Sacromonte Cave Houses in Granada: All You Need to Know

Veganderlust contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. For more info, see the Disclosure Policy.

Throughout history, humans have always found unique ways to adapt and build homes in different environments. One of the most fascinating examples of this can be seen in Andalusia, where cave houses in Granada have been a part of the landscape for centuries.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Sacromonte Cave Houses – from their history to how to visit them.

My highlight of exploring the cave houses was attending a flamenco show in a Sacromonte cave house. The intense passion of the performance in such a unique setting made it my favorite part of exploring the area.

Table of Contents

What are Sacromonte Cave Houses?

Sacromonte Cave Houses are a unique type of dwelling found in the hills of Sacromonte, a neighborhood in Granada, Spain. These homes were carved out of the hillside and have been inhabited since the 16th century.

Historically, these cave houses were primarily occupied by Romani families who settled in the area, that’s why Sacromonte is still known as the “Gypsy Neighbourhood”.

Today the cave houses are inhabited by a mix of locals and people from all over the world. Most cave houses are normally registered houses with modern amenities like electricity inside. However, some cave houses further up the mountains are used by undocumented immigrants.

Sacromonte has also become a popular tourist destination for visitors to experience a true taste of Granada’s culture and history. Visiting a cave house is one of the great things to do in Granada.

🤩 Learn more about the cave houses on a guided walking tour!

A picture of a cave house from the outside, you can only see an opening in a hill — Cave houses from the outside at the Cave House Museum

How to Visit Cave Houses in Granada Spain

Visiting the Sacromonte Cave Houses is a very unique activity in Granada and makes the city worth visiting.

You can simply walk around the Sacromonte district like I did or you can opt for a guided walking tour to learn more about the history of the caves.

There are three great ways to see the Sacromonte caves in Granada Spain from the inside, you can visit the cave house museum to learn about the history of the caves, and see a flamenco show in a cave house.

For the ultimate experience, you even have the opportunity to spend a night in one of these authentic cave dwellings.

However, it’s crucial to bear in mind that the cave houses are not mere attractions, but rather the actual homes of people. Therefore, it is essential to respect their privacy and refrain from trespassing on personal property.

🤩 Let a local guide show you the best cave houses!

A small apartment in a cave with old school furniture — Inside a historic cave house at the Cave House Museum

Visit the Cave House Museum

The Sacromonte Cave House Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the history and culture of these unique homes.

In the museum, you can enter multiple historic cave houses. Each cave house has a different focus and explanations are written in English on the walls.

My favourite cave house was the one with a focus on the flamenco dance. You can read all about the origin of this traditional Spanish dance and see original music instruments. This made me want to visit a flamenco show afterwards, which I definitely recommend you do too.

One of the advantages of visiting the cave house museum is the breathtaking view it offers of the city of Granada.

A room inside a cave with some chairs on the wall and a guitar on one chair — Sacromonte Caves Granada are a very unique thing to visit

See a Flamenco Show in a Cave House

A flamenco show in a cave house, a woman is dancing, behind her you can see guitar players and there are people sitting at the corner of the room — A flamenco show in one of the Granada cave houses

While there are numerous flamenco shows to choose from in Granada, experiencing one in a cave house brings an extra level of authenticity and charm.

There are several venues that offer these unique performances. The shows often include live music, singing, and dancing by talented local performers.

I watched a flamenco show at Zambra María La Canastera and it was amazing! You could really feel the passion and the enthusiasm. So, without having been to any others, I’m pretty sure it’s one of the best Granada Spain Flamenco Caves.

Visit the Cave Church

A statue holding birds in front of a chapel. There's a hidden cave church underneath the building. — The outside of the cave church

Entrance to a historical cave with stone stairs and an arched ceiling, showcasing one of the best monasteries in Sacromonte, Granada. — The outside of the cave church

A hidden gem in Granada is the cave church at Abadía del Sacromonte. You can visit the former monastery and learn about it’s history, but the highlight of Abadía del Sacromonte is the cave church.

There’s a whole cave system with multiple religious artefact hidden in the cave, and from the outside of the building you wouldn’t even know there’s a cave inside. It’s definitely one of the most unique churches in Granada.

Stay Overnight in a Cave House

For a truly immersive experience, you can stay overnight in one of these Spanish cave houses. There are various options available, ranging from basic cave rooms to luxurious and modernized cave suites.

Staying in a cave house allows you to fully appreciate the unique architecture and design of these homes while also supporting the local community. But make sure to pack light, some cave houses are difficult to access with a big suitcase.

Cuevas El Abanico FreshApartments by Bossh!

A great option if you’re looking for a single room to rent is Cuevas El Abanico FreshApartments by Bossh! It’s a very authentic cave with but still offers all amenities you might need. It also has a cute terrace which is great for relaxing.

Casa Cueva Lujo Sacromonte con vistas Alhambra

Casa Cueva Lujo Sacromonte con vistas Alhambra is a great option if your looking for a more luxurious cave house. It has a rooftop terrace with incredible views of the Alhambra.

A picture of the Sacromonte district in Granada with white buildings and cobbled street — The Granada caves are by far not the only ones in Spain

Other Cave Houses in Spain

While the Sacromonte neighborhood in Granada is famous for its cave houses, it’s not the only place in Spain where you can find them.

In fact, less than an hours drive from Granada is Guadix, for example, which is home to one of Spain’s most significant cave-dwelling communities. Renowned for its stunning landscape, the town is dotted with numerous inhabited cave houses.

These Guadix cave houses, often whitewashed and adorned with chimneys, are built into the rugged terrain, creating a very unique skyline. Walking through this “Barrio de Cuevas” is one of the best things to do in Guadix, you can even walk on top of some cave houses!

Is Granada worth visiting? 10 reasons why it is — View from the Sacromonte Caves Museum

Final Thoughts: Granada Spain Cave Houses

Visiting the Sacromonte Cave Houses in Granada is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

From exploring the cave house museum to watching a flamenco show and even staying overnight, there are plenty of ways to fully immerse yourself in this unique and fascinating part of Granada.

Just remember to be respectful of the local community while you admire these beautiful and historic homes. So why wait? Plan your visit to Sacromonte Cave Houses now and get ready for an unforgettable experience!