El Soplao Cave
Explore a subterranean wonderland of unique aragonite formations and historical mining remnants in El Soplao Cave, Cantabria.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
El Soplao Cave
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a subterranean wonderland of unique aragonite formations and historical mining remnants in El Soplao Cave, Cantabria.
"An impressive and unique experience with funny, friendly guides and otherworldly formations."
🧥 Bring a Warm Layer
The cave is a constant 14°C (57°F). A jacket or jumper is a must, even in summer!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking about 2.4 km inside. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are essential for the uneven terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Otherworldly Aragonite Formations
Main cave chambers
Marvel at delicate aragonite flowers, snowflakes, and other unique crystalline structures that bloom in the dark.
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Remnants of Mining History
Former mining areas
Explore the fascinating blend of natural beauty and human endeavor, with remnants of historical zinc and lead mining operations.
The 'Little Train' Descent
Entrance to the cave
Enjoy a short, scenic ride on a small train that takes you down into the heart of the cave system.
Panoramic Views from Above
Entrance area
Take in breathtaking views of the surrounding Cantabrian landscape before or after your cave exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead to Avoid Disappointment
Dress for the Underground Climate
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Bring a Warm Layer
The cave is a constant 14°C (57°F). A jacket or jumper is a must, even in summer!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking about 2.4 km inside. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are essential for the uneven terrain.
📅 Book Tickets in Advance
El Soplao is very popular. Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment and long queues.
🗣️ Language Considerations
Tours are primarily in Spanish. Check for English-speaking tours or consider an audio guide if available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Bring a Warm Layer
The cave is a constant 14°C (57°F). A jacket or jumper is a must, even in summer!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking about 2.4 km inside. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are essential for the uneven terrain.
📅 Book Tickets in Advance
El Soplao is very popular. Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment and long queues.
🗣️ Language Considerations
Tours are primarily in Spanish. Check for English-speaking tours or consider an audio guide if available.
📸 Capture the Magic
While photography is allowed, be mindful of others and the cave's delicate formations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise El Soplao Cave for its unique and impressive geological formations, particularly the delicate aragonite structures. The knowledgeable and friendly guides, along with the fun 'little train' ride, enhance the experience. However, some note that tours are primarily in Spanish, which can be a drawback for international visitors, and younger children might find the experience less engaging.
"Impressive and unique experience
Guides are funny and friendly
1 min little train ride down to cave.
Bring a jumper it's cold
You will walk 2.4 km inside
Parking outside
Book your cave visit in advance if you don't want to wait.
15 euros per person
Great panoramic view at the top in front of entrance."
thebearded coco
"What a visit!
We couldn't recommend the Speleological Cave Tour more highly. It was absolutely fascinating, and our two guides did a terrific job explaining everything about the cave's origins and formation.
Wearing the protective suit, helmet with a flashlight, and boots made me feel like a real explorer... or even a scientist! 🤣
We were also lucky to be in a small group of just seven people, all English speakers. So, although the tour is normally conducted in Spanish, our guides kindly did the entire excursion in English so we could follow along.
They were not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also super friendly, helpful, and funny.
Thanks again for this amazing experience! We’ll definitely be back!"
Barbora Haase
"1, the way up to the cave is very beautiful, full of sycamore trees.
2, Inside the cave is really cold, indeed. Remember to bring a jacket or a coat.
3, the cave itself is amazing of course, art of nature and time. But, yes, but, if you have already been some similar places like this, it wouldn't surprise you too much. For example, Reed Flute cave, Guilin, China, it is much bigger and more complicated.
4, it could be boring for children. We didn't think to bring Mei here before because we knew it could be boring for her yet, but her grandparents were here and they wanted to visit it so.....yes, we were right. Mei felt bored after staying in the cave for a while.
A 6 years old kid, watching "stones " in the dark and cold..... not very good idea.
5, although, outside, the view is nice at sunset. And those cows are very calm. 😍
6, There are EV chargers."
M.Y.Voyage
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
El Soplao Cave is located in Cantabria, Spain. The most common way to reach it is by car, with ample parking available at the site. Public transport options are limited, so renting a car or joining a guided tour from nearby towns like Santander or Comillas is often recommended.
Yes, there is parking available outside the cave entrance. It can get busy during peak times, so arriving early is a good idea.
Absolutely! El Soplao Cave is a popular day trip from Santander. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, offering scenic views of the Cantabrian countryside.
Yes, EV chargers are available at the El Soplao Cave site, making it convenient for electric vehicle owners.
The drive to El Soplao Cave is often described as beautiful, winding through scenic routes with sycamore trees.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard ticket price is around 15 euros per person. Special tours like the Speleological Cave Tour may have different pricing. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Yes, it is strongly advised to book your tickets for El Soplao Cave in advance, especially if you plan to visit during weekends, holidays, or peak tourist seasons, as tours can sell out.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official El Soplao Cave website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours and tour availability.
Yes, besides the standard tour, there's also a Speleological Cave Tour which offers a more adventurous experience, requiring protective gear and a good level of fitness.
While tours are primarily conducted in Spanish, some visitors have noted the absence of audio guides or information leaflets in other languages, which can be a drawback for non-Spanish speakers. It's advisable to inquire about this when booking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temperature inside El Soplao Cave remains constant year-round at approximately 14°C (57°F). It's advisable to wear a jacket or warm clothing.
The standard tour involves walking approximately 2.4 kilometers (about 1.5 miles) inside the cave. Comfortable footwear is essential.
While children can visit, some find the cave experience, with its cold temperature and focus on geological formations, potentially boring for younger kids. The Speleological tour is not recommended for children.
Photography is generally permitted inside El Soplao Cave, but it's important to be respectful of other visitors and the delicate cave environment.
A short, fun train ride takes visitors from the entrance down into the cave system, adding a unique element to the visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The cave itself offers stunning photographic opportunities with its unique formations like aragonite flowers and stalactites. The panoramic views from the entrance area are also excellent for capturing the landscape. +1
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside El Soplao Cave. However, it's important to use your camera responsibly and avoid flash photography that could damage the delicate formations or disturb other visitors.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial due to the cave's dim lighting. A wide-angle lens can help capture the scale of the formations. Tripods might be restricted, so check the rules beforehand.
While generally allowed, be mindful of tour guides' instructions and avoid using flash photography excessively. Respect the natural environment and other visitors.
The delicate aragonite formations, often described as 'snowflakes' or 'flowers,' are particularly photogenic. The scale of the stalactites and stalagmites, along with the historical mining elements, also make for striking images.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Book tickets in advance to avoid queues. Bring snacks and drinks for before or after the tour. Consider the age and attention span of your children when deciding on the tour type. The panoramic views outside the cave can also be a great way to engage kids with the natural surroundings.
🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers & Explorers
This tour is ideal for individuals or groups who enjoy a bit of physical challenge and want to see parts of the cave not accessible on the standard tour. It’s a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the raw, untouched beauty of the cave and understand the historical context of mining in a more hands-on way. Remember to book this specialized tour well in advance, as it is very popular.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1While photography is permitted, it's essential to be respectful. Avoid excessive flash, which can damage the delicate formations and disturb other visitors. Check for any specific rules regarding tripods, as they may not be allowed in certain areas. The panoramic views from the entrance also provide excellent opportunities for landscape photography, capturing the beauty of the Cantabrian region.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Wonders of El Soplao
+1The cave system was discovered during mining operations in the early 20th century, initially exploited for zinc and lead. This dual heritage is evident throughout the site, with remnants of mining infrastructure blending into the natural geological formations. Visitors can witness how human activity intertwined with the subterranean world, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the natural spectacle. The guides often share fascinating insights into the lives of the miners and the geological processes at play.
+1For the more adventurous, the Speleological Cave Tour offers a deeper exploration, requiring participants to wear protective gear and navigate more challenging terrain. This immersive experience allows visitors to feel like true explorers, getting up close with the cave's raw beauty and historical context. It’s a fantastic way to understand the scale and complexity of this natural wonder beyond the standard tour.
Experiencing El Soplao: Tours and Practicalities
It's crucial to be prepared for the cave's consistent cool temperature of around 14°C (57°F). Bringing a warm jacket or jumper is highly recommended, regardless of the season outside. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are also a must for navigating the uneven surfaces safely. The guides are often praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and humor, making the educational aspect of the tour engaging and enjoyable.
While the cave is a natural marvel, some visitors, particularly those with young children, have noted that it might not hold the attention of very young ones for the entire duration, especially given the cool environment. However, for adults and older children interested in geology, natural history, and unique landscapes, El Soplao offers an unforgettable experience. Booking tickets in advance is a key tip to ensure entry, as the cave is a very popular attraction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit