Guadix Car Hire

Guide of Guadix

Geography

Guadix is situated in the eastern part of the province of Granada in Andalusia. The town sits in the Hoya de Guadix, a fertile basin surrounded by mountains. Guadix is best known for its unique landscape, which encompasses hundreds of cuevas (cave dwellings) built into the hillsides. The snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountain range lies southeast of the town, while the Sierra de Baza sits to the north.

Climate in Guadix

Guadix experiences a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Temperatures in summer (June to September) range from 32°C to 36°C, with some days topping 40°C. Autumn and Spring are cooler, though temperatures can reach highs of 27°C in March.

January is the coldest month in Guadix, when temperatures drop to as low as 1°C. Snow is rare. The rainiest month to visit is November, though rainfall patterns differ from year to year.

Culture

Guadix boasts a fascinating historical heritage that dates back to prehistoric times and has been influenced by everyone from the Romans to the Moors. As a result, the town is packed with interesting sights like the Guadix Cathedral, Alcazaba de Guadix and dozens of cave dwellings that have since been transformed into restaurants, exhibition spaces and hotels.

Like many Andalusian cities, Guadix celebrates a number of festivals throughout the year too. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is the most important of them all and the town comes alive with processions, parades, traditional music and delicious food.

Things To Do in Guadix

Explore the cave dwellings

Guadix is best known for its cave dwellings. Many of them have been converted into homes, restaurants and hotels, but a few have been transformed into museums. Book a tour to get a glimpse into the traditional way of life and how its inhabitants would have lived hundreds of years ago.

Visit the cathedral

The Guadix Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Incarnation, is a spectacular example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Built in the 16th century, it features ornate stone carvings, beautiful vaulted ceilings and ornate gilded details. The altarpiece, which features an image of the Virgin Mary, is widely recognised as a Baroque masterpiece.

Wander around the Historic Centre

Most of Guadix’s most important sights can be found in the historic centre. Once you’ve ticked them off, take time to get lost in the narrow streets and alleys lined with artisanal shops, traditional houses and lively cafes. The Plaza de la Constitucion, the town’s main square, is a prime spot for people-watching.

Visit the Moorish fortress

The Alcazaba de Guadix is one of the town’s top sites. Dating back to the 11th century, it once served as a defensive stronghold and administrative centre during the Islamic period. Take a stroll around the fortified walls and towers of this ancient Moorish fortress to learn about the history of the town.

Take a hike

Guadix is surrounded by soaring mountainscapes and natural parks offering a plethora of outdoor activities, from guided hikes to horseback riding to cycling. The Sierra de Baza Natural Park is home to a wide variety of bird species, including Bonelli’s eagles, while the Sierra de Huetor Natural Park is well-known for its impressive cave systems.

Eating Out in Guadix

Guadix’s cuisine has been influenced by traditional Andalusian flavours that make use of the area’s bountiful olive oil, almonds, garlic and spices. Local specialities include migas (a traditional dish made from fried breadcrumbs), gazpacho (a cold soup made from local ingredients) and Plato Alpujarreno (a regional dish combining fried eggs, chorizo, black pudding, ham and potatoes). Guadix is well known for its delicious pastries and those with a sweet tooth shouldn’t leave without trying pestinos (honey-coated fritters).

Locals take their culinary heritage seriously in Guadix and it’s hard to find a bad dish anywhere in the town. Braseria La Tinaja is an excellent place to start if you’re unfamiliar with Andalusian cuisine and you’ll find all of the traditional staples on the menu. Los Prados, situated on the outskirts of the town, boasts a lovely, lively terrace in the warmer months with countryside views.

Transport

Airport

The closest airport to Guadix is the Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX), which is located 34 miles (55 kilometres) south of the town. The airport offers both international and domestic flights. It takes around 45 minutes to drive directly from the airport to Guadix, depending on traffic. If you plan on taking public transport, you will need to take a bus from the airport to Granada town centre, then hop on a bus to Guadix. The overall journey time by bus takes around 1 hour 15 minutes though this can vary depending on the schedule.

Getting around Guadix

Most of the main sights in Guadix are within easy walking distance of each other. In terms of public transport, the town has a train station which operates services along the Granada-Almeria line and a good bus network.

However, If you’re hoping to explore smaller towns and villages, beaches and rural attractions such as vineyards and farms, we recommend hiring a car. Public transport can be infrequent and often requires several changes. For more flexibility and the freedom to explore at your own pace, renting a car is the best option.