Located in the eastern corner of the Granada Province of Andalucia on the left bank of the river Guadix is the City of Guadix,

The city has a population of around 20,000 live in this Andalucian city which occupies part of an elevated plateau nestled amongst the northern foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It is surrounded by anciant walls and you can still see the ruins of the old Moorish castle that stood here. There is a Cathedral in the city built in the 18th century on the site of a mosque which is well worth a visit although it does not have the same architectural merit of some of Andalucia´s more famous Cathedrals.

Once famous for its cutlery , it is now better know for its intresting housing .In the area of the town known as Barrio Troglodyte where more than half the population reside in Cave Houses. These homes are by no means primitive or basic but are decorated in stunning colours and for centuries have provided a very good solution to the summer heat.

When visiting Guadix it is best to park your car and walk through the streets of Barrio Troglodyte. As you walk down the main street you will find that the locals are very friendly and extremely house proud and if you show an interest in their homes you will be invited in to look around which I would recommend as you will be treated in a most hospitable way and it is a good way to escape the summer sun.

When in the area you should also visit the warm mineral springs at Granea approx 8km to the west of Guadix, These baths have been used for centuries and are very popular in the summer-

Also you should not miss the fascinating Castle of the Calahorra in the village of La Calahorra , just a few miles to the East. This impressive fort was awarded to a Christian knight for his role in the Reconquest, and fitted by him with a gracious Renaissance courtyard made of Italian marble and by Florentine craftsmen.. As you drive towards the village you will soon be treated to the spectacular view of the round towers of the castle framed against the towering Sierra Nevada, which so often features in photographs and posters. To visit the castle you must ask in the village where the caretaker, or “guarda del castillo” lives, and drive him up with you for the visit.

Staying in the Town of Guadix could make an interesting holiday as you can even stay in a cave house or even hotels that offer cave houses as accommodation options