Guadix lies about 55 km east of Granada on the high plateau of the Hoya de Guadix, and is known for its cave houses, some of which have been occupied for centuries. The Barrio Troglodita (Cave Quarter) is a hillside of whitewashed chimneys and doors cut into the rock, and the Cueva Museo del Cerro de la Cruz and other cave visits show how families live in them. The Renaissance Cathedral on Plaza de la Constitución and the Alcazaba overlooking the town round out the visit. By Alsa coach the trip takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes and costs about €5 to €7 each way; there is also a Renfe train, and driving on the A-92 takes about 45 minutes.
A relaxed day covers the Cathedral and Alcazaba in the morning, a cave-house visit and a cave lunch of local dishes such as migas and lamb, and a walk up to the viewpoints over the badlands. Purullena, a few kilometres west, has cave shops selling pottery. The town can be hot in summer and cold in winter, so spring and autumn suit best.
| Distance | About 55 km east of Granada |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes by coach |
| Getting there | Alsa coach from the Estación de Autobuses to Guadix (about 1h to 1h15m, about €5–€7 (~$5.75–$8.05) one-way; check alsa.com) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Plaza de la Constitución, 18500 Guadix, Granada |
How to get there
- Alsa coach (about 1 hour, alsa.com)
- Renfe regional train (check renfe.com)
- Rental car via A-92 (about 45 minutes)
Location
Plaza de la Constitución, 18500 Guadix, Granada
37.2999, -3.1388 View on map
Highlights
- Barrio Troglodita cave quarter
- Guadix Cathedral on Plaza de la Constitución
- Alcazaba and viewpoints over the badlands
- Cave-house museum visits
- Pottery shops at nearby Purullena
Tips for visiting
- Check opening hours of cave museums locally; many close in the afternoon.
- Wear layers: caves stay cool in summer and mild in winter.
- Take the morning coach to allow time for lunch in a cave restaurant.
- Combine with Purullena pottery shops if travelling by car.
- Confirm return coach times before lunch.
When to visit
Spring and autumn; mornings are best in summer.
Accessibility
The cave quarter is hilly with steps and uneven surfaces; the Cathedral area in the town centre is flatter.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long is the trip from Granada to Guadix?
About 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes by coach and 45 minutes by car.
Do people really live in the caves?
Yes. Thousands of residents live in cave homes, and some are open to visitors or rented as holiday stays.
Is Guadix worth a day trip?
Yes, especially for the cave quarter and a quieter alternative to the coast.
Is it hot in summer?
Yes. Inland temperatures are high in July and August; visit in the morning.