Spectacular palaeolithic etchings found in the cave of Armintxe in Lekeitio

The etchings discovered in the cave of Armintxe date from the same period as the paintings of Santimamiñe, in Kortebuzi. There are more than 50 etchings of different animals, including some which appear for the first time in northern Spain, like lions. The cave is underneath a block of homes and the etchings may be from the Magdalenian period, over 14,500 years ago. In the words of the head of the Bizkaia provincial authority, Unai Rementeria, the set of etchings can be considered a "true palaeolithic sanctuary" and "a treasure of humanity". For the moment the caves cannot be visited, though we hope this will be possible in the near future. Less than an hour from Bilbao, Lekeitio is a place not to be missed on the Basque coast. Its old town offers the chance to enjoy a rich architectural heritage. Other places worth visiting include the island of San Nicolás, which can be reached on foot at low tide, and the lighthouse of Santa Catalina, both places that offer fine landscapes and bring out the charm of this seaside town. The beach of Isuntza is a good place for a pleasant stroll while taking in stunning views of the town and its surrounding area.