![100 Bucket list destinations & places to visit](https://cxgveiouca.cloudimg.io/familyhotelfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/Best-Peru-destination47-SH.jpg?w=300&h=200&func=cover)
Travel bucket list idea:
Cave of Altamira
Santillana del Mar, Cantabria, Spain
![Prehistoric drawing on a buffalo on the ceiling](https://cxgveiouca.cloudimg.io/familyhotelfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/Cantabria-Altamira-caves-museum1-SH..jpg?w=960&h=540&func=cover)
This impressive 270m cave is etched with spectacular, 14,000-year-old paintings of horses, deer and bison – some of the world’s greatest Paleolithic cave art. Unfortunately, the actual cave is now closed to visitors due to the risk of damage to the paintings; but there is a near-perfect replica in the fascinating Altamira Museum beside the site.
While you're there
Pair it with a visit to the lovely, historic town of Santillana del Mar – known as one of the prettiest villages in Spain – which is close by.
Logistics
Getting there & doing it
The caves of Altamira are located off the CA-134 and are signposted from Santillana del Mar. There’s plenty of free parking onsite. Alternatively, the cave is just a 20-minute walk through pretty countryside from the centre of Santillana del Mar.
When to do it
The museum is closed Mondays and on certain dates of the year – check the website before you go.