Andalusian Cave Homes
Long before modern ideas of sustainable living, communities in parts of Andalusia were already carving comfortable, climate-stable homes directly into the soft rock. These cave dwellings, especially numerous in the provinces of Granada and Almeria, remain one of the most distinctive forms of popular architecture in southern Spain.
Many are still inhabited today. Others have been carefully restored as holiday accommodation or opened as museums, offering visitors a rare chance to experience a way of life that is both ancient and surprisingly practical.
Sacromonte, Granada
The hillside quarter of Sacromonte, just outside Granada’s Albayzin, is famous for its whitewashed cave homes. Traditionally occupied by artisans, labourers and later by Gitano (Roma) families, the caves form an integral part of the city’s cultural identity.
Sacromonte Cave Museum
The museum maintains eleven caves in their traditional form, showing how families once lived and worked in these spaces. It is the best place to understand the domestic side of Sacromonte before the area became a major tourist attraction.
Several caves have also been converted into intimate flamenco venues (tablaos). An evening performance in one of these spaces remains one of the most atmospheric cultural experiences in Granada.
By car the journey from Malaga to Sacromonte takes roughly 1 hour 35 minutes (about 167 km). Parking in the quarter itself can be limited; free spaces are often available on the esplanade near the Abbey of Sacromonte.
Guadix – the capital of cave living
Guadix, in the province of Granada, contains one of the largest and most active concentrations of inhabited cave houses in Europe. The soft clay and conglomerate of the surrounding hills made excavation relatively easy, and entire neighbourhoods were dug into the slopes. Many of these homes remain lived-in year-round; others serve as second homes or unique tourist accommodation. Inside they are naturally cool in summer and retain warmth in winter.
Barrio de las Cuevas
The main cave quarter sits on the higher ground above the town. You can explore it on foot or take the small tourist train that circulates through the area. White chimneys and whitewashed façades emerge directly from the hillside, creating a striking and photogenic landscape.
Cave Museum of Guadix
This small museum explains the history and evolution of the cave dwellings and how they have been adapted to modern standards of comfort.
- Approximate price: €2.60 (free for children under 14)
- Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 10:00–14:00 & 16:00–18:00; Sundays 10:00–14:00
Guadix Cathedral
While in the town it is well worth visiting the cathedral, a striking building that mixes Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements and was completed in the 18th century.
The drive from Malaga to Guadix is approximately 185 km and takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. There is a large free car park near the centre (Principal Parking) and further options including a motorhome area.
Other cave-house areas in Andalusia
Beyond Sacromonte and Guadix, cave dwellings can be found in several other inland towns and villages, particularly across the high plateau (Altiplano) of Granada and into Almeria. Some of the better-known locations include:
- Cuevas del Campo
- Galera
- Cúllar
- Cortes de Baza
- Villanueva de las Torres
In many of these places individual caves have been restored as distinctive holiday accommodation, offering a memorable alternative to conventional hotels.
Those interested in the property side can also browse current cave houses for sale here.
Getting to the cave homes from Malaga
Both Sacromonte (Granada) and Guadix are reachable by public transport, although a car remains the most flexible option if you want to explore several cave neighbourhoods in one trip.
By bus
- To Granada (for Sacromonte): ALSA runs frequent direct buses from Malaga (and from Malaga Airport) to Granada bus station. The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. From Granada city centre you can reach Sacromonte by local bus or a short taxi ride.
- To Guadix: There are direct ALSA buses from Malaga to Guadix (approximately 3 hours, several services per day). This is the simplest public-transport option for visiting the main cave quarter.
By train
Renfe trains run from Malaga María Zambrano to Granada. From Granada you can continue by train or bus to Guadix (total journey usually between 3.5 and 4.5 hours depending on connections). There is no single direct train from Malaga to Guadix.
By car (recommended for flexibility)
Driving gives you the greatest freedom to visit Sacromonte, spend time in the Guadix cave district and continue to other villages with cave houses on the same trip.
Car hire: the most flexible option
A hire car from Malaga Airport makes it easy to visit Sacromonte, explore Guadix and reach other cave-house villages in the Altiplano at your own pace.
Hire a car at Malaga Airport
Taxi or private transfer
If you prefer not to drive, a private transfer can take you directly to Granada or Guadix as a convenient base.
Book a transfer from Malaga Airport*There is no need to enter credit card details or make an advance payment. We recommend booking in good time.
Frequently asked questions
Are Andalusian cave houses still lived in?
Yes. In Guadix and several other inland towns many cave houses remain permanent or seasonal residences. Others have been restored as holiday rentals or small hotels.
Are the caves comfortable?
Modernised caves can be very comfortable. The thick rock provides excellent natural insulation, keeping interiors cool in summer and relatively warm in winter. Many now have full contemporary facilities.
Where is the best place to see traditional cave homes?
Guadix offers the largest and most active cave neighbourhood. Sacromonte in Granada is the best place to combine caves with culture and flamenco. Both have museums that explain the traditional way of life.
How far is Guadix from Malaga?
Approximately 185 km. The drive usually takes around 1 hour 50 minutes via the A-92.
