The Sacromonte, Granada's Cave Quarter

The Sacromonte is the neighbourhood Cueva de Lindaraja is in. It spreads along the slopes of the Valparaíso hill, next to the Albayzín and facing the Alhambra, following the course of the river Darro. It’s known for its whitewashed cave houses, its prickly pears and agaves, and as one of the birthplaces of Granada flamenco.

The cave houses

For centuries, local families dug their homes into the rock of the hillside. The caves keep a very steady temperature all year round: cool in summer and mild in winter. Many are still lived in, and others have become holiday homes, like ours, or flamenco venues.

To see how people lived in them, visit the Sacromonte Caves Museum (Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte), in the upper part of the neighbourhood. It recreates several traditional caves, with their crafts, and has wonderful views of the Alhambra.

Flamenco zambra

The zambra is the Sacromonte’s own flamenco celebration, with singing, dancing and guitar inside a cave. Several caves along the Camino del Sacromonte put on shows every night. It’s an intimate format: the audience sits a few metres from the performers, along the cave walls.

It’s worth booking, especially at weekends. As the house is in the same neighbourhood, you can walk back after the show.

The Sacromonte Abbey

At the very top of the neighbourhood stands the Sacromonte Abbey, founded in the 17th century over caves where, according to tradition, Saint Cecilius, Granada’s patron saint, was martyred. You can visit the Holy Caves, the church and the museum. In early February, for the feast of San Cecilio, locals make a pilgrimage up to the Abbey.

The path to the Abbey climbs from the end of the Camino del Sacromonte, with views over the Darro valley.

Walking around the neighbourhood

• Camino del Sacromonte. The main street, with the flamenco caves, bars and viewpoints over the Alhambra. It’s the street just below the house.
• Vereda de Enmedio. A path that runs halfway up the hillside, between caves and prickly pears. It’s quieter and has some of the best views in the neighbourhood.
• Paseo de los Tristes and Carrera del Darro. Walking down from the Sacromonte you reach the river Darro, with the Alhambra above. From there, the Carrera del Darro takes you to Plaza Nueva in about 15 minutes.

Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes. The streets are cobbled and steep.
• The C34 bus runs along the Camino del Sacromonte and links it with Plaza Nueva and the centre. Details are in our guide to Granada city buses.
• Respect the neighbours. Many caves are homes: don’t walk into courtyards or photograph houses without permission.
• At sunset, the Alhambra turns red when seen from the neighbourhood. For more places to see it from, check out the Albayzín viewpoints.