Top 6 Caves around Polanco
Best caves around Polanco are found in Cantabria, Spain, a region known for its rich geological formations and significant prehistoric cave art. This area boasts thousands of caves, with many containing ancient paintings and archaeological sites. Polanco serves as a gateway to exploring these subterranean wonders, offering insights into natural history and early human artistic expression.
Best caves around Polanco
- The most popular caves is Somocuevas Beach, a beach that features caves between its rocks. It is accessed via a staircase of 139 steps from a high cliff.
- Another must-see spot is National Museum and Research Center of Altamira, a historical site. Visitors can explore the Neocave, a replica of the original Altamira Cave, showcasing detailed prehistoric art.
- Visitors also love Cueva La Rasiega, a cave that is part of the Cuevas del Monte Castillo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site includes caves like El Castillo and Las Monedas, which are open to the public.
- Polanco is known for natural caves, historical cave sites, and archaeological caves. The region offers a variety of caves to see and explore, from those with geological formations to those preserving ancient human history and art.
- The caves around Polanco are appreciated by the komoot community, with users contributing 45 photos and 55 upvotes.
Last updated: June 20, 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.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Altamira Cave
Highlight • Cave
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Fuente de las Palomas Recreation Area
Highlight • Rest Area
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Cueva La Rasiega
Highlight • Cave
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Juyo Cave
Highlight • Cave
The cave contains an impressive Lower Magdalenian site (between 16,500 and 14,000 years old) -one of the most outstanding in the Iberian Peninsula-, and was the scene of the excavations and research carried out by Joaquín González Echegaray together with Leslie Gordon Freeman -prehistorian and professor from the University of Chicago
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
The Costa Quebrada is a magnificent coast for hiking. The access to the bay is currently closed (13.4.26).
1
0
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]).
0
0
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
0
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!
3
0
Magnificent beach that you pass by if you are doing a tour of the Costa Quebrada. You can come perfectly from Arnía beach.
0
0
The set of the Cuevas del Monte Castillo in Puente Viesgo is undoubtedly one of the greatest exponents of Rock Art in Spain. It is a set of four cavities with Paleolithic rock art, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008. Of the four, two are open to the public: El Castillo and Las Monedas. You can buy tickets at cuevas.culturadecantabria.com
2
0
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.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular caves to visit around Polanco?
The region around Polanco, Cantabria, offers several notable cave experiences. Somocuevas Beach features unique caves nestled between its rocks, accessible via a scenic staircase. For a historical and artistic journey, the National Museum and Research Center of Altamira provides a faithful replica of the original Altamira Cave with its prehistoric art. Additionally, Cueva La Rasiega is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Cuevas del Monte Castillo, offering access to impressive Paleolithic rock art in caves like El Castillo and Las Monedas.
Are there family-friendly cave experiences near Polanco?
Yes, several options are suitable for families. Somocuevas Beach is considered family-friendly, offering gentle waves and a unique coastal cave experience. The National Museum and Research Center of Altamira is also family-friendly, providing an educational and engaging visit to the Neocave replica of Altamira. The Fuente de las Palomas Recreation Area, with its picnic tables and accessible sinkhole leading to a cave, is another great spot for families, though caution is advised when exploring the cave itself.
What kind of historical and archaeological sites can I find in the caves near Polanco?
The caves around Polanco are rich in history and archaeology. The National Museum and Research Center of Altamira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to prehistoric cave art, featuring a detailed replica of the Altamira Cave. Cueva La Rasiega is part of the Cuevas del Monte Castillo, another UNESCO site, renowned for its Paleolithic rock art. The Juyo Cave is an important Lower Magdalenian archaeological site, offering insights into early human habitation in the Iberian Peninsula.
What natural features can I expect to see in the caves around Polanco?
You can explore diverse natural features. Somocuevas Beach is known for its caves formed between rocks along the coastline, offering a unique blend of beach and cave scenery. The caves within the Cuevas del Monte Castillo, including Cueva La Rasiega, showcase impressive geological formations alongside their ancient art. The Fuente de las Palomas Recreation Area features a sinkhole that leads to a cave, providing a glimpse into the region's karstic landscape.
Are there any recreational areas near the caves for a day out?
Yes, the Fuente de las Palomas Recreation Area in Monte Dobra has been rehabilitated with picnic tables, making it an ideal spot to spend the day. It also features an old watering hole and a sinkhole leading to a cave, which can be explored with appropriate precautions.
What should I bring when visiting the caves near Polanco?
For general cave visits, especially those involving exploration like the sinkhole cave at Fuente de las Palomas Recreation Area, it's recommended to have proper footwear and a flashlight. For sites like the National Museum and Research Center of Altamira, comfortable walking shoes are sufficient as it's a museum setting with a cave replica.
What outdoor activities can I do near the caves around Polanco?
Beyond cave exploration, the Polanco area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, mountain biking routes, and road cycling routes. These guides provide options for different difficulty levels, allowing you to explore the natural beauty of the region on foot or by bike.
Is there parking available at the cave sites?
For Somocuevas Beach, there is a parking area located a few hundred meters from the stairs leading down to the beach and its caves. The National Museum and Research Center of Altamira also has visitor facilities, including parking. For other sites, it's advisable to check specific access information.
What do visitors enjoy most about the caves around Polanco?
Visitors frequently appreciate the impressive landscapes and unique geological formations, especially at places like Somocuevas Beach. The educational experience and the detailed replica of prehistoric art at the National Museum and Research Center of Altamira are also highly valued. The region's blend of natural beauty and ancient history makes for a captivating experience.
Can I visit the original Altamira Cave?
The original Altamira Cave is closed to the general public to preserve its delicate prehistoric paintings. However, you can experience a faithful replica, known as the Neocave, at the National Museum and Research Center of Altamira. This replica meticulously recreates the cave's environment and art, offering an immersive and educational experience.
How can I access Somocuevas Beach and its caves?
Somocuevas Beach is accessed via a staircase of 139 steps that descends from a high cliff. A narrow path from a nearby parking area leads to these stairs. The beach itself features caves between its rocks and offers a gentle slope to the water.
Most popular routes around Polanco
Most popular attractions around Polanco
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Polanco:
