Palaeolithic Cave Art of the Cantabrian Coast (Altamira Cave extension)
Spain’s Cantabrian Coast: fascinating prehistoric heritage
Have you ever wondered what life was like 35,000 years ago? You can discover all this along the northern coast of Spain, at some of the 18 prehistoric caves which have the UNESCO World Heritage designation on account of their variety, beauty, cave paintings and excellent state of conservation. Come and discover this major area of Spain’s countryside, protected for its unique character and universal value. Feel like a real discoverer as you contemplate the marks left behind by our ancestors.
In July 2008, UNESCO granted the World Heritage designation to the Palaeolithic Cave Art of the Cantabrian Coast (northern Spain): a total of 17 prehistoric caves that went to complete the recognition granted by this organisation in 1985 to one of the most valuable caves in the world: Altamira, in Santillana del Mar. Come and discover all the caves that are open for visits, along with some true-to-life reproductions of this unique area with an incredible journey back in time in the beautiful Regions of the Basque Country, Cantabria and Asturias, which all form part of the Green Spain area. Welcome to the legacy of history. Welcome to a real symbol that has lasted through to our time.
Major efforts in recreation
Although the remaining World Heritage caves on the Cantabrian Coast cannot be visited at this time, all the different Regions are working hard to offer replicas and other projects so that tourists can enjoy them. This is the case of the Basque Country, with the caves of Santimamiñe (Vizcaya), Altxerri and Ekain (both in Gipúzcoa). The Santimamiñe Caves, at the foot of Mount Ereñozar, offer a virtual visit where you can enjoy their amazing stalagmites and stalactites, as well as their cave paintings of bison, deer and wild bulls. Ekain Cave, for its part, is one of Europe’s most important prehistoric sanctuaries, and a replica cave is due to be opened where guided tours will help you discover how the men and women of this site once lived. Once you are there, pay close attention because you will have before you 70 drawings that the cave inhabitants created 14,000 years ago.
Practical information
The majority of caves have free car parks close by and you can get right to them either by car or on foot. There are also train and bus services to nearby towns and villages. When you visit these archaeological gems, we recommend you travel with comfortable clothing and footwear for damp terrain. Once at the caves, you will be able to take guided tours in small groups.
Don’t miss the chance to discover as many caves as possible – each one is unique. Let your imagination run free. Travel back into prehistory and discover the evidence of a long-disappeared age, of early men and women who were, nevertheless, the ancestors of all of us.