Top 11 Caves around Cabrales

Visitors to the Cabrales area frequently enjoy the Covadonga Sanctuary, a significant religious complex with a cave housing the Virgin of Covadonga. Another popular site is the Buferrera Mine, an old iron and manganese mine where you can see remnants of its 130-year operation. For a unique natural phenomenon, the Cueva del Dragón is known for seawater splashing high like a geyser during high tide.

Yes, the Cabrales Cheese Cave Museum provides a unique cultural and gastronomic experience. Here, you can explore a natural cave environment where the famous Cabrales cheese traditionally ages. It offers insights into the artisanal production process and often includes tastings paired with local cider.

The Cabrales Cheese Cave Museum is considered family-friendly, offering an engaging and educational experience for all ages about local traditions and cheese making. While not a traditional cave, the Covadonga Sanctuary complex is also a popular destination for families, combining history, nature, and cultural significance.

The region is rich in historical sites. The Buferrera Mine offers a glimpse into the area's industrial past. For ancient history, the Cueva de los Canes in Arangas provides insights into prehistoric human presence. Additionally, La Cueva de Cabrales (Canal de Las Bobias) showcases ancient pastoral settlements, with remnants of structures used by shepherds.

Yes, the Covaciella Cave, discovered in 1994, contains some of the best-preserved representations of bison in Asturias, dating back over 14,000 years. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. However, to ensure the preservation of its delicate artworks, Covaciella Cave is closed to the public. For an accessible experience of significant Paleolithic art, the Tito Bustillo Cave in nearby Ribadesella is a must-see, renowned for its polychrome paintings and engravings.

The Picos de Europa, encompassing Cabrales, is known for its extensive karstic systems. While specific formations vary, you can expect to see typical cave features like stalactites and stalagmites. For extraordinary geological formations such as helictites, draperies, and aragonite crystals, the Cueva de El Soplao in neighboring Cantabria is internationally recognized and offers both tourist and adventure speleology visits.

The Cabrales region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including challenging ones like the 'Arenas de Cabrales, Cares River, and Alles Loop' or 'Casaño River Valley to Carreña' for touring bicycles. For mountain biking, trails like the 'Ándara Massif Trail' or 'Reconquista Trail: Sotres to Áliva Refuge' are popular. Explore more options on the Cycling around Cabrales or MTB Trails around Cabrales guides.

While many caves require specific access, La Cuevona de Cuevas del Agua, though not specifically in Cabrales, is a unique natural cave that serves as the sole road and pedestrian access to the village of Cuevas. It's remarkable for its accessibility by vehicle, allowing visitors to drive through and observe impressive stalactites and stalagmites from the road.

The Picos de Europa region, including Cabrales, experiences varying weather. Generally, late spring to early autumn (May to October) offers the most favorable conditions for visiting caves and engaging in outdoor activities, with milder temperatures and less precipitation. However, some indoor cave attractions like the Cabrales Cheese Cave Museum are accessible year-round.

Cave environments typically maintain a cool, constant temperature regardless of the outside weather. It's advisable to wear layers, including a light jacket or sweater, and comfortable, sturdy shoes with good grip. For some natural caves, a headlamp or flashlight might be useful, though guided tours often provide necessary lighting.

Yes, the Cares Trail Tunnel is a notable feature along the famous Cares Route. These tunnels are carved into the rock face and are part of the hiking experience from Poncebos to Cain, offering a unique blend of natural and man-made elements within a stunning gorge.