Sare Caves
Explore ancient caves with a vibrant bat colony, a prehistoric monument park, and a captivating light show.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Private tours available
Sare Caves
Best Time
Private tours available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient caves with a vibrant bat colony, a prehistoric monument park, and a captivating light show.
"Incredible cave, gigantic, millions of years old, light show with a tour, bonus: dolmens and very small museum on site."
🎟️ Buy Tickets Ahead
Advance booking is recommended, especially for afternoon tours. Closed on Wednesdays!
🧥 Wear Warm Layers
Cave temperature is a constant 14°C (57°F). Bring a jacket!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Bat Colony
Inside the caves
Witness thousands of wild bats roosting on the ceiling, a truly unique and active natural spectacle.
Prehistoric Monuments Park
Outside the caves
Explore reconstructed dolmens and other ancient structures, offering a glimpse into prehistoric life.
Cave Light Show
Inside the caves
Experience the cave's geological formations brought to life with an engaging light and multimedia show.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Dress for Cool Temperatures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets Ahead
Advance booking is recommended, especially for afternoon tours. Closed on Wednesdays!
🧥 Wear Warm Layers
Cave temperature is a constant 14°C (57°F). Bring a jacket!
🚫 No Photos Inside
Photography is prohibited within the caves to protect the environment and bats.
🦇 Active Bat Sightings
You might see many active bats, including young ones!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets Ahead
Advance booking is recommended, especially for afternoon tours. Closed on Wednesdays!
🧥 Wear Warm Layers
Cave temperature is a constant 14°C (57°F). Bring a jacket!
🚫 No Photos Inside
Photography is prohibited within the caves to protect the environment and bats.
🦇 Active Bat Sightings
You might see many active bats, including young ones!
🚗 Parking Available
Plenty of parking, but limited spots for campervans.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Sare Caves for its impressive bat colony and the engaging light show within the geological formations. The prehistoric monument park and small museum add historical context, though some feel the history within the caves could be emphasized more. The cool cave temperature requires warm clothing, and photography is prohibited inside.
"We got a great private tour in English at the end of the afternoon. Super interesting history and insight into the Basque country and some of its extraordinary culture and language. The caves are nice, but what was really exciting was the bats nest on the ceiling. Very active bats and a bunch of young ones hanging there and flapping their wings in anticipation of food. Never saw so many bats, wild, in one place. Great!
There are multiple stories told and histories found. The museum is small and features a bit of all these stories. The souvenir shop is very nice and sells gems, they own a huge amethyst!
Buy tickets in advance. Closed on Wednesdays. Absolutely worthwhile. There is a lot of parking place, but not too many for campervans.
Public toilet for free. I am so happy that the guide, movie and all surroundings support the importance of Natura 2000! Keep this site clean and natural, as much as possible."
Christy Duijvelaar
"The cares are really nice. Take the guided tour, it's worth it."
Claude Moes
"Lovely experience to learn about the historical and archaeological significance of the cave. The guide explained everything well and the multimedia elements added a special touch. If you are lucky, you might see some bats flying around! Remember to take something warm to put on in the cave as the temperature is around 14 degrees throughout the year. Note that you cannot take photos inside the cave."
Lara Foreman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sare Caves are located in the Basque Country. Driving is the most common way to reach them, with ample parking available on site. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus schedules in advance is advisable.
Yes, there is a parking area available for visitors. However, note that parking for campervans might be limited.
While driving is convenient, it's worth checking local bus routes that serve the Sare region. Some visitors may find it feasible to combine a visit with other nearby attractions if using public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but booking in advance is highly recommended. Check the official website for the most current pricing and tour options.
It is strongly advised to buy tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.
Sare Caves are closed on Wednesdays. It's best to check their official website for specific daily opening hours, as these can change seasonally.
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the caves. This rule is in place to protect the delicate environment and the bat population.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended to fully appreciate the history and geology of the caves. English tours are often available, particularly in the late afternoon.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temperature inside Sare Caves remains a consistent 14°C (57°F) throughout the year. It's advisable to wear a warm layer.
Beyond the caves, you can explore a park with reconstructed prehistoric monuments like dolmens, and a small museum featuring local history and artifacts.
The museum is small but offers insights into the history and culture of the Basque region, including some unique artifacts like a large amethyst.
Yes, Sare Caves are home to a significant bat colony. Visitors often report seeing many active bats, which is a highlight for many.
The caves hold historical and archaeological significance, with evidence of prehistoric human activity. The guided tours often touch upon these aspects.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there might be a small souvenir shop, dedicated dining facilities are not extensively mentioned. It's a good idea to plan for meals before or after your visit.
Picnic areas are not explicitly mentioned, but it's generally good practice to consume food outside of sensitive natural areas like caves. Check for designated areas if available.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is not allowed inside the caves. This is a strict rule to protect the bats and the cave environment.
The best photo opportunities are likely outside the caves, focusing on the prehistoric monument park, the surrounding landscape, and the cave entrance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The prehistoric monuments park outside provides an interactive element where children can explore and learn about ancient structures. The museum, though small, can offer interesting tidbits. Ensure you book tickets in advance to avoid long waits, and be mindful of the no-photography rule inside the caves.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Visiting during off-peak hours or seasons might offer a more relaxed experience without necessarily incurring higher costs. The combination of the cave tour, the prehistoric park, and the museum provides a good value for a single admission.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Subterranean World
One of the most captivating aspects for many is the active bat colony that roosts on the cave ceilings. Seeing thousands of these nocturnal creatures, including young ones, is a rare and memorable experience. Due to the sensitivity of the ecosystem and the bats, photography is strictly prohibited inside the caves, a rule that ensures the preservation of this unique habitat.
Beyond the geological formations, the caves offer a journey through history. The guided tours often touch upon the archaeological significance of the caves, hinting at their use by prehistoric peoples. This blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and historical context makes Sare Caves a multifaceted destination.
A Glimpse into Prehistory
The small museum on-site complements the outdoor exhibits by showcasing local history and artifacts. While not extensive, it offers valuable context about the area's heritage, including some unique items like a large amethyst, which is a point of interest for souvenir shoppers.
This combination of natural cave exploration and historical reconstruction makes Sare Caves a destination that appeals to both nature enthusiasts and history buffs, offering a comprehensive experience of the region's ancient past and natural wonders.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit