What to do in Benalúa?

If you want to know a little more about the history of Benalúa, you can access this article of our blog where we tell you a little more. And from here you can access the official website of the Town Hall.

• Museo del Pueblo de Benalúa (TEMPORARILY CLOSED) It occupies an old renovated cave, which offers three large rooms and modern audiovisual resources. It presents a journey through the history, people and traditions of the village of Benalúa. Click here to calculate the route and see more information.
• Cerro Kabila Viewpoint. From the highest part of the village you can enjoy magnificent 360º views. Sierra Nevada and the badlands create a unique contrast in the landscape. It takes about 25 minutes walking and 5 minutes by car. Click here to calculate the route.
• Walk through the badlands towards Guadix. Along the ridge of the badlands and with magnificent views. It is 7 km to Guadix (plus return) but if you want to walk less you can also turn back before you get there. Click here to see the route on Wikiloc. If you explore Wikiloc you will find thousands of routes in the area.
• Walk to the Hermitage of San Torcuato. An old church with a large part in caves and with a lot of history. Click here to read an article in our blog where we tell part of its history or here to see the route on Wikiloc (18Km circular route).

Eating and drinking

Breakfast

• Café Vagomundo. For breakfast and a coffee/drink in the afternoon. Next to the school, 100 metres from the crossroads on the road to Cuevas La Granja. Closed on Sundays.
• Cafetería Las Niñas ice cream parlour. For breakfast and ice cream. Click here to see its Google file and calculate the route.
• Pastelería González Cafeteria. This bakery also has a cafeteria. It is in the industrial estate on the outskirts of the village. Click here to see its Google file and calculate the route.
• Pakillo Brewery.For tapas and raciones but also for breakfast.Click here to see its Google page and calculate the route.

Tapas and rations

• Mesón El Peceño.A pleasant place in the centre of the village with a terrace. Click here to see its Google profile and calculate the route.
• Gastrobar Mercantil. It also has a terrace. Click here to see its Google profile and calculate the route.
• Pakillo Brewery. For tapas and raciones but also for breakfast. Click here to see its Google page and calculate the route.
• Cafeteria Bar Pizzeria Ricardo. For breakfast, tapas and rations. On weekends they also make pizzas. Click here to see its Google profile and calculate the route.

Restaurants

We recommend 2 restaurants in Purullena, 5 minutes from Benalúa. Both have daily set menus (11€) with lots of variety.

• Restaurante Mesón La Taberna: Click here to see their Google page and calculate the route.
• Restaurant La Ruta del Sur: Click here to see their Google profile and calculate the route.

Shopping

Most of the shops are located around the Plaza de la Iglesia. Here are some links:

• Supermarkets. There are several in the village, here a Spar, here a Covirán and here a Komo-Komo. You will find almost everything but if you need something bigger like Mercadona or Lidl you will have to go to Guadix.
• Bakeries. In general there is very good bread in Benalúa and the whole area. We recommend you try the loaves. Here you will find the Horno de María Diezma, here the Horno de Los Sabinos, and here the Horno del Sirves. All of them have good homemade sweets.
• Fish market. In front of the church square is Miguel’s. Indications here.
• Frutería: Here you have Raquel’s, and here Laura’s.
• Butcher’s shop. Also in front of the church, the best sausages and meats of the village in Rosillo’s. Here you can find indications.
• Chemists. You have one here and another one here.
• Tobacconists. You have one here and another here.
• Post office. Super limited opening hours. Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 11:00. Directions here.
• Hardware store. Just at the entrance of the village. Directions here.
• Drugstore. Near the church square. Directions here.
• Stationery shop. Just opposite the school. Directions here.
• Florist. Next to the Bankia office. Directions here.
• Banks. There is a Bankia branch here and a Caja Rural branch here. Many other entities in Guadix.

What to do in Guadix?

We have written several dozens of articles in our blog in which we talk about Guadix. From its history, legends, routes, music, curiosities… Click here to access all these articles. If you want to know a little more about the history of Guadix, you can access this article where we tell a little more. And from here you can access the official website of the Town Hall.

Below we list the highlights of the city:

• Cathedral and old town. Click here to see its Google file and calculate the route.
• Las Cuevas quarter and Interpretation Centre. Click here to see its Google card, calculate the route, check opening hours…
• Free tour (guided tour in the old town). From Tuesday to Sunday at 11:00 a.m. from the door of the Cathedral. Duration 1h30 approx. We recommend contacting in advance to confirm availability (670957025). Click here to see its Google file.
• Tourist Train. Daily from the door of the Cathedral. Tour with a stop in the caves district. Duration approx. 1h30. We recommend contacting in advance to confirm availability (670957025). Click here to see its Google file.
• Roman Theatre. In the historic quarter. Guided group visits by prior reservation. Contact to book. Click here to see its Google profile.

Eating and drinking

Breakfast

• Versalles Cafeteria. The most famous churros in the city. Click here to see its Google file and calculate the route.
• Cafeteria – Pastelería Sierra. The most delicious and abundant toast in the region. Click here to see its Google profile and calculate the route.

Tapas and portions

• Calatrava Wineries. Rich and varied tapas in the centre, as well as roscas (doughnuts) Click here to see its Google file.
• Granadul. They have ham drying rooms and make their own sausages. Click here to see their Google profile.
• Jos Mary Bar. Try their famous first tapa of minced meat in sauce. Click here to see their Google profile.
• Restobar Palenga. Good tapas in the Town Hall square. Click here to see its Google profile.
• Cart Luis. Try their grilled mushrooms. Click here to see its Google profile.
• Rio Verde. Fried fish with views of the Cathedral. Click here to see its Google profile.
• Buho Gastrobar. Good views of the Cathedral. Click here to see its Google profile.
• La Bodeguilla. Local wines, musts, etc…Click here to see its Google profile.
• Acapulco. One of the most frequented by Accitanos. Click here to see its Google profile.
• Café Bar Dólar. Another mythical of the city. Click here to see its Google profile.
  Restaurants

Restaurants

• Brasería La Tinaja. A cosy place in a cave, very typical of the area, which is usually full every half day and where we recommend booking (958662877). They offer daily menus and a menu with a wide variety of grilled meats.They also have a pleasant terrace. Click here to see their Google file.
• Taberna El Buho. Located in a historic building in the centre of Guadix.They have a very rich and varied menu with some very suggestive dishes. Click here to see its Google tab.
• Boabdil Restaurant. One of the most historic restaurants in Guadix and one where you will also leave satisfied. Both its menu and service are always in the minds of the Accitanos. Click here to see its Google tab.
• Pizzeria Neptuno. Italian restaurant with a wide variety of homemade pizzas and pastas.All exquisite thanks to the touch of the wood-fired oven. Click here to see its Google tab.

Fast food and takeaway

• Homemade food from Guadix. Click here to see their Google profile.
• Don Pollo. Click here to see its Google profile.
• Palacio del pollo asado. Click here to see its Google profile.
• Pa papear. Click here to see its Google profile.
• Said’s Kebab. Click here to see its Google profile.
• Pizzeria Capricho. Click here to see its Google profile.
• Voy Volando. Click here to see its Google profile.
• Telepizza. Click here to see its Google profile.
• Burger King. Click here to see its Google listing.

Typical products

• Typical sweets. The most famous is the Pastelería Oriental, in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Indications Indications here.
• Bread. We recommend you visit the «Shopping» section in Benalúa. There are several fantastic bakeries in the village.
• Cheese. The Cheeses of Leyva have won many prizes in every competition they have been entered in. Indications here.
• Olive oil. In the industrial estate, on the outskirts, you will find Aceites Echinac. They have all formats and qualities, including organic. Indications here.
• Sausages and hams. Granadul, which you can buy in one of their taverns where they also serve them. Indications here.

Granada Geopark (Badlands, hills and canyons)

On the 10th of July 2020, Unesco at the 209th meeting of its Executive Board, confirmed the inscription of the Granada Geopark to the Global Geoparks Network. We have also written many articles in our blog that you can consult here, but we list below the most outstanding points of interest close to Cuevas La Granja.

• Cerro Kabila viewpoint. From the highest part of the village you can enjoy magnificent 360º views of the Granada Geopark. The Sierra Nevada and the badlands create a unique contrast in the landscape. It takes about 25 minutes walk from Cuevas La Granja and 5 minutes by car. Click here to calculate the route.
• Walk through the Badlands to Guadix. This starts from the Cerro Kabila viewpoint, along the ridge of the Badlands and with magnificent views. It’s 7km to Guadix but you can turn back at your leisure. Click here to see the route on Wikiloc. If you explore Wikiloc you will find thousands of routes in the area.
• Viewpoint at the End of the World. Magnificent views of the bad-lands of the Granada Geopark.It is best to go through the village of Paulenca rather than Beas de Granada, as there is a very steep climb. Location of the viewpoint here and Wikiloc route from Beas de Guadix of only 2km here (can also be reached by car).
• Acequia del Toril. Ancient mineral aqueduct located in the Balneario de Alicún, through which flow the underground thermal waters present in this beautiful spot.The route is short, about 2 km, but unique.Location and more information about the irrigation channel here and the route on Wikiloc that passes by the Petroglyphs of Cero de la Mina here.
• Desert of the Coloraos. In Gorafe.You can stay here as there are already wonderful views of the desert, but if you prefer to get to the deepest part of the Desierto de Los Coloraos you will have to come here (1 hour by car from Gorafe, suitable for any vehicle).
• Route through 10 viewpoints. If you have more time and you like the viewpoints (apart from the 2 already mentioned) with views of the Badlands and the Geopark of Granada, you can take a look at this article where we describe and locate them.

From Cuevas La Granja we can see the north face of Sierra Nevada, the National Park with the highest peaks of the Iberian Peninsula (Mulhacén 3479 metres, Veleta 3398 metres and the Alcabaza with 3371 metres). Sierra Nevada is very large, and below we recommend the most attractive routes and places close to Cuevas La Granja.

• La Ragua Pass. About 40 minutes by car. It is the highest pass at 2000 m.a.s.l. and the only road that crosses Sierra Nevada «through the middle». In winter (when there is enough snow) they open a couple of cross-country ski runs and another one for sledges. Many families go there to spend a day in the snow. Here you have the location, in this article of our blog we explain everything in more detail, and here you have a cool route on Wikiloc that starts from the car park itself.
• La Rosandrá. In about 30 minutes by car you will reach this recreational area in Aldeire, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada (near the Puerto de la Ragua). It is also a centenary chestnut grove where you can spend a nice day with the family or go for a walk. Here you have the location, in this article of our blog we explain everything in more detail, and here you have a cool circular route on Wikiloc that starts from the car park itself.Search Wikiloc for «La Rosandrá» and you will find many more walking routes in the area, although they are also indicated with milestones and signs.
• La Dehesa del Camarate (Enchanted Forest). Another of the Sierra Nevada’s must-sees, which we recommend visiting in autumn, as the multitude of colourful shades in the leaves of the trees make it even more beautiful.It starts in Lugros (25 minutes from Cuevas La Granja) and in autumn there is a transfer that shortens the path (recommended for children so that it doesn’t take too long), although it can also be done on foot in its entirety. Here you have the location, in this article you will find a lot of useful information, and here you have the complete route without transfer in Wikiloc.
• Castañar de Huéneja. Another beautiful recreational area, full of centenary chestnut trees with curious shapes and very well equipped: barbecues, places to sit and, above all, a couple of areas with swings, slide, etc. for the kids and a kind of «rural gym» made of wood to exercise (sit-ups, pull-ups, balance…).The whole area is delimited by a wooden fence and the children can run around without any problem. Here you have the location, in this article of our blog we explain everything in more detail, and here you have a cool route on Wikiloc that starts from there.
• Postero Alto and Lavaderos de la Reina (Difficult). Here you have the location of the Postero Alto refuge, which takes 1 hour to get to from Cuevas La Granja.We think it is worth the effort just to go up there and take a walk around the area.The more adventurous can go to Lavaderos de la Reina, one of the most emblematic places in the Sierra Nevada.The route is difficult and takes about 10 hours (circular) and you can find it here on Wikiloc.
• Sierra Nevada ski resort. It is on the other side of the mountain and we do not recommend going there unless you are going skiing.In high season there is usually a lot of traffic going up and down.To go to the mountains and be in contact with nature there are very nice places nearby, such as those mentioned in this section. However, if you want to get to know the place, you should go to Pradollano (the village) or to the area of Hoya de la Mora where there are infrastructures to rent sledges, some chiringuito, etc…

Other points of interest

• Gorafe Megalithic Park. 3 to 6 hours depending on what you do. One of the largest concentrations of dolmens in Europe is in Gorafe, half an hour from Cuevas La Granja. In total there are about 240 dolmens that you will see by doing the 3 main routes, which you will find following this route: The first route starts here and is where the dolmens are worst preserved, although it is worth it for the magnificent views of the Gor river canyon. Shortly after about 2 km and following the road you will find another car park that gives access to 2 small routes of about 500 metres, and here you will find Dolmen 134, the most representative of the whole Megalithic Park. Finally, just past the village you will find the route of Las Majadillas, the most beautiful but also the hardest, due to the initial ascent. We have written in our blog about the Megalithic Park and Gorafe here. In Gorafe you will also find the C.I.M. (Centro de Interpretación del Megalitismo). Location here… There are 2 guided tours daily, at 12:00 and 17:00 (closed on Mondays).
• Calahorra Castle. Considered the first Renaissance castle-palace in Spain. It is a pity that, as it is private property, visits are limited to Wednesdays. Although we recommend confirming opening times by calling La Calahorra Town Hall (925 677 040). You have the location here and a cool route through the village and the surrounding area here.
• Paelontological Station Valle del Río Fardes. Located in Fonelas, 10 minutes from Cuevas La Granja, we find this museum with fossils of mammals that inhabited the region 2 million years ago. Sabre-toothed Tigers, Giraffes, Rhinoceroses… It is not open daily and group visits must be arranged. Here you have its file with more information and images.
• Tropolis. This is a multi-space for culture, eco-tourism and leisure located in a large cave. 15 minutes from Cuevas La Granja and highly recommended with children. Every weekend there are workshops to make bread and cheese that you can take home with you. Access their website here to see all the workshops or their location here. You can also call Enrique and he will inform you directly (665 611 436).

Sports and more

The region lends itself to many outdoor sports, such as hiking, cycling, mtb, water sports, etc. We have already mentioned hiking routes in the previous sections and you will also find them below under «Granada capital».

• Adventure sports. With the company of our colleague Goyo (qualified bilingual mountain guide) you can do 4×4 tours, canyoning, equestrian tours, etc… small groups with all safety measures, equipment, insurance… Call him on 679 529 844 and he will explain you better or access from here to his website to see everything he offers.
• Water sports. The Negratín Reservoir is the best place to practice them, and you will have magnificent views of the Geopark of Granada. In this article of our blog we tell you about a route with children around the reservoir. You can also rent canoes, paddle-surf boards and pedal boats at our colleague Manolo’s jetty, which is located just past the dam. If you then want to relax on a «beach» and have a drink, you can go to Restaurante Cortijo del Cura, on the other side of the shore, more info here.
• Cycling and MTB. If you like cycling but have not been able to bring your own, Goyo can also rent them to you.You have to rent 2 bikes for him to bring them to Cuevas La Granja, otherwise you will have to pick them up in Guadix. Call him on 679 529 844 for more details.
• Equestrian Tours. In Guadix with Goyo (call him on 679 529 844 for details), or in Benalúa at Club Hípico Almaraes, just 5 minutes from Cuevas La Granja. More info on the Club here (there is also a small bar and lots of other animals for the children to enjoy).Although the easiest way is to call Gerardo (manager) on 622 013 051 and he can tell you what they are doing that week.
• Balloon flights. It is a joy to see the Comarca de Guadix, Sierra Nevada and its Bad-lands from a bird’s eye view and without noise. A not very economical but unforgettable activity (about 180€/person sharing the flight with other people). It is necessary to organise it in advance and make the reservation, payment of the deposit, etc… If you are interested, please contact us.

Ornithological and Astronomical Tourism

Ornithological Tourism

Due to the location of the Comarca de Guadix, we will be able to see a multitude of bird species, some more frequent and others more difficult to see in other latitudes. The most comfortable way to practice Ornithological Tourism or bird watching will be from the «Hide» that we have built in Cuevas La Granja. Here you can see photos that some of our clients have taken and here you can read the articles that we have published on this subject.

Astronomical Tourism

Due to the low light pollution in the area, it is ideal for astronomical tourism. Here you can take a look at the articles we have published in our blog about Astrotourism. In Cuevas La Granja we usually carry out some activities throughout the year, but they can also be contracted on request. Please contact us. If you want to be aware of the Astrotourism activities that take place in the area, go here to the website of Turismo Astronómico de Andalucía.

What to do in Granada?

We have written dozens of articles in our blog about Granada. From its history, legends, routes, music, curiosities… Click here to access all these articles.

Sometimes it is difficult to park in Granada. There is usually room to click here near the Royal Hospital and you will be within walking distance of everything (blue zone, download the app to renew your ticket). Another option is to take exit 129 of the ring road and leave your car here in the public pay car park at the Neptuno shopping centre.

Here are some of the highlights of the city:

• The Alhambra. Nowadays it is very easy to get tickets for the Alhambra, click here to access the official website and buy them. If you don’t have time for the full visit (3/4 hours) you can simply stroll through the forest and the areas open to the public, such as the palace of Charles V, Puerta de la Justicia, Puerta del Vino, Placeta de los Aljibes, magnificent views of the Albaicín… You can get there by going up from Plaza Nueva and this is the route. You can also get there by car by driving around the city and leaving it in the public car park that you will find here.
• Paseo de los Tristes. Leaving from Plaza Nueva you can’t miss this beautiful walk along the banks of the Darro River and at the foot of the majestic Alhambra. In this article of our blog we tell you some curiosities of the Paseo de los Tristes and this is the route from Plaza Nueva.
• Albaicin and Mirador de San Nicolas. From the end of the Paseo de Los Tristes you can start the ascent to the Albaicín via the Cuesta del Chapiz. You can lose yourself in its streets until you reach the Mirador de San Nicolás, the most famous viewpoint in the city, from where you will have incomparable views of the Alhambra.The viewpoint is usually atmospheric and there are bars all around. In winter, with the Sierra Nevada in the background, the image is indescribable.You can return to the centre by wandering in the direction of Plaza San Gregorio until you reach Calle Calderería Nueva, also typical and lined with a multitude of tea shops.
• Sacromonte quarter. Going up the aforementioned cuesta del Chapiz you will find the turning on the right. This is the district of Las Cuevas in Granada, from where you will also have magnificent views of the Alhambra as from this viewpoint. You will also find tablaos flamencos and artists improvising in the streets. If you continue a little further, you will come to the Abadía del Sacromonte, another building with a lot of history that is also worth a visit. More info on the Abbey here.
• Cathedral and surroundings.
  Apart from visiting the Cathedral here on one side you can find the Royal Chapel where the Catholic Monarchs are buried.You can also stroll around the Plaza Bib-Rambla and the Calle Alcaicería.
• Science Park. A magnificent complex that has grown over the years to become an international reference. Composed of Museum, Bidomo, Planetarium, Travelling Exhibitions…. Here you have its official website where you can see opening hours, buy tickets, etc… and here is the Google file with location, reviews, etc…
• Museums. There are many, some of them very interesting, and we understand that those who like them will have already done some research on the subject. In this link you can see a list with the location of the 20 most important ones.

Eating and drinking

Most of the city’s bars can be fine for tapas. But as there are also «tourist traps» in the busiest areas, we prefer to recommend some of the ones we like best. All of them are close to Plaza Nueva and the Town Hall, and as well as tapas you can order some raciones.

• Los Diamantes. The best fried fish in Granada. There is one here in Plaza Nueva, another here in Plaza Bib-rambla, but the one we like best is here in Plaza de Los Campos.
• Bar Casa Julio. Super small but charming tavern. They also serve fried fish and the service is very fast. Here next to Plaza Nueva.
• Bodegas Castañeda. One of the oldest bars but you will find it packed if you don’t go early in the morning. Ask for a tabla. It is also right next to Plaza Nueva.
• Bodegas La Mancha. If you can’t fit in Bodegas Castañeda you can go here for Bodegas La Mancha, which is owned by the same owners and serves very tasty sandwiches.
• Los Manueles. Also here next to Plaza Nueva. One of the most emblematic restaurants in Granada, but of course they also serve raciones and tapas.
• La Cueva de 1900. There are several throughout the city. They serve their own sausages (Cárnicas Zurita).This one is located next to the Town Hall.
• Casa Encarna. All exquisite.They also have 2 places, one here just behind the Town Hall, and another here in C/Pedro Antonio de Alarcón.
• Taberna La Tana. Great variety of wines in Calle Navas.Location here.
• Bar Patio El Braserito. Also in Calle Navas and very popular with locals. Try their huevos rotos (scrambled eggs).Location here.
• La Esquinita de Javi. 2 large terraces in Plaza Mariana Pineda. Their speciality is also fried fish. Location here.

Typical products

If you want to take home a souvenir of the city, a small box or object made of Taracea Granadina can be a good option. You will find a multitude of shops selling them in Plaza Bib-Rambla and Calle Alcaicería, as well as around Plaza Nueva.

If you prefer something to eat, Pionono is the sweet par excellence in the city. The best ones are made at Casa Isla and Rey Fernando. Search on Google Maps as they have several cafés-confectioneries all over the city.