Sidrón Cave Monument
Cave site with important Neanderthal fossil discoveries
In Asturias, Sidrón Cave is an archaeological site where Neanderthal remains were found; researchers and interested visitors study exhibits in nearby museums and guided tours of the area.
Sidrón Cave at a Glance#
Address: Cueva / Cova del Sidrón, Piloña municipality, Asturias, Spain (access by guided tour only)
About Sidrón Cave#
Sidrón Cave (Cueva del Sidrón) is a karst cave site in Asturias, northern Spain, known for its rich Pleistocene fossil deposits and especially for a large assemblage of Neanderthal skeletal remains. Archaeological and palaeontological work at the cave has produced skeletal material and associated fauna used in studies of Neanderthal biology and behaviour.
The excavated deposits contain bones and teeth from multiple individuals along with lithic and faunal remains; researchers have used these materials to investigate diet, population structure and ancient DNA. The site is primarily of scientific and palaeoanthropological interest rather than a developed tourist attraction.
The cave is set within the karst landscape of Asturias and has been subject to controlled excavations and conservation measures led by Spanish research teams.
- Neanderthal remains: Has produced remains of multiple Neanderthal individuals and provided material used in genetic and palaeobiological studies of Neanderthals.
- Karst cave site: Located in the Asturias karst region, the site is a cave system with stratified deposits used by researchers since the late 20th century.
Tips for Visiting Sidrón Cave#
- Cueva del Sidrón is open only for supervised visits to protect the Neanderthal remains - book a guided tour well in advance as places are strictly limited.
- Start at the local interpretation/visitor centre (check with Asturias heritage authorities) to confirm tour dates, meeting points and any seasonal closures.
- Photography inside the cave is normally restricted and groups are kept small to reduce contamination - follow the guides' instructions closely.
Best Time to Visit Sidrón Cave#
Prefer late spring through early autumn for the most reliable access and services, and contact site operators ahead of time because cave visits and research access can be limited.
Weather & Climate near Sidrón Cave#
Sidrón Cave's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (903 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 3° - 11° | 6° | 87 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| February | Acceptable | 4° - 13° | 7° | 80 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.3h |
| March | Acceptable | 6° - 15° | 10° | 71 mm | overcast | 77% | 2.9 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 7° - 16° | 11° | 93 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.3h |
| May | Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 84 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.7 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.5h |
| June | Very Good | 13° - 21° | 17° | 50 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.2h |
| July | Very Good | 15° - 23° | 19° | 48 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.9h |
| August | Very Good | 15° - 23° | 19° | 49 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.3 m/s | 1.5 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Very Good | 13° - 22° | 17° | 58 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.4h |
| October | Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 95 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 10° | 96 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.5h |
| December | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 7° | 92 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 8.8h |