The best caves in the Basque Country to visit with your family: history and adventure underground
The Basque Country hides a true natural and historical treasure underground. The caves of the Basque Country are not only impressive geological formations, but also house some of the most important prehistoric remains in the region.
With ancient cave paintings, surprising formations, and countless stories to discover, these natural cavities are a perfect destination for a family outing.
If you’re looking for prehistoric caves in the Basque Country to visit with your kids, here we present some of the most fascinating ones, with practical information so you can plan your next adventure.
Discover the prehistoric caves of the Basque Country with your family
The caves of the Basque Country offer a unique combination of history, science, and adventure. From impressive natural formations to cave paintings thousands of years old, each of these caves hides a piece of our history.
The prehistoric caves of the Basque Country are an ideal option for a family outing that the little ones won’t forget.
Caves in Gipuzkoa
Ekainberri, Ekain Cave (Zestoa): discover the cave paintings of the Basque coast
Location: Portale kalea 1, 20740 Zestoa (Gipuzkoa)
Prior reservation recommended:
Tel.: 943 86 88 11
info@ekainberri.com
www.ekainberri.eus
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ekain Cave, discovered in 1969, houses some of the most spectacular cave paintings on the Cantabrian coast. Due to its enormous historical value, an exact replica, Ekainberri, was built so that visitors can learn about the history and prehistoric art in an interactive way without compromising the original paintings.
Ekainberri is a true time machine that transports visitors 15,000 years back in time. The replica faithfully reproduces the interior of the original cave, allowing visitors to admire one of the most important collections of Paleolithic cave art. The paintings, mostly depictions of horses, are considered some of the most beautiful in the world and are part of the Franco-Cantabrian rock art collection.
Experiences in Ekainberri, ideal for little ones
Ekainberri is an ideal destination for families, as it combines education with adventure, allowing children to learn about history and art in an educational and fun way. It offers fun and educational experiences that will delight you and allow you to learn how the ancient inhabitants of the area lived. Among the activities organized by Ekainberri, the following stand out:
- Prehistoric Painting Workshop: Visitors can discover how natural pigments were created and try painting with the same techniques used in prehistory.
- Spear Hunting: An activity that allows you to experience how Paleolithic hunters obtained their food.
- Fire Lighting: A demonstration of the techniques used by our ancestors to make fire with natural materials.
Information and Reservations: 943 86 88 11 | www.ekainberri.eus
Arrikrutz Caves (Oñati): the underground labyrinth of Gipuzkoa
Location: Oñati, Gipuzkoa
Guided tours with prior reservation
Duration of the visit: 60 minutes
The Arrikrutz Cave, located in the heart of the Aizkorri Mountain, is an impressive karst system with more than 15 kilometers of underground galleries. It is the most extensive cave system in Gipuzkoa, and its interior hides a geological spectacle shaped by water over thousands of years.
But its importance is not only geological. During the excavations, highly significant paleontological remains have been found, such as the only complete skeleton of a cave lion found on the Iberian Peninsula, as well as panther skulls and an impressive cave bear site.
Practical Information
- The temperature is constantly 10°C, so warm clothing is recommended.
- Adapted route, with walkways and special lighting for visitors of all ages.
- Prices: Adults (€4.50), Children (€3), Seniors (€3).
Information and Reservations: 943 08 20 00 | arrikrutz@onati.eus
Caves in Bizkaia
Pozalagua Cave (Karrantza): a spectacle of unique stalactites
Location: Karrantza, Bizkaia
Mandatory guided tour
Duration of the Visit: 45 minutes
Located in the Armañón Natural Park, the Pozalagua Cave is famous for its eccentric stalactites, a rare geological formation that defies gravity by growing in all directions. Discovered by chance in 1957, this cave is today one of the most impressive geological landmarks in Bizkaia.
What makes Pozalagua unique is the density and size of these eccentric stalactites, considered the most spectacular in the world. Their formations resemble tangled roots or petrified coral, creating an underground landscape of breathtaking beauty.
What you can’t miss
- Main hall with thousands of eccentric stalactites and stalacmites, a geological phenomenon almost unique in the world.
- Privileged location, in a natural setting of great scenic value.
- Easy and accessible, with walkways that make the visit easy for all ages.
Information and reservations: 649 811 673 | pozalagua.kobazuloa@gmail.com
Santimamiñe Cave (Kortezubi): the great prehistoric sanctuary of Bizkaia
Location: Kortezubi, Bizkaia
Prior reservation required
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Thecave of Santimamiñe is the most important archaeological site in Bizkaia. Its interior preserves remains of human settlements dating back more than 14,000 years, as well as a collection of cave paintings depicting bison, horses, a bear, and a deer.
To protect this legacy, the cave can only be visited up to the entrance, but the tour is complemented by a 3D virtual recreation, which allows you to explore the interior and admire the paintings in detail.
Visit Experience
- Tour to the mouth of the cave with spectacular views of the Oma Forest.
- Explanation of the archaeological site and life in prehistory.
- 3D projection of the cave, with a virtual tour that allows you to see the rock carvings without damaging them.
Information and reservations: 94 465 16 57 | santimamine@bizkaia.eus
