Guadix, Spain: Where People Still Live in Cave Houses

Located approximately 40 minutes outside of the bustling Spanish city of Granada, a quiet cave town called Guadix is increasingly attracting the attention of savvy travelers. Sparsely inhabited since the Bronze age, Roman statesman Julius Caesar put Guadix on the map by creating a mountain colony there in 45 BC. In the centuries that followed, Phoenicians, Iberians, Muslims, and Christians all left their mark on the arid terrain.

Historians theorize that the signature cave dwellings of Guadix emerged around the 15th century, when the Moors were driven out of Spain after losing a pivotal battle in Granada in 1492. Many Moors who were unable to escape sought refuge in mountain caves and ultimately converted those spaces into cozy homes.

Today, over 4,000 people inhabit the Barrio de las Cuevas—or, Cave District of Guadix. The foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains are dotted with snow white chimneys and ochre roofs that blend seamlessly into the rocky landscape. The cave dwellings extend underground and maintain a comfortable year-round temperature of 64-72 degrees Fahrenheit—even when the outdoor temperature is 100 degrees or higher. There is no need for heating or air conditioning.

For a small fee, visitors who are interested in learning more about the history of the cave dwellings of Guadix can visit the Guadix Caves Interpretive Center. The Guadix Caves Interpretive Center is an authentic cave dwelling which is filled with vintage furniture, traditional clothing, and artisanal objects that showcase Spanish culture. The Interpretive Center also details how cave dwellings are dug out of the region’s soft stone and soil.

Over 2,000 residents of Guadix still reside in cave dwellings. Those with deep cultural roots in Guadix have a reputation for being extremely hospitable and offering tours of their homes. There are even a few cave dwellings that have been converted into bed and breakfasts and Airbnbs.

Spending the night in a cave dwelling tends to be a positive experience if you don’t mind a lack of natural light, a rounded room with cloistered feel, and a very quiet space where outside noise is almost entirely absent. Many travelers consider sleeping in a cave dwelling to be uniquely relaxing, as it serves as a modest sensory deprivation chamber.

Mirador de las Cuevas is a stunning lookout point that offers an expansive view of the Cave District. Mirador de las Cuevas is one of the best spots in Guadix to view the town’s signature white chimneys—which have appeared in films such as Don Quixote. Reaching Mirador de las Cuevas does require trekking up a moderately steep hill but finding a perfect vantage point to enjoy the view is certainly worth the effort.

The Barrio de las Cuevas even has a cave church known as La Virgen de las Cuevas—or, the Virgin of the Caves. La Virgen de las Cuevas began in the 17th century as a small hermitage. In 1962, the cave church was expanded and modernized. Visitors can view a small yet striking altar which features a 400-year-old cave painting of the Virgin of the Caves.

The grandest church in town is undeniably the Guadix Cathedral. The 16th century Baroque church features an ornate façade and an elaborate interior, furnished with statues, paintings, and stone carvings. Behind the cathedral, the ruins of the Teatro Romano—an open-air Roman stadium—are on display. Only the foundation of the Teatro Romano remains because the stones were used to construct the Alcazaba of Guadix.

The Alcazaba of Guadix is an above ground fortress that was built by the Moors in the 10th century to protect the village from sieges. The reddish orange color of the stone structure blends seamlessly with the surrounding mountains. For a nominal price, visitors can explore the interior of the alcazaba. The grand highlight is the panoramic view from the towers, which offers a birds-eye perspective of the Cave District of Guadix.

If you’re interested in a birds-eye view of Guadix, hiking to the top of Mirador del Fin del Mundo is the perfect spot for a sweeping view. Mirador del Fin del Mundo is fairly steep, so it is best to wear sturdy hiking boots and pack ample food and water. Procuring a Dooney & Bourke Handbag prior to your visit to Guadix will ensure that you have a roomy, well-crafted travel bag that is suitable for hiking and walking the streets of the Cave District.

Guadix is one of the oldest settlements in Spain and home to one of the most impressive cave districts in Europe. Many of the cave dwellings in Guadix have been maintained with loving care and modernized. After spending a day or two exploring Guadix, living in a cave will no longer seem like a primitive relic of the past. You may even consider finding your very own temperate cave to call home.

UnusualPlaces Field Notes

Location

Barrio de las Cuevas (Guadix Cave District), Guadix, Granada, Andalusia, Spain

Coordinates

37.29251, -3.13971

Access

Approximately 45 minutes by car from Granada via the A-92. The cave district is accessible on foot, although some streets and viewpoints involve steep climbs.

Admission

Free to explore the neighborhood and public viewpoints. Cave Interpretation Center admission is listed at €5 for adults and €4 reduced.

Time needed

2–3 hours for the cave district; half a day including Guadix Cathedral, the Alcazaba, and other historical attractions.

Best season

April–May and September–October, when temperatures are generally more comfortable for walking. Mornings and late afternoons are preferable during summer.

Opening hours

Public streets and viewpoints are accessible 24/7. Cave museums, churches, and private dwellings have separate visiting hours.

Location checked

2026-10-18

Facts checked

2026-10-18

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