Cave of El Castillo, Cantabria, Spain

5Frivolous Diversion 5:00 PM Aug 18, 2022

Ask for Juan
Best cave and parietal art you can see firsthand in Northern Spain, but don't just take my word for it (read all that you can before you go). Juan was our guide who did a great job answering questions in an exceptionally courteous and candid way which separated hypotheses from (substantiated) theories. He was extremely informative, to say the very least, but his professionalism, English and interpersonal skills were particularly impressive. We don't have children, but if you do, definitely wait for Juan (he's amazing with kids).

5David B 5:00 PM Sep 21, 2022

Cave paintings by prehistoric humans
Situated above the town of Puente Viesgo the Castillo cave is one of two you can visit on this site. Visit is by the excellent guided tour led by an informed and enthusiastic guide. You should book in advance on line as places are limited and as it is cold (and damp) in the cave you should wear warm clothing. Access is via a small visitor centre and excavations continue in the area where prehistoric man lived at the cave entrance. You then descend stairs into the dimly lit cave where you will see cave paintings of hands, deer and bison dating back to the earliest days of homo sapiens. The guide illuminates paintings with a lamp as well as showing how stalactites and stalagmites have been carved to produce suggestive shadows. You are also shown more abstract blocks of colour and dots as you descend to the lowest part of the cave. Proceed with cars as floors are slippery. The visit lasts between 45 and 60 minutes and you need to be on site 15 minutes before the tour starts. There is a small car park, toilets and vending facilities at the visitor centre. La Cueva de las Monedas which you can also visit is a 600 metre walk from the entrance to the Castillo cave.