A fascinating world hides underground: caves with stalactites and stalagmites, underground rivers and lakes, ancient cave art. Discovering the underground world is an original, spectacular plan, accessible to almost everyone in its tourist form, and the motorhome is perfect for stringing together the best caves, which tend to be in quiet rural areas. Here's the guide.
Spain's most beautiful show caves
- Gruta de las Maravillas (Aracena, Huelva), with its lakes (see Sierra de Aracena).
- El Soplao (Cantabria), with unique eccentric formations.
- Cuevas del Drach (Mallorca), with its underground lake and concerts.
- Nerja (Málaga), Valporquero (León), Aracena, Pozalagua... and many more.
Most are visited with a guide, comfortable and suitable for families.
Cave art
Some caves hold prehistoric cave art. The most famous (such as Altamira) are visited via a replica to protect the originals; others can be seen with visitor quotas. A journey to humanity's oldest art (see cave art and megaliths).
Caving (the sporting version)
Beyond show caves, sporting caving (exploring non-tourist caves) is an adventure activity that requires training, equipment and guides: never go into a cave on your own without experience (risk of getting lost, flooding, lack of air, accidents). To get started, do it with clubs or specialist companies.
Practical tips
- Show caves: check opening hours and book ahead in high season.
- Bring something warm: it's cool and damp inside all year round.
- Respect the rules: don't touch the formations (it damages them), no flash if it's forbidden.
- Combine them with the rural surroundings where they're located (see aires).
In summary
Caves offer a fascinating underground world, accessible in their tourist form (Maravillas, El Soplao, Drach) and as an adventure sport in caving (with training and guides). The step you can take today: link a couple of spectacular show caves with the rural surroundings where they're found (bring something warm for inside), and if you want sporting caving, always do it with clubs or guides. Combine it with Sierra de Aracena.