The Spanish Village of Caves – Discover Galera

Galera, Spain is a picturesque village located in the province of Granada, in the Southern region of Andalusia, Spain and it’s one of my favourite villages in Europe.

What makes Galera unique is that it is known for being a Cave village in Andalucia,  homes literally built into the surrounding hillsides.

These Spanish cave houses offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into the historic traditional way of life in rural Andalucia. Galera’s cave houses have been inhabited for centuries, and many of them have now been renovated and modernised to provide comfortable and modern living spaces while still retaining their traditional character.

Visitors to Galera can explore these Spanish cave houses, as well as enjoy the town’s beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage. So this week, I’m going to walk you through what it’s like living in Galera, Spain, and show you everything there is to do nearby!

This post was originaly published in March 2017. It has since been updated in January 2025 with the latest info.

When my dad took me and my sisters for a visit in 2013, I instantly fell in love with its unique beauty and character. So now whenever somebody asks for Spanish recommendations this is on the top of my list. Galera is made up of lots of pretty cave houses built into the side of the mountains; which is what gives it its unique Spanish charm.

Where Is Galera, Spain?

Galera is located an hour and a half North East of Granada in an area that’s not overly populated apart from a couple of little towns like Baza and Huescar.

Its rural location and lack of ‘real’ tourism means the locals speak very little English, but that only adds to its charm. The lack of English here doesn’t stop the staff in pubs and shops being some of the most accommodating I have come across in Europe; constantly showing patience with our patchy Spanish.

How To Get To Galera, Spain

There are several cave villages in Andalucía and specifically the Granada region, but in my eyes, Galera is the prettiest.

Most people fly into Spain, to either Mercia or Almeria, and then take a hire car to get from the airport to the village.

You can also take a bus from Granada, to Baza and then from Baza to Galera.

Once you get to Galera, you’ll probably be expecting to hike up the side of trackless hills… right? Well, there are roads all the way up the mountainside to your door. How much parking space you have really depends on the cave you’re staying in. If hiring a car, go as small as physically possible. More for the small Spanish roads than anything!

We quite often park the car on our initial arrival then walk everywhere if we’re staying local. Be prepared though, the walks can be steep and the locals aren’t always the most patient drivers, always watch out for cars and take water with you if you go wandering!

Can I Rent A Spanish Cave House?

Once people see the photos, and hear about all of the great things to do around Galera, they almost always ask about how to stay in one of the cave houses in Spain.

The good news is, for tourists anyway, they’re becoming increasingly popular as Air BnBs and holiday rentals. As with all places, there are peak seasons, so the quality or location of the Cave you find depends on that.

Prices also vary, but if you are interested, there are several routes you can take, from a simple ‘cave holiday home in Galera’ search to even checking the properties out on Air B+B – because I have family who has their own Cave I have no direct experience with booking via these methods but have met others who have.

As with booking any other type of accommodation, ask as many questions to make sure it’s the right place for you, check its location in the village – if you aren’t up for long walks to the pub or shops then one at the top of the mountain isn’t for you!

If you want to stay in Galera but aren’t keen on a cave house, there is also Hotel Galera which has been shown on A Place In The Sun! Now owned by a lovely American called Jack, the hotel often hosts parties for the village and is located next to the village swimming pool!

Galera Cave Houses FAQs

People always look bewildered when I mention we’re staying in a cave house in Spain. They think I’m joking, until I show them photos and then the questions start. So let’s cover some of the most frequently asked ones that we get about cave houses, and living in a cave in Spain:

Are They Safe?

I think when I tell people about the cave villages of Spain, they instantly conjure up pictures of the Flintstones; you know, curtains over the doors, windows that are just holes in the rocks and big rocks to sit on but that really isn’t the case.

What you really should be picturing is beautiful wooden stable doors, proper windows with iron bars, all your creature comforts from home and some even have wifi. Just like ‘standard’ homes, Spanish cave houses have to pass safety inspections before being sold or rented so they’re just as safe as any other Air BnB or place that you’d rent.

When it comes to crime, it really isn’t an issue in Galera cave houses, plenty of the locals will go out for the day and not lock their doors but that doesn’t mean there aren’t locks. Common sense plays a lot into it, like with everywhere, but as a general rule of thumb, Galera has a very small crime rate – you’ll be fine

Are They Dirty?

Ahh yes. Another common thing people think when I talk about Spanish cave houses and the caves in Galera is the walls must be all dirt and everything must be dusty?

Well, the walls in most cave houses in Galera are treated and white washed. Some leave them looking natural, so they’ll be bumpy and look like stone while others prefer to level them so they look like standard home walls. Some caves are dustier than others, but like with anywhere if the cleaners or owner haven’t been between guests then sure it’ll be a bit dirty. Other than that though, no, it won’t be dirty. You’ll have tiled floors and comfy sofas instead of dirt and tree roots like most imagine.

Do They Get Bats?

I love that this is a common comment we get when we talk about Spanish cave houses!

I’m not going to lie, I did wonder about it too. But since all of the livable caves have proper windows and doors, there are no bats. You don’t have to worry about them at all. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bat in Galera?

However you may find the odd Gecko lurking in the window, we named our Dave. There are also a lot of stray cats and dogs in Galera. They have a local rescue that’s working towards helping reduce the stray population. So don’t be surprised if you come across those, but don’t worry, they’re usually really friendly!

How Do You Go To The Toilet?

Dec likes to take a magazine with him, how about you? Seriously though, all of the Spanish caves that are suitable to be rented out have running water, a proper bathroom and even a fitted kitchen!

You’ll have all your home comforts but with the bonus of great weather and amazing locals! If you wander a bit higher up in the village you’ll find some ‘projects’ that aren’t quite finished yet, but it’s amazing to see what they start out like and how far they’ve come when people like me and you get to stop in them – or for some lucky folk, who get to live permanently in them!

Things To Do In Galera, Spain

Though small, Galera offers a lot to see both in the village and surrounding areas. I have spent full days just wandering around the village and over the mountain paths taking in the views. Here are a few of my favourite things to do in Galera:

Walk To The Church

The Church, sitting high on the hill, is central to this community. Starting at the town centre, you follow the road up around past La Poza (a popular bar in Galera) before following the steep side road that winds its way up the hill. As you get closer to the top, the views out away from the village start to open up. You’ll pass many beautiful cave houses on this side. Then, once you’ve taken in the views at the top (the church has never been open for us to go inside whenever we’ve been) you can descend on the other side which will bring you past the town houses and little narrow laneways.

Walk To The Lookout

This is maybe the newest, and most touristy of the things to do in Galera. If you do the church walk first, you’ll see clearly where to go for the lookout on the opposite hill. From the same road that leads to the church, instead of turning off to climb the steep steep hill, continue up the main road until you run out of road (there’s a small amount of parking here).

From here, you follow the well-worn dirt track across the top of the hills until it turns into the main clearly defined fenced walkway.At the top, you get amazing views out across the village, across to the church and over the badlands grasslands of the village. At the end of the fenced walkway you’ll find the new glass lookout installation. If you’re brave enough, walk out to the edge and you’ll be able to look down to the village below.

Look For Wild Vultures

The Griffon Vulture population is on the decline world wide. With Spain accounting for 75% of the global numbers, there’s been a huge push in recent years to help save them.

In those efforts, a few years ago conservationists released a bunch into the hills surrounding the village. They’ve been steadily growing in numbers and now you can see them almost daily soaring overhead. If you hang around outside long enough, chances are you’ll see them.

Visit The Market

Wednesdays are when the locals flock to the centre of the village, for their giant fresh fruit and veg (seriously…  some of them are HUGE!) from the weekly market.

This is where you’ll be able to get a full week’s worth of locally grown veg for under €10 and a new pair of shorts for as little as €3. Cheeses, meats, plants and jewellery; there isn’t anything you won’t find on a Wednesday.

If you want a bigger market with cooked chicken stalls and fresh Chorros, head to huescar on a Thursday!

See A Bronze Age Settlement – Castellon Alto

Just outside of Galera is Castellon Alto, a Bronze Age town built across two hills. Here you can see how cave houses were originally used, how the Bronze Age elite used to live on the natural terraces and even examples of graves that have been preserved.

Despite dating from 1900-1600 BC, there’s evidence of somewhat advanced urban living, with water tanks, drainage, perimeter walls and well planned graveyards.

For those interested in Archaeological digs and unique history, this is a fantastic thing to do near Galera and the views are amazing too!

Tickets to the settlement are a whopping €2 per person.

Get On Set Of A Spaghetti Western At Fort Bravo

Heading a little further from Galera with this one. About 2 hours south of Galera is perhaps one of the most fun day trips you can do as a family – Fort Bravo, or Mini Hollywood!

Anyone how is familiar with spaghetti westerns will be familiar with what this iconic spot has to offer because it’s the filming location for so many!

From ‘The Good, The Bad And The Ugly’, to ‘Apache Kid’, there’s a whole host of film set in the Tabernas Desert.

So, at Fort Bravo you’ll be able to walk around gun-slinger saloons, old shops and even have a western-style photo taken! They even put on shows throughout the day in the town square.

Tickets start at €18 if you have your own car to get there, otherwise you can get the bus to Granada then book a guided tour that will also take you to other locations in the desert!

Explore Museo de Galera (Museum Of Galera)

Hidden down one of the narrow lanes of Galera town is Galera’s archaeological museum. Here you’ll find exhibits and preserved items from nearby digs, with the oldest being over 4,500 years old and the most modern coming from the medieval period.

Some of the things on display include original mummified remains from Castellón Alto which was so well preserved it still has body tissue and hair! 

Tickets here are also €2 per person. You can find opening hours here.

Discover Tutugi Necropolis

Forming part of the Ibero-roman city of Tútugi, the Tutugi Necropolis on the outskirts of the village is another must-see.

Considered to be one of the largest complexes in the Iberian world, here you’ll find hundreds of tombs with up to 9 different burial styles and get to explore the site where the divine lady of Galera appeared (a copy of her statue is on display in the Galera Museum).

It’s open to the public daily with tickets costing  €4 per person. You can get more information for your visit here.

 Wander Around Alhambra Palace In Granada

Taking a trip to Granada is another popular thing to do while renting a cave house in Galera! The Alhambra Palace is an iconic location of the city and one with high demand as the number of tickets they sell daily is limited. You’ll absolutely need to buy them in advance.

So what’s all the fuss about? With views of the whole city, this palace dates back to the mid-13th century when it was built by the Moorish empire.

While its history is fascinating, to me the most interesting part of the Palace is the architecture. The Moores made sure to cover every-single inch of it with intricate stunning design. From false arches that are there purely for decoration, to decorative ceramics and plasterwork, every part of it is a masterpiece.

Once again, you’ll need a car to get to Alhambra Palace from Galera, or you could get the bus to Granada and book a tour.

Get Lost In The White Desert GeoPark

Both mine and Declan’s fathers live in this region and given that we love hiking and taking Lilly for long walks, the badlands and geopark are right in our backyard. You can park up pretty much anywhere and find a track to wander, walk in any direction out of town and find yourself on a desert track with beautiful scenery, or, if you have your own 4×4 you can drive for what feels like forever through dusty open plains and hills. This area is vast and stretches almost all the way to Granada, so if you want to really explore with someone who knows the area, we recommend booking a tour so you can do so in comfort. You can also download this PDF which is full of info on the region too!

Overall, I definitely recommend Galera for a quick break away from the hustle and bustle of city life. There’s a generally slower pace of life in rural Spain and that alone was a huge selling point for me. I love Galera, so if you do decide to try it out let us know what you think!!