter Maria, who was able to walk upright through the cave and made out images of "cattle" on the ceiling.[2] Marcelino began systematically digging in the cave in 1879[2] and published a short description of the "prehistoric objects in the province of Santander". Even the Spanish King Alfonso XII was invited into the cave. However, the academic world doubted the authenticity of the cave paintings.
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Located near the UNESCO World Heritage Altamira Caves, this center explores the lives of its early inhabitants. The Altamira National Museum and Research Center, located near the Altamira Caves, is an important place to learn and experience cave art, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This museum offers visitors a unique educational experience about the lives of the region's first inhabitants. The Neok Cave is a faithful replica of the original cave, designed to preserve the ancient paintings. Guided tours are highly recommended to maximize the experience, with guides providing detailed and entertaining explanations. Entry is free on Sundays, although there can be long queues, so arriving early is advised. The natural environment surrounding the museum is enchanting and makes the experience even more enjoyable.
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A very interesting and familiar place. I tried to get to the Sumidero de las Palomas, but it was impossible for me to get there, I would have needed not some walking sticks, but a machete!
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Divided into the west and east beaches, their name comes from the caves found on the islet that divides them. A very popular beach in summer although it offers an ideal escape at any time of the year.
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Bufones (blowholes) are "coastal geysers" that are predominantly seen in eastern Asturias. These are narrow openings at the end of a cave directly on the coast, which extends above the cave ceiling into the open air. If a strong wave hits the opening to the sea, it is guided through the cave walls like a funnel to the upper opening. When the surf is strong, spectacular water fountains are created, similar to those of a geyser. When the sea is calm, all you can see are the huge holes at the top of the coast and, with a bit of luck, like at Bufon de Liencres, the opening to the sea.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of caves can I explore around Suances?
The region around Suances offers a diverse range of caves, from those with significant prehistoric art and archaeological findings to natural geological formations and even unique coastal caves. You can find sites like the famous Altamira Cave, known for its Paleolithic paintings, and the geological marvel of El Soplao Cave with its eccentric formations. Closer to Suances, you'll find the natural rock formations at Somocuevas Beach and the intriguing La Cueva de Las Brujas, steeped in local legend and ancient art.
Are there caves with prehistoric art near Suances?
Yes, Cantabria is globally renowned for its Paleolithic art. The most famous is the Altamira Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, though access to the original is restricted. You can visit the excellent replica at the National Museum and Research Center of Altamira. Other significant sites include El Castillo Cave and Las Monedas Cave in Puente Viesgo, and Covalanas Cave, all featuring impressive ancient artwork. La Cueva de Las Brujas in Suances also contains pictorial representations similar to the Magdalenian period.
Which caves are suitable for families with children?
For families, the National Museum and Research Center of Altamira is highly recommended, offering an engaging and educational experience with a faithful replica of the original cave. The Fuente de las Palomas Recreation Area also has a sinkhole leading to a cave that can be visited with proper precautions, and the area itself is family-friendly with picnic tables. Somocuevas Beach, with its natural caves among the rocks, is a scenic spot for a family outing, though the caves themselves are not extensively explorable.
Can I see unique geological formations in the caves of Cantabria?
Absolutely. El Soplao Cave is a geological marvel, often described as a 'subterranean paradise' due to its unique and abundant eccentric formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. Additionally, the Liencres Blowhole offers a fascinating coastal geological phenomenon where strong waves create spectacular water fountains through natural openings in the cliffs.
What are the options for guided cave tours in the region?
Many of the major caves in Cantabria offer guided tours. El Soplao Cave provides guided tours, with access via a replica mining train, allowing visitors to explore its extensive tunnels. The National Museum and Research Center of Altamira also highly recommends guided tours to maximize the experience of the Neocave replica and its prehistoric art. For other significant caves like El Castillo and Las Monedas, guided visits are typically required to protect the delicate art and formations.
Are there any caves directly within Suances itself?
Yes, Suances is home to La Cueva de Las Brujas (The Witches' Cave) in the Barrio de La Jerra. This cave is known for its local legends and contains pictorial representations that suggest an Upper Paleolithic origin, as well as Roman-era artifacts. The picturesque Somocuevas Beach also features natural caves nestled among its rocks, which give the beach its name and contribute to its unique landscape.
What outdoor activities can I combine with a visit to the caves?
The area around Suances offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the 'Suances to Santillana del Mar – circular via the Besaya Greenway and the coast' or the 'Ría de San Martín de la Arena loop from Hinojedo'. For more options, explore the Cycling around Suances guide. Running enthusiasts can find trails such as the 'Tagle Cliffs Coastal Trail' or loops around Playa de la Riberuca, detailed in the Running Trails around Suances guide. Many caves are also located near scenic hiking areas.
Is there a unique 'cave tunnel' I can drive through near Suances?
Yes, travelers near Suances have reported encountering a unique 'cave tunnel of darkness' which is a road that passes directly through a cave. This offers a memorable and somewhat dramatic driving experience, transforming a simple journey into an unusual passage to a village on the other side.
What should I know about visiting the famous Altamira Cave?
The original Altamira Cave has restricted access to preserve its delicate prehistoric paintings. However, you can visit the National Museum and Research Center of Altamira, which houses the 'Neocave,' a faithful and impressive replica of the original cave. This allows visitors to experience the stunning Paleolithic art, particularly the famous ceiling paintings, in an accessible and educational setting. It's a highly recommended visit for anyone interested in ancient history and art.
What are some lesser-known but interesting caves in the wider Cantabria region?
Beyond the most famous sites, Cantabria offers several other intriguing caves. Las Monedas Cave, also on Monte del Castillo, is known for its geological beauty and 17 animal figures. Covalanas Cave features striking views and animal paintings made of dots and lines. Chufín Cave in the Nansa river valley offers engraved animal figures and a large chamber with an artificial lake. El Pendo Cave and Hornos de la Peña Cave are also important archaeological sites with Paleolithic art.
What are the best times to visit the caves around Suances?
Visiting caves is generally possible year-round as their internal climate is stable. However, for caves that require outdoor access or involve scenic surroundings, spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the region. Summer can be busy, especially at popular sites, so arriving early or booking in advance is advisable. Some caves might have seasonal opening hours, so it's always best to check their specific schedules before planning your visit.
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