Baza Car Hire

Guide of Baza

Geography

Baza is located in the province of Granada in the Altiplano Region, an underexplored jewel in Andalusia, Southern Spain. The town is situated 844 metres above sea level at the foothills of the soaring Sierra de Baza mountain range, which is brimming with biodiversity, wildlife and hiking trails, and provides a scenic backdrop for the town. The fertile valleys surrounding the town are packed full of almond trees, olive groves and vineyards.

Climate in Baza

Baza enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild winters. Summer officially begins in June, though temperatures start to rise in March. July and August are the hottest months to visit, with average high temperatures of 35°C. Frost and snow are extremely rare for the town and winter temperatures rarely dip below 10°C. Those wanting to escape the heat might fare better in Spring or Autumn, though it’s worth keeping in mind that these months see occasional rainfall and more variable weather patterns.

Culture

Baza boasts a long history dating back to the Phonecians and has been conquered by everyone from the Iberians and Romans to the Moors and Christians. Each of these left its stamp on the town, which can be seen in attractions like the Iberian-Roman remains of the city of Basti and its two necropolises, the Arabic Baths and the Baza Cathedral.

As well as historical and archaeological sites, the town is renowned for its long tradition of craftsmanship. There are dozens of workshops and markets sprinkled across the town specialising in pottery, ceramics, leather and embroidery.

Things To Do in Baza

Explore the Baza Citadel

Baza Citadel, also known as the Alcazaba de Baza, is an ancient fortress that dates back to Moorish rule. Today it’s home to the Archaeological Museum and offers swapping views of the town and surrounding countryside.

Get close to nature

Baza is surrounded by the Sierra de Baza Natural Park, which is renowned for its biodiversity and waterfalls. The park is home to a wide variety of native flora and fauna, as well as the Iberian Ibex (mountain bird), golden eagles and Bonelli’s eagles. There are dozens of hiking trails varying in length and difficulty, as well as a clutch of picturesque picnic areas.

Visit Baza Cathedral

Also known as the Colegiata de Nuestra Señora Santa María de la Encarnación, Baza Cathedral was constructed on the site of a Muslim mosque in the 16th century. It has been declared a National Monument of Spain thanks to its beautiful mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements, and historical significance.

Get lost in the Historic Centre

The historic centre is a maze of narrow, winding streets lined with colourful buildings and balconies that showcase a mixture of Moorish, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque influences. The Plaza Mayor is the social hub of the town and there are dozens of cafes, shops and restaurants lining the square. Pick any of them, enjoy a drink and soak in the lively ambience.

Brush up on thousands of years of history

Baza is home to several fascinating archaeological sites. In addition to Baza Citadel, visitors can explore the Cerro del Santuario, the remains of an ancient Iberian-roman sanctuary dedicated to Bastetano. The Dolomens of Gorafe, Cerro Ceoero prehistoric settlement and Cerrillo Blanco are all well worth a visit too.

Eating Out in Baza

Baza is renowned for its traditional cuisine, which showcases the flavours of the region and the quality of its local produce, such as olive oil, almonds, cured meats and local red, white and rose wines. Local dishes include migas (fried breadcrumbs with chorizo or sardines), Olla de San Anton (a hearty stew typically prepared for the San Anton festival in January), gazpacho, Andrajos (pasta with rabbit or game), and puchero (another popular meat and vegetable stew). You’ll find many of these dishes on most menus around town.

There are dozens of excellent tapas bars, cafes and restaurants in town, so it’s easy to eat well in Baza. For an introduction to local gastronomy or ‘granaina’, try a local tapas bar like La Taberna del Monas or Bar El Cordobes. For heartier fare, Los Pedritos Alaminos (in the centre of town) and La Parra (on the outskirts of town) are two excellent options.

Transport

Airport

The closest airport to Baza is the Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX), which is located 65 miles (104 kilometres) southeast of the town. The airport offers both international and domestic flights, with flights from most major European and Spanish cities.

It takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to drive directly from the airport to Baza, depending on traffic. There is also a direct bus service from the city of Granada to Baza, though the airport is located outside the city so you’ll need to take a taxi or bus from the airport first. The total bus journey takes between 2-3 hours depending on the bus schedule.

For further flight options, you could book a flight to Almería Airport (LEI), which is located approximately 93 miles (150 km) southeast of Baza and is a 1 hour 30 minutes drive away.

Getting around Baza

Baza is a relatively small town and most of its attractions and amenities are a short stroll from each other. There is no train station, but there is a local bus service that operates routes to different neighbourhoods and various attractions.

However, If you’re hoping to explore some of the region’s rural attractions, towns and villages, we recommend hiring a car. You’ll have more flexibility and freedom to explore the area at your own pace and won’t need to rely on public transport (where services vary significantly) or expensive transfers.