Covalanas Cave
Cueva de Covalanas
A UNESCO World Heritage site known as the “Cave of the Red Deer,” where more than twenty hinds are outlined in ochre-red dots in a distinctive style. The original cave is open to the public.
Covalanas Cave sits on a hillside near Ramales de la Victoria. Discovered in 1903, it holds around twenty hinds, a horse and an aurochs, all painted in red dotted outlines about 20,000 years ago. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2008. Small-group tours last about 45 minutes and must be booked in advance through the official Cantabrian Caves website. From the car park, it's roughly a 15-minute uphill walk to the cave mouth. The cave lies about 55 km from Santander and can be combined with nearby Cullalvera Cave.
Opening hours
Guided tours Wed–Sun (check the official website)
Nearby sights
- Laredo & La Salvé Beach
- Santoña & Faro del Caballo
- Liérganes
- Somo & El Puntal Beach
- Magdalena Palace
- Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico
- Gran Casino del Sardinero
- El Sardinero Beach