Apartamentos Cuevas Pedro Antonio de Alarcón
Guadix
If you are looking for a really original place to stay, why not stay the night at the cave hotel Cuevas Pedro Antonio de Alarcon?
A long time ago, particularly in the region around the small town of Guadix, people used to live in cave dwellings.
And one of those dwellings has been turned into a hotel. This is something really special.
The complex offers a choice of 23 cave (yes, really!) apartments, which can accommodate anywhere from 2 to 8 people. They consist of a kitchenette, bedrooms, a bathroom and a dining area. Don't expect really luxurious accommodation. Also, if it is peace and quiet you are after, you are in the wrong place as the complex is situated near a motorway which you can constantly hear in the background. But to spend a few nights here just for the fun of it, is a real experience, especially for the children who will absolutely love this place. They will have no trouble making friends as this is a really popular choice with families and has such family-friendly facilities as a large swimming pool and a family-friendly restaurant.
We spent a night here and it is a really special experience. The only windows are at the front of the apartment because after all, you are staying in a cave. All apartments have their own terrace so in the evenings you can enjoy sitting outside your own cave dwelling together!
Cons:
• The apartments are basic and dated but, in this case, this just adds to the charm of the place
• The complex is situated near a motorway which you can constantly hear in the background. However, it did not disturb our sleep at all.
Pros:
• Very quirky accommodation
• Spacious complex
• Swimming pool and restaurant
• The children will absolutely love it here as it will really fire up their imagination, especially when you explain to them that people used to live like this in times gone by.
Apartamentos Cuevas Pedro Antonio de Alarcón
facilities
Hotel
- There is a restaurant for lunch or dinner.
- Bar.
- Swimming pool (open from June through September).
- Hotel has an internet connection (at reception).
- Children are welcome.
- One cave dwelling with wheelchair access.
- No lift.
- Pets are welcome.
- The hotel offers a range of different excursions/activities.
- Hotel has its own parking facilities (free of charge).
- Hotel is situated on the outskirts of Guadix.
Cave dwelling
Every cave dwelling has heating, TV, kitchen and its private terrace.
The temperature year-round in the cave apartments is 18-20 degrees Celsius.
Fully-equipped bathrooms.
The hotel has 23 cave apartments, including 4 apartments for 2 persons, 10 apartments for 3/4 persons, 6 apartments for 5/6 persons, 2 apartments for 7/8 persons and 1 apartment with jacuzzi for 2 persons.
Apartamentos Cuevas Pedro Antonio de Alarcón
surrounding area
Guadix
The ‘Barrio de las Cuevas’ (cave-dwellers quarter), with 2000 caves, which have been inhabited for centuries, is the main attraction of this town. A museum has been established in one of the cave dwellings near the church, in order to give you a good idea of what life in such a house is like.
Active
Walking in the Alpujarras. Skiing in the Sierra Nevada. Or you can take a trip exploring the Alpujarras region, along the Puerto de la Ragua, Válor, Yegen, Cadiar, Trevélez (famous for its hams), Capileira and Orgiva.
Cultural
Granada is a cultural city, with plenty on offer! Be sure to catch the Alhambra and the Generalife.
Family
A visit to Tabernas (90km, 1h) and Mini Hollywood is a must! This used to be a film location for westerns and every now and again, it is still being used as a film set. However, these days, it is more an amusement park, including zoo, where visitors are entertained by sheriffs, bank robbers and cowboys who perform stunts, and, of course, dancing girls in the saloon.
The following villages/towns in the area are definitely worth a visit:
Granada (56km; 50min):
Anyone visiting Granada will have heard of the Alhambra, the city’s main attraction. The Alhambra was the part of town where princes, nobility and court staff dwelled, on the hill right in the middle of Granada. The Alhambra is a huge complex, 720m in length and 220m wide. Clever use of space, light, water and decorative features are the Alhambra’s defining features. A miniature town in its own right, a world of palaces, beautiful gardens with ponds and fountains, a fortress, baths, museums, a church, and even a hotel.
The Generalife, to the north of the Alhambra, was the Nasrid sultans' country retreat. They would find some welcome relief from the intrigue at the court here, and enjoy some peace and quiet. Generalife translates as ‘the garden of heavenly paradise’.
On the hill opposite the Alhambra, the Albayzín quarter, is where Granada’s Moorish past is still most tangible. Stroll around its narrow streets, past villas with Moorish decoration and gardens, up to the Mirador de San Nicolás. This is where you will have the best views, of the roofs of Granada, with the Alhambra behind them, which makes for a stunning view, especially at sunset!
When you get tired of strolling, you can take an Arab bath at one of Granada's 2 hammans, the Aljibe Baños Arabes or the Hamman Baños Arabes.
And Granada also happens to be one of the hippest cities in Andalucía, with great nightlife, lively flamenco shows and tapas culture.
Granada is also a good place to learn Spanish or take dancing lessons.
Almería (112km; 1h20min):
The fortress situated on the coast (Alcazaba) is a reminder of the golden age of Almería when it used to be a major seaport town for the caliphate of Córdoba. The Alcazaba offers fantastic views of the city. Within the city walls, you will find exquisite gardens.
Another place of interest is the cathedral (which looks more like a fortress than a church as it used to be frequently raided by Berber pirates), situated in the district of La Almedina. This is an old Moorish district with narrow alleyways, attractive squares and whitewashed cave houses. In this district, you will also find the Templo San Juan (remnants of the most important mosque in Almería). Other places of interest include the Plaza Vieja (square surrounded by arcades with the town hall), the gateway Puerta de Purchena (gate in the city walls).
The park 'Parque de Nicolas' forms the border between the old town and the port. Another sightseeing option is a visit to the gypsy and fishing quarter La Chanca, where some families are still living in cave houses today.
And you can, of course, head for one of the other world famous cities for a day trip:
Córdoba (255km; 2h50min):
Visit the Mezquita, Córdoba's huge mosque, which has seen various different developments throughout the years to become a fascinating blend of styles and religions. And you can also go for a stroll through the districts of San Lorenzo, Judería and San Basilio, where you will encounter the most beautiful Moorish patios. Other sights include the palace/fortress Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos with magnificent gardens and fountains; various museums, such as the Museo Arqueológico, Museo Taurino, Museo de Bellas Artes; a string of great squares, such as the Plaza de la Corredera, Plaza del potro.