Guadix and Tabernas Desert, from caves to a film landscape from Granada

There are landscapes that seem to defy time and this route is, above all, a journey of brutal contrasts that imprint themselves on the retina. From the slopes of Sierra Nevada to the infinite aridity that captivated Hollywood, northern Granada and the interior of Almería hold a history sculpted in clay, stone and celluloid.

The journey begins in the most comfortable way, with direct pickup at your accommodation. From there, with our expert local host, we leave the capital behind to delve into a territory marked by its prehistoric past, its border fortresses and its film horizons.

The first stop takes us to Guadix and its famous Barrio de las Cuevas, a nearly lunar landscape where the earth is inhabited. We visit the cultural center Trópolis to understand the magic of these bioclimatic homes excavated in the clay, where silence is absolute and the craft traditions of bread, wine and pottery remain alive as they have for centuries.

Crossing the plains of the Marquesado, the imposing silhouette of Castillo de La Calahorra will cut across the sky above a red hill. This massive stone structure holds a fascinating secret: behind its plain defensive walls of Moorish origin lies the first palace of the Italian Renaissance built outside Italy, with an inner courtyard of Carrara marble that immediately transports you to Tuscany.

Finally, the horizon opens to make way for the Desierto de Tabernas, the only true desert in Europe and the mythical setting that brought the Spaghetti Western to life. We travel through the same dry ravines and canyons trodden by Clint Eastwood or Lawrence of Arabia, reliving the atmosphere of the great productions that turned this corner of Andalusia into the Wild West. To round off a day of contrasts, we share a traditional lunch based on the most authentic recipes and flavors of the region.

What you will see

• Guadix and Barrio de las Cuevas: A unique underground habitat setting with homes excavated in the earth.
• Trópolis Center: A cultural space focused on cave life, artisanal bread, wine and local crafts.
• Castillo de La Calahorra: An outer fortress that houses an Italian Renaissance palace inside.
• Desierto de Tabernas: The only true desert on the European continent, a famous filming location.
• Traditional gastronomy: Lunch included at a local restaurant to taste the region’s typical recipes.

Practical information

• Recommended footwear: You will travel through desert areas and dirt paths, so it is essential to wear closed, comfortable footwear suitable for walking.
• Sun protection: When visiting open environments and arid areas such as the Desierto de Tabernas, it is recommended to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Variable weather: The route ranges from mountain areas to the desert; it is advisable to wear comfortable clothing and bring a light extra layer depending on the season.
• Flexible itinerary: The order of stops and visits may be adjusted for traffic, weather or internal organizational reasons.

- The booking can be cancelled free of charge up to 48 hours before the start of the activity, with a 100% refund of the amount paid. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance are not eligible for a refund.