Alternative accommodation is becoming more popular in Spain. Of course, hotels are fabulous places to stay but why stay in a hotel, when you can stay in a cave? If your curious mind would like to explore the beneficial nature of cave dwelling, read on to find out more about this growing branch of Spanish tourism.
You would think that staying in a cave is only for the adventurous type; those who don’t mind roughing it by staying in a dank, dark space with only a sleeping bag between you and the cold, hard floor. In reality, that notion couldn’t be further from the truth. Modern cave accommodation is the epitome of comfort, with everything you could possibly need for an original stay in Andalucia.
Caves offer a distinctly unique environment in which to stay. They are a constant 17-22 degrees Celsius all year round which makes them cool in summer and temperate in winter so extra cooling and heating is rarely needed. There are lots of different types of caves and the therapeutic benefit of sleeping in them is world renowned. Living in the other-worldly silence of a cave and experiencing the earth’s vibrations is something we should all experience at least once in our lifetime.
They are also located in stunning natural settings so your cave stay will always be peaceful and beautiful. The majority of caves that have been converted into accommodations have been done with respect to their surroundings; creating a tranquil and natural place to stay. It’s great way to convene with nature.
Gypsies in Spain have been living in caves for many years. In Granada, this started in the 1800s when the province attracted thousands of Spanish Romany Gypsies. The ancient caves were there for the taking and with excavation made easy by the soft, crumbling cave walls, they soon became home to this wonderful race of people, from whom so much of Spanish culture came, including flamenco. Were the Granada caves the birthplace of Flamenco? Sadly in the 1960s extreme flooding forced many people out of their cave homes but left the caves empty to be later converted into the popular holiday accommodation of today.
In the province of Granada alone there are over 20,000 caves, many of which have been converted into accommodation. Some date back to the time of Muslim occupation in Spain. There are 29 municipalities in Granada that have caves in them and at the moment there are 335 caves being used for tourism.
The latest TOMA & COE venture is to offer cave tourism tours where you will be based in Baza or Guadix, Granada, touring the local areas to learn about the fascinating culture and history of the area. Our smaller groups, for up to 26 people, will be staying at the wonderful Al Jatib ‘Troglodyte Accommodation’ in stunning surroundings, luxury cave apartments with a gorgeous ‘pool with a view’. Our larger groups, up to 60 people, will stay at La Granja caves, where we will have up to 18 luxury one and two bedroom caves available. There is free Wifi in all the caves and a luxurious communal swimming pool to enjoy after a warm day touring.
Other wonderful on-site experiences include a Hamman Arabic Bath, massages and treatments, hot spa, children’s play areas and on-site restaurant. We will to offer our magical cave accommodation tour to corporate groups for team building and team bonding holidays, as well as to smaller groups so you can #experincethespainyouneverknew
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