Guadix cave houses
Explore a surreal neighborhood where homes are carved into hillsides, offering a unique glimpse into traditional and modern cave living.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures for exploring
Guadix cave houses
Best Time
Cooler temperatures for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a surreal neighborhood where homes are carved into hillsides, offering a unique glimpse into traditional and modern cave living.
"A place unlike any other - definitely worth seeing."
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Wander through the cave house neighborhood to discover its unique charm. Wear comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🤝 Respect Local Homes
Be mindful of residents. Some may offer tours, but be prepared for donation requests .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cave House Barrio
Barrio de Santiago
Wander through a surreal neighborhood where homes are carved directly into the earth. A truly unique European sight!
Casa Jose
Barrio de Santiago
Experience genuine hospitality with a free tour of a traditional cave home. A must-visit for an authentic glimpse .
Mirador de Guadix
Overlooking the cave houses
Capture breathtaking panoramic views of the cave dwellings and the surrounding Guadix landscape. Perfect for photos!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Underground
Navigating the Barrio
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Wander through the cave house neighborhood to discover its unique charm. Wear comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🤝 Respect Local Homes
Be mindful of residents. Some may offer tours, but be prepared for donation requests.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the stunning panoramic vistas from the Mirador de Guadix. :camerawithflash:
🚂 Consider the Tourist Train
A convenient way to see the area, especially if walking is a concern. (Approx. 6€ per person) :train2:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Wander through the cave house neighborhood to discover its unique charm. Wear comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🤝 Respect Local Homes
Be mindful of residents. Some may offer tours, but be prepared for donation requests.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the stunning panoramic vistas from the Mirador de Guadix. :camerawithflash:
🚂 Consider the Tourist Train
A convenient way to see the area, especially if walking is a concern. (Approx. 6€ per person) :train2:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Guadix cave houses for their unique and surreal nature, calling them a must-see in Europe. The welcoming atmosphere at Casa Jose and the stunning views from the mirador are frequently highlighted as positive aspects. However, some travelers caution about potential donation requests from other residents, advising to stick to designated tourist spots for a smoother experience.
"Well worth a visit. Something unique to see in Europe. Some stunning views. Taking the tourist train is almost a must though (6€ per person). Walking around the cathedral and castle in Guadix is great bonus to any visit"
Peter Rollinson
"My Fiancé and I went to visit Gaudix. It’s a very interesting town. There’s a barrio where people live underground in stuco walled houses built in to the local mountains. If you’re planning on visiting I’d recommend Casa Jose. He’s a very friendly guy who welcomes visitors in to his home with open arms. It’s free of charge but you can give him a donation if you please. We would recommend visiting the area but be weary of visiting other houses in this area. We were talking to one of the locals as we were trying to get directions to the mirador. He then wanted to invite us in to his house so we accepted. We thought he was doing it out of generosity but after he showed us around he was really adamant about us giving him money. We first thought it was a bit strange because he was very friendly at first. Then he kept asking for more and more money. We ended up playing him 10 euros. So we would recommend just visiting the museum, the barrio, casa de Jose, and the mirador there. We would recommend staying away from the smaller local streets. It’s okay to walk or drive around there but we would recommend just visiting the area near the church and school."
William Christy
"Absolutely amazing a hole neighborhood with Cave house's that will blow your mind.
I recommend good time to walk the hole area through.
Several of movies has been recorded in this area
The views from there is also absolutely amazing .
You can go there every day it doesn't cost t"
My Løiborg Palmqvist
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Guadix cave houses are located in the Barrio de Santiago. You can reach Guadix by car or public transport. From the town center, it's a short walk or a quick taxi ride to the cave house area. Parking can be found near the main viewpoints.
While there isn't direct public transport into the cave house barrio itself, you can take buses or trains to Guadix town. From there, walking or a local taxi is recommended. Some visitors opt for the tourist train for a guided overview.
Yes, you can drive to Guadix. There are parking areas available near the Mirador de Guadix and around the barrio. Be aware that some of the narrow streets within the barrio might be challenging for larger vehicles.
The best way to explore the Guadix caves is on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as there are inclines and uneven paths. This allows you to truly immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the cave dwellings.
Accessibility can vary. While main paths and viewpoints are generally manageable, some of the narrower, more residential cave streets might be challenging for those with mobility issues. The tourist train offers a more accessible option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, exploring the exterior of the cave house barrio is free. However, specific cave houses that are open as museums or private residences may have entry fees or request donations, like Casa Jose.
The cave house barrio is an inhabited residential area, so there are no official opening hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to respect residents' privacy. Casa Jose typically welcomes visitors during reasonable daytime hours.
The main cave house area is free to wander. Some individual cave homes that are open for tours, such as Casa Jose, operate on a donation basis, so it's good to have some cash handy.
You can visit some private cave houses that are open to the public for tours, like Casa Jose. However, it's important to respect the privacy of residents and not enter homes without explicit invitation.
Tickets for the tourist train can usually be purchased directly from the train operator at their designated boarding point in Guadix town. It's advisable to check locally for the exact location and price.
📸 📸 Photography
The Mirador de Guadix offers incredible panoramic views. For more intimate shots, wander through the barrio's narrow streets, capturing the unique architecture and textures of the cave dwellings.
Photography is generally allowed in public areas and from the exterior of cave houses. If you visit a private cave house for a tour, it's always best to ask the owner for permission before taking photos inside.
Late afternoon or early morning light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the cave houses. The golden hour provides beautiful, warm light for landscape shots from the mirador.
There are no specific photography restrictions for the general cave house area. However, always be respectful of residents' privacy and avoid intrusive photography, especially when capturing people.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views from the mirador and the unique architectural details. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general exploration. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
Living in a cave house in Guadix offers a unique, cool, and stable environment year-round. Many residents find it a peaceful and distinctive way of life, with a strong sense of community.
Yes, you can take the tourist train for a guided overview of the area. Additionally, some local residents, like Casa Jose, offer informal tours of their own cave homes.
Guadix boasts a beautiful cathedral and a historic castle, which are great additions to your visit. Exploring the town center offers a pleasant contrast to the unique cave dwelling neighborhood.
It is possible to rent or even buy cave houses in Guadix, with some being renovated into unique accommodations or homes. This offers a chance to experience this lifestyle firsthand.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the terrain. Light, breathable clothing is recommended, especially during warmer months. Layers are a good idea as cave interiors maintain a consistent temperature.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting, encourage children to be respectful of the residential nature of the barrio. Pack snacks and water, as amenities within the cave area itself are limited. The consistent temperature inside the caves can also be a relief on hot days. It's a chance for kids to learn about different ways of life and historical architecture in a truly engaging setting.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, consider packing your own lunch and snacks. While the tourist train has a fee, walking through the barrio is completely free and offers the most authentic experience. Guadix itself is generally more affordable than major tourist hubs in Andalusia, allowing for budget-friendly accommodation and dining options if you choose to stay longer.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Culture of Guadix Cave Dwellings
Today, the Guadix Spain caves continue to be a vibrant community. While some caves remain traditional homes, others have been renovated into modern living spaces, guesthouses, and even unique tourist accommodations.
The Guadix cave houses offer a fascinating glimpse into an alternative way of life. The experience of walking through the barrio, seeing smoke curl from chimneys emerging from the earth, and understanding the ingenuity behind these homes is truly memorable. It's a testament to human adaptation and the enduring appeal of living close to nature, even underground.
Experiencing Guadix: Beyond the Caves
Adjacent to the cathedral, the Alcazaba of Guadix stands as a reminder of the town's Moorish past. This ancient fortress offers panoramic views over Guadix and the surrounding landscape, complementing the vistas from the Mirador de Guadix. Exploring these historical sites allows visitors to connect with the broader history of Andalusia and the various cultures that have shaped it.
For those interested in local life, simply strolling through Guadix's town center provides a pleasant experience. You can find local shops, cafes, and a more traditional Spanish town atmosphere. Combining a visit to the Guadix caves with explorations of the cathedral and castle makes for a comprehensive and rewarding day trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit