What does living in a cave house in Spain and being ankle-deep in sewerage have in common? Read on and find out.
We lived in Cuevas del Campo, which is a municipality and a town in the province of Granada, Spain. It is located in the northwestern part of the province, near the border with Jaén and Córdoba. There are several bars and small restaurants, petrol station, local small supermarkets, bakers, butchers, in fact, everything you need for day-to-day living. The closest big town is Baza, which has mainstream supermarkets such as Consum, Lidl, Mercadonna, etc.
This is the real Spain; no messing about here. The locals speak Spanish, and very few speak any English at all.
In Cuevas, the summers are hot, often 5-10 degrees centigrade hotter than where we are now. However, as this is a desert temperate area, the winters are damn cold and bloody long. We moved into our cave in January, and on that particular day, our small swimming pool was actually frozen over. I kid you not!
Cuevas del Campo, roughly translated to field of caves, is the youngest of the municipalities in the Baza region, having been formed in 1980. The village is situated at 855 meters above sea level; hence this is why you can see snow on the distant hills for 7 months of the year. Another thing about Cuevas is that it is situated very near to four natural parks: Sierra de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas, Sierra de Castril and Sierra de Baza, plus you have the Lake Negratin on your doorstep too.
We enjoyed our unique adventure living in a cave house in Spain. Let us take you through the extraordinary experience of residing in these remarkable dwellings.
From the historical significance to the modern amenities, cave houses offer a one-of-a-kind lifestyle. Discover the captivating history of cave dwellings in Spain, the distinctive architectural features, and the popular destinations where you can find these hidden gems.
Get ready to be inspired as we dive into the world of cave houses in Spain.
We Used To Live In A Cave House In Spain
Living in Spanish cave houses offers numerous benefits. Some are more important than others.
Firstly, these dwellings provide a constant temperature throughout the year, keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Additionally, cave houses are eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and resistant to natural disasters such as earthquakes, fires, and floods.
Lastly, they can be modernized and equipped with all the necessary amenities, making them comfortable and convenient places to live.

What Are The Benefits Of Living In Spanish Cave Houses
One advantage of Spanish cave houses is their natural temperature regulation, keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The unique construction of these cave dwellings allows them to maintain a fairly consistent temperature throughout the year.
When the summer heat reaches 40 degrees Celsius, the cave stays below 20 degrees, providing a refreshing escape from the scorching sun.
And during the chilly winter nights when temperatures drop below freezing, the cave remains above 15 degrees, ensuring a cozy and comfortable living environment. Our kitchen was at a steady 20c ambient temperature in the winter.
This natural temperature regulation is a great benefit, as it eliminates the need for excessive heating or cooling systems, saving both energy and money. Living in a Spanish cave house means enjoying a naturally comfortable climate all year round.
What’s It Like Living In A Cave House?
Living in a cave house has its advantages and disadvantages.
On the plus side, cave houses offer a naturally regulated temperature, staying cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They are also eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and resistant to natural disasters.
However, cave houses may lack amenities like heating and may require renovation and maintenance to modernize them.
Advantages of Living in a Cave House
Living in a cave house in Granada, Spain, has numerous advantages.
Firstly, they’re cheap to buy, making them an affordable housing option.
Secondly, they’re practical, as they provide a comfortable and spacious living space that can be modernized and equipped with amenities.
Lastly, cave houses are great to convert, offering the opportunity to customize and decorate according to personal taste and style.
Additionally, the natural temperature regulation of the caves eliminates the need for air conditioning.
Cheap To Buy
Cave houses in Spain can be purchased for significantly less than modern houses, offering a cost-effective option for homebuyers. These unique dwellings provide a charming and affordable alternative to traditional homes. You can pick up a half-decent property for €50k, for example. If you want a project, you can buy an empty shell of a cave for €10k upwards.
With prices that are 30-40% lower than modern houses, cave houses allow buyers to save money while still enjoying a comfortable and spacious living space. Whether for permanent residence or vacation purposes, investing in a cave house in Spain is a smart financial choice.
Practical
One practical advantage of these unique dwellings is their low maintenance, making them an ideal choice for those who aren’t into DIY.
Since cave houses are built into the rock, they require minimal upkeep compared to traditional homes. With features like cavity-insulated walls, extra roof insulation, and double glazing, these renovated cave dwellings provide further cost cuts and reduce the need for repairs.
This allows residents to enjoy a hassle-free living experience without the constant maintenance and upkeep responsibilities.
Great To Convert
Imagine the possibilities of transforming a unique dwelling, like a cave house, into your dream home.
Cave houses in Spain offer the perfect opportunity to create a living space that combines old-world charm with modern amenities. If you are doing the modernisation work yourself, I’ll not try to teach you to suck eggs; you obviously know what you’re doing.
What I will say, though is if you are going to use a builder, please, please, please choose one who specialises in cave homes. Trust me on this; you’ll thank me later.
With the ability to be modernized and equipped with electricity, water, internet, and sanitation, these cave houses can be tailored to suit your personal style and taste.
Whether you envision a cozy retreat or a luxurious oasis, a cave house in Spain can be the canvas for your dream home.
No Need For Air Con
You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that air conditioning is unnecessary in these cave dwellings due to their naturally cool temperatures.
With a constant temperature of around 18-20 degrees Celsius throughout the year, these cave houses provide a comfortable escape from the scorching summer heat. So when you see people complaining on Facebook about their electric bills in summer being so high due to using air con, you can sit back and smile.
The natural ventilation and humidity control within the caves contribute to their coolness in the summer and warmth in the winter.
It’s truly a remarkable feature that makes living in a cave house in Spain even more appealing.
Disadvantages of Living in a Cave House
If you choose to live in a cave house, keep in mind that natural light may be limited. While cave houses have many advantages, there are also a few disadvantages to consider.
One of the main drawbacks is the limited amount of natural light that enters the cave. Since these dwellings are carved into the rock or the hillside, they often have small windows or no windows at all. This can make the interior feel darker and more enclosed. However, with proper lighting fixtures and design choices, it is possible to create a well-lit and welcoming space. We had 3 bedrooms and a dressing room that had no natural light at all!
Additionally, some cave houses have skylights or light wells to bring in more natural light. So, while natural light may be limited, there are ways to overcome this challenge and make your cave house a bright and comfortable home. Something else you’ll notice is the majority of cave homes are painted white inside; this is to help brighten the place up.
Roof Problems
This is something some sellers and even the estate agents won’t tell you about: structural issues with the roof.
Certain towns and villages are cave houses built on top of each other up a hillside, for example. Roads were built many years ago, and it would have probably been a man on a donkey taking his provisions up the hill to his home. Now you have the trucks carrying dozens and dozens of gas bottles, lumbering up these same tracks and roads. These can cause issues, and also, if there is heavy rain, as the old saying goes,’ water seeks ‘, then yes it will seek the easiest route, and this can sometimes mean into the caves below.
The risk of a roof collapse is something that should be in the back of your mind. So, one important question to ask is, are the rooms steeled out or not? This is a process where a steel structure is put in place to support the cave roof, then this is spray-coated with a material to imitate the appearance of rock so it looks just like a natural cave room.
Water Leaks
If you don’t have a road running overhead, there is a chance you may have another property above. It’s important if you are viewing to know what is above your potential new home. If this is an old abandoned or unoccupied property, there is a slight risk if they spring a water leak that is undetected, then it will seep through the rock into your cave.
Sanitation
Something we hadn’t realised until we actually moved in was that a lot of these very rural Spanish villages don’t have the best sewerage systems in place. What this basically means is that they can’t cope with toilet paper being flushed down the toilet. Doing so will cause a blockage that will need to be cleared.
I speak from experience here, and we made the mistake of asking on Facebook for recommendations in a local group, and a guy messaged us to say he was a builder and he could sort this.
He turned up with a mate of his and brought in 3 sections of rod to try to unblock. They tried several times, but it wasn’t doing the business (no pun intended). He said he only owned 3 pieces of rod, so they’d have to try something different.
Next, they explained there was an acidic liquid that they could use to clear a blockage, very quickly. They poured down the toilet a generous amount, waited, and stood chatting to us outdoors, to avoid the fumes. He went inside, flushed the toilet, and it had made no difference. So, they repeated this process. Nothing happened again.
He then sent his mate into the village to the ferretería ( the local hardware shop ) to get another bottle. This time, he poured the full bottle down, flushed and it had done nothing. Off he went again, bought 2 more, and returned. Again, this didn’t work.
Their next suggestion was to actually start digging up out in the garden to find the pipes and see if they could fix it this way. This is when the alarm bells started ringing again and it was the realisation this was a Ryan Air Builder we had here at the house. I asked him why he didn’t have a camera for this type of work; he said he didn’t have one.
As he was not able to give us a price had he gone ahead with all the random digging, we were leaving ourselves potentially open to a huge bill with no top-end fee agreed. That was when I said it needs a camera down there to find the blockage, not 20 random digging ints in the garden that would only show the route of the drainage pipe.
About 30 minutes later, he decided to ring for a company to come with a drain camera and a pressure hose to clear this issue. He explained on the phone he needed the camera to see what was causing the blockage and where the issue was.
The truck arrived, and it was a tanker with all the gear on. The Spanish driver explained that, yes, he had an extendable drain camera but it was not working. However, he would do the job of clearing the blockage.
The next thing we know is he’s blasting God knows how much water into our toilet and some huge PSI of pressure. So, guess what happened next….
Swimming In Sewerage
Well yes, as you may have guessed this didn’t work. We were now ankle deep in our bathroom in sewerage and brown, stinky water. We were yelling for the truck driver to stop and a few seconds later he turned everything off. This had managed to clear the blockage, but it had sent everything back into the bathroom. So a couple of hours of mopping, cleaning, with the doors and windows opened and we got this sorted eventually.
What we learned from this was never, put anything down the toilet that wasn’t liquid and secondly don’t use a cowboy who claims they can do the job. We were in need of this sorting quickly, as this house only had one bathroom.
History of Cave Dwellings in Spain
Cave houses in Spain, particularly in regions like Andalusia, Murcia, and Castilla-La Mancha, have a long history of being carved into the rock or hillside and are known for their unique architecture.
These dwellings have been a part of Spanish culture for centuries, providing shelter and protection for the people who have called them home. The tradition of carving homes into the natural landscape has been passed down through generations, with each cave house reflecting the ingenuity and resourcefulness of its inhabitants.
From simple dwellings to elaborate structures, cave houses have evolved over time to meet the needs of their occupants while maintaining a connection to the land.
Today, these cave houses continue to be a fascinating and distinctive feature of the Spanish countryside, attracting visitors from around the world who are captivated by their history and charm.
Unique Architectural Features of Cave Houses
The unique architectural features of these dwellings include curved walls, arched doorways, and natural stone accents. These design elements not only add to the visual appeal of cave houses but also serve practical purposes.
The curved walls provide structural stability and help distribute weight evenly, while the arched doorways create a sense of elegance and openness. Additionally, the use of natural stone accents adds to the rustic charm and authenticity of these homes.
These features not only highlight the beauty of the surrounding natural environment but also contribute to the overall energy efficiency and thermal regulation of cave houses. The combination of these architectural elements creates a truly unique and inviting living space that seamlessly blends with the natural landscape.
Popular Cave House Destinations in Spain
Granada, Andalusia, and Castilla-La Mancha are known for their popular cave house destinations in southern Spain. These regions attract visitors from all over the world who are fascinated by the unique experience of living in a cave.
Granada, in particular, is famous for its cave houses in the Sacromonte neighborhood, where the Roma community resides. These caves not only offer a comfortable and eco-friendly living space but also provide a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The cave houses in Andalusia, Murcia, and Castilla-La Mancha are not only affordable but also equipped with modern amenities, making them suitable for both tourists and residents. From the Alhambra palace in Granada to the picturesque landscapes of Castilla-La Mancha, these popular cave house destinations offer a truly unforgettable experience.
Granada Cave Houses
We’ll talk about these for a couple of reasons. mainly this is the area we know as we actually lived there and secondly, we viewed several different areas of Granada while viewing.
Guadix
This area is well known for the Barrio de Cuevas or the Neighbourhood of Caves, where much of the town’s population lives underground. Known as the trogloditas (troglodytes), locals have been living in these caves for hundreds of years. Guadix is one of the oldest places in Europe, going back to the Stone Age. The Romans started the town to dig up silver from the hills nearby. Then the Moors took over and built a huge fortress in the 11th Century. They also made some of the first caves around that time, but most of them came later in the 15th and 16th Centuries.
Guadix was a big deal for trade because it was between Granada and the sea. When the Catholics kicked out the Moors in 1492, many of them ran away to Guadix and the mountains. They had to live underground because it was too hot and they had no other choice. The caves were not natural, but carved out of the earth by hand. While some nearby towns such as Baza and Huescar also have cave districts, Guadix has more than 2,000 underground dwellings, making it home to the largest number of cave homes in all of Europe.
Galera
We looked at several properties in this town, but nothing impressed us enough to even do a follow up viewing. This is a place you will either love of hate.
One of the cave houses we visited was stunning inside, but the outdoor space was tiny, not room to park a cark and still be able to swing a cat, let alone put in a pool.
Another we went to view had water coming in from the road above, so this was never going to interest us. When you open the door to a property and can smell damp, it’s not a good sign.
Galera is one of the oldest settlements in Europe, dating back to the Stone Age. It was founded by the Romans as a silver mining town, and later conquered by the Moors, who built a fortress and a necropolis there.
Galera has a population of less than 1,500 people, and is part of the comarca of Huéscar, which includes six other villages. It is about 150 kilometers from Granada, the capital of the province.
Galera has a magnificent church called the Church of the Annunciation, which was built in the 16th century in the Mudejar style. It has a crafted wooden roof and a baroque chapel inside. It was declared a National Monument in 1983
Tips for Renovating and Decorating a Cave House
Renovating and decorating a cave home can be a unique and creative project that allows us to personalize the space and make it truly our own. We have the opportunity to transform this natural dwelling into a cozy and stylish haven.
First, we can start by enhancing the natural features of the cave, such as the rock walls and curved ceilings. Adding strategic lighting can highlight these unique elements and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Next, we can select furnishings and decor that complement the cave’s rustic charm, while also reflecting our personal taste and style. Incorporating vibrant textiles, artwork, and plants can add pops of color and bring life to the space.
How to Find and Rent a Cave House in Spain
Looking to find and rent a unique dwelling in Andalusia? Well, look no further than the cave houses in Granada! These dwellings carved into the rock or hillside offer a truly one-of-a-kind living experience.
Not only are cave houses eco-friendly and energy-efficient, but they also provide a comfortable and spacious living environment. With a constant temperature of around 18-20 degrees Celsius throughout the year, cave houses keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Plus, they come equipped with modern amenities like electricity, water, internet, and sanitation. And the best part? Cave houses can be rented or bought at a reasonable price, making them an affordable choice for those looking for a unique place to call home in Andalusia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Potential Drawbacks or Challenges of Living in a Cave House in Spain?
Living in a cave house in Spain may have potential drawbacks or challenges. These could include limited natural light, dampness, and the need for proper ventilation. However, with modernization and proper maintenance, these challenges can be mitigated.
Are Cave Houses in Spain Typically Located in Remote or Rural Areas, or Are They Also Found in Urban Areas?
Cave houses in Spain are typically located in both remote or rural areas and urban areas. They can be found in regions like Andalusia, Murcia, and Castilla-La Mancha, as well as in cities like Granada. Also check this link for information on where in Spain to live and visit.
How Do Cave Houses in Spain Compare to Traditional Houses in Terms of Energy Efficiency and Sustainability?
Cave houses in Spain are more energy efficient and sustainable compared to traditional houses. They have a constant temperature, natural ventilation, and humidity control. They are also eco-friendly, resistant to natural disasters, and can be equipped with modern amenities.
Can Cave Houses in Spain Be Customized and Renovated to Suit Individual Preferences and Needs?
Yes, cave houses in Spain can be customized and renovated to suit individual preferences and needs. They offer the opportunity to create a unique living space while still enjoying the benefits of energy efficiency, sustainability, and a constant, comfortable temperature.
Are There Any Specific Regulations or Permits Required for Owning or Renting a Cave House in Spain?
Absolutely, we’ve done our research and discovered that specific regulations and permits are required for owning or renting a cave house in Spain. It’s essential to comply with local laws and regulations to ensure a smooth and legal process.