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Exploring the Guadix Cave Houses: A Hidden Gem in Spain
Guadix is a charming town in southern Spain, just 45 minutes by car from Granada. It’s still a some what hidden gem in Andalusia. To be honest, I only visited Guadix because I was housesitting close by and I’m so glad I did!
I was already impressed by the cave houses in Granada, but the Guadix cave houses are on another level. Walking around and sometimes even on top of them was such a unique and amazing experience.
In this post, I’ll cover everything about these cave houses, from their history to how you can visit them.
Brief History of Guadix Cave Houses
The origins of these unique cave houses in Guadix date back to Roman and Arab times in the 15th century. After the Christian reconquest, these caves became refuges for minorities. Residents shaped the landscape, creating homes with white chimneys.
Living in Cave Houses Today
There are over 2,000 cave houses in the “Barrio de Cuevas,” making Guadix the “European capital of caves.” These homes are not just for show, people actually live in them with all modern amenities.
There are multiple advantages of living in caves:
- They stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter thanks to the natural insulation of the caves with a constant temperature of 18 to 20°C (64-68°F) all year round.
- They are energy efficient, they use about 50% less energy than a built house.
- They utilise and protect the natural landscape.
- It’s very quiet inside, perfect for a good night’s sleep.
- There is very little maintenance needed as the caves are naturally resistant to weather conditions.
How to Visit the Cave Houses in Guadix
Now, let’s come to the most interesting part, how to visit the cave houses. The cave house neighbourhood is one of the highlights of Guadix and can be easily reached on foot from the city centre, just get ready for a bit of an uphill walk.
Walk Around the “Barrio de Cuevas”
The best way to get a feeling for the area is to just walk around. I was really surprised that you can even walk on top of some houses, sometimes you only notice that you’re on top of a house when you see a chimney next to you! It’s such a unique experience.
In case you use Google Maps to navigate, watch out, some paths are shown as small roads on Google but in reality they are small paths over a house.
Official Cave House Museum
Cueva Museo Centro de Interpretación Cuevas de Guadix is the best place if you want to learn about the history of the cave houses. For a small entrance fee you get visit the museum about cave houses in an actual cave house.
There’s a brief introductory video and the you can walk through a historic cave house, allowing you to experience how people lived in the past.
Private Cave Houses Open to Visitors
While there’s only one official cave house museum, some private cave house owners open up their houses for visitors. I visited Cueva de José, since it was right next to, or actually right underneath, an amazing viewpoint.
You can visit José’s house for free but a donation is welcomed, you can also buy some drinks and souvenirs inside.
Best Viewpoints of the Cave Houses
“Barrio de Cuevas” is quite hilly, which is necessary for cave houses of course. Thanks to these hills, you can find multiple viewpoints.
My favorite viewpoint was the one on top of José’s house. Another great viewpoint is Mirador Cerro de la Bala. This viewpoint is a bit higher up, so you have an amazing panoramic view.
Staying Overnight in a Cave House
The most unique way to visit a cave house is to stay in one overnight. There are multiple options to stay the night in a cave in Guadix.
Casa Cueva Picoesquina is a popular option, featuring a fully equipped cave house with modern amenities, and an outdoor patio with fireplace.
Cueva La Loli is an amazing choice if you’re looking for a more authentic cave. It still has all modern amenities you need, but it just feels more authentic and cozy.
Final Thoughts: Cave Houses in Andalusia
Visiting the cave houses in Guadix was definitely a highlight of my time housesitting in Andalusia. It’s such a unique and authentic experience, and I highly recommend adding it to your southern Spain itinerary.
And if you have the opportunity, staying overnight in one of these caves is an unforgettable experience.
So next time you’re planning a trip to Spain, don’t miss out on exploring the hidden gem of Guadix and its fascinating cave houses!
Read more about Andalusia:
- Epic Southern Spain Itinerary: 10 Days in Andalusia
- 9 Best Cities in Southern Spain to Visit
- Is Granada Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons Why It Is
- 10 Visiting Alhambra Tips
- Guide to Vegan Granada
- Visiting Arab Baths In Granada
- Sacromonte Cave Houses in Granada: All You Need to Know
- Best Tours from Seville to Granada
- Epic Day Trip From Seville To Ronda With White Villages
- Ultimate Day Trip From Seville To Córdoba
- Amazing 3 Days in Seville Itinerary: What to See & Do
- How Many Days in Seville Is Enough?
- 7 Absolute Best Day Trips from Seville, Spain
- Granada vs Malaga: Why I Prefer Granada Over Málaga
- Ultimate Guide to Málaga Old Town (with Map)
- Is Malaga Worth Visiting?
- Destinations in Spain
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