Between the municipalities of Herrerías, Valdáliga, and Rionansa, about 85 km from Santander, lies the “Sistine Chapel” of geology, the El Soplao Cave, one of Cantabria’s famous mining caves.
An impressive cavity located in Cantabria that was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century during the operation of the La Florida zinc and lead mines. However, it wasn’t until 1975 that local Cantabrian geologists began to explore it.
Its peculiar name, El Soplao, comes from the term used to describe the draft of air felt when connecting one gallery to another with less oxygen.
🚗 The cave is in a rural area, about 85 km from Santander, so the easiest way to get there is by your own or a rental car: compare options at Discover Cars.
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Where is it located
Its location is privileged, with wonderful panoramic views of the central massif of the Picos de Europa and the Nansa River valley from the parking lot.
Types of visits
The tourist visit to the cave lasts approximately 1 hour and is suitable for all audiences, including people with reduced mobility. 100% of the route is wheelchair accessible.
There is also an adventure tourism option at the El Soplao cave for the more intrepid, which allows you to explore the cave’s galleries in their natural state, a true speleology paradise.
If you’d rather leave the logistics and the driving to someone else, you can also book a full-day guided excursion from Santander to El Soplao Cave, which includes hotel pickup, the ride on the little mining train, and a final stop at the Tina Menor viewpoint in Pechón.
How to access the cave and what you can see
Access to the El Soplao cave is provided via a replica of the mining train that used to be used in the mine. The walking tour through the galleries and chambers, such as La Gorda, Los Fantasmas, Lacuerre, Centinelas, and Ópera, among others, is a fascinating journey into the underground world.
Inside, you can see geological formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstones. The most impressive formations are the ‘eccentrics,’ which are helicoidal formations that defy gravity and carpet the floors, ceilings, and walls throughout the route.
It is important to keep in mind that taking photographs and touching the formations is prohibited, as it is considered a heritage crime. The preservation of the cave is crucial for future generations.In addition to its geological value, the cave houses an exceptional Industrial Mining Heritage, with galleries, calcination kilns, washhouses, and workshops.
Do you need more reasons to discover it?
Want to treat yourself to Cantabrian gastronomy?
Read our post: where to eat gluten-free in Cantabria
Discover the amber
It possesses a wonderful Lower Cretaceous amber deposit. There are very few examples worldwide. The El Soplao amber is blue-purple in color, a significant geological rarity, and has an extraordinary luminescence.
Likewise, its uniqueness lies in the quantity of insects and spiders that were fossilized and preserved when it became amber 110 million years ago.
You don’t need anything to visit it, only curiosity and a desire to enjoy this wonder. The cave features lockers, a souvenir shop, a cafeteria, restrooms, a terrace, a tower-viewpoint, and other facilities.
Outside, there is parking for private vehicles and buses, recreational areas, and a permanent exhibition of contemporary sculpture.
If you still haven’t been, go for it! I assure you that it will give you goosebumps, not from the draft of air, but from the spectacular beauty of this Geological Heritage of Cantabria.
To make for a perfect plan, you can take the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful nearby towns in Cantabria, such asComillas or San Vicente de la Barquera.
If you’re wondering where to eat gluten-free near the cave, in nearby Cabezón de la Sal, the reference town of the Saja-Nansa area, Restaurante La Retama states on its own official website that it offers gluten-free options on its menu. As always, no establishment can guarantee 100% freedom from cross-contamination, so it’s worth mentioning it to the staff when you arrive.
And, of course, we are excited for you to tell us about your experience.
You might also be interested in reading the following posts:
What to see in Cantabria in 3 days
Cantabria in 5 days: complete guide
What to see in Cantabria in 7 days
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does the visit to El Soplao Cave last?
The standard tourist visit lasts approximately 1 hour and is suitable for all audiences, including people with reduced mobility.
Is El Soplao Cave accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Yes. 100% of the standard tourist route is wheelchair accessible.
Why is it called “El Soplao”?
Its name comes from the term used to describe the draft of air felt when connecting one gallery to another with less oxygen.
Can you take photos inside El Soplao Cave?
No. Taking photographs and touching the formations inside the cave is prohibited, as it is considered a heritage crime.
Where can I eat gluten-free near El Soplao Cave?
In nearby Cabezón de la Sal, the reference town of the Saja-Nansa area, Restaurante La Retama states on its own official website that it offers gluten-free options on its menu. As always, no establishment can guarantee 100% freedom from cross-contamination.
