In the heart of Granada’s Altiplano region, a remarkable transformation has taken place. What were once modest caves dug by hand in the 19th century by families seeking refuge from the harsh, arid landscape have now become some of the most sought-after properties in the area.
For families like the Serral, Candela, and Quiles, the caves their ancestors carved out of necessity have evolved into luxurious homes that blend history with modern comforts.
These troglodyte homes, once seen as humble shelters, have proven to be both environmentally sustainable and architecturally unique. Today, they offer all the amenities expected of high-end living. From integrated sound systems to jacuzzis, while maintaining their natural advantage as climate-controlled refuges. “Living in a cave today is a luxury,” says Juan Martínez, a 55-year-old resident of Galera, one of the most iconic cave-dwelling towns in the region. The caves here, nestled into the hillsides, maintain a steady temperature of around 20ºC year-round, making them energy-efficient and comfortable in both summer and winter.
A unique living experience
Galera boasts around 900 habitable caves, where silence reigns, insulating residents from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. For Martínez, who splits his time between Galera and Paris, the contrast between city life and cave living is stark. “The cities are grey, dark, and noisy. Here, you connect with nature, with your roots, and find a peace that doesn’t exist anywhere else,” he explains. Stepping into his cave home feels like entering another world—one that’s serene, timeless, and intimately connected to the earth.
The allure of cave living is not just about comfort and sustainability. These homes offer an unparalleled sense of privacy and tranquility. “Entering my home is like returning to the womb,” Martínez says. “The rock insulates you so well that you can’t tell if it’s raining or sunny outside. The silence is so profound that you can even hear your own heartbeat.”
A blend of tradition and modernity
In recent decades, many of these caves have been transformed into luxurious residences. Some span multiple levels, with over 300 square metres of living space, and feature panoramic views, private terraces, and even swimming pools and parking. “A renovated cave can cost much more than a single-family house today,” says José Manuel Guillén, the mayor of Galera. But it wasn’t always this way. Ramón Martínez, Juan’s 87-year-old father, recalls a time when cave living was the cheapest option available. “People had nothing. They would dig a hole in the rock and live there, expanding it as their family grew.”
Constructions into clay-rich soil
Historically considered substandard housing, these caves were home to many families who arrived in the region during the late 19th century, attracted by the burgeoning hemp textile industry. Permission was granted to excavate these dwellings, which lacked basic services like electricity and running water. Yet, the caves’ construction methods, using the region’s clay-rich soil, created sturdy, earthquake-resistant homes that have stood the test of time.
Today, these cave homes attract both locals and foreigners alike. For Nikki Parker, a 54-year-old digital marketer from London who has lived in Galera for seven years, her cave home offers the perfect escape from the stress of city life. “I was looking for a simple life, a home where I could find privacy and peace. And I’ve found it here,” she says.
The growing demand for these unique homes has led to a thriving market, with cave dwellings fetching high prices due to their rarity and exclusivity. “There was a time when caves were so sought after that you could name your price,” recalls Ramón Martínez. However, no new permits are being issued to create additional caves, making existing ones even more valuable.
Also read: Spain’s fascinating caves