Cuevas de Guadix
Guadix is considered the 'European Capital of Caves' due to its approximately 2,000 underground dwellings, spread over 200 hectares. Most of these caves are still inhabited by around 4,500 Accitanos, who benefit from modern amenities as well as some obvious natural advantages, such as a constant temperature between 18°C and 20°C, and the peace and quiet provided by the natural clay insulation. The caves were excavated after the Arab-Muslim period, with origins dating back to the period immediately following the capture of Granada by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. Master builders carried out the excavations in the hills using the technique of 'chipping' to prevent collapse. Access to these caves is very convenient from the city centre, even on foot. A series of sloping streets and hills lead to the best-known area of the caves. The route is clearly signposted and takes about twenty minutes on foot. Once at the top, there are impressive viewpoints with stunning vistas of white chimneys emerging from the hills and numerous houses, only the whitewashed facades of which are visible as the rest are dug into the mountains. Among the houses are leisure areas such as bars and shops, and with luck, a local resident may invite you inside one of the caves.