Free walking tours in Gorafe and what to see

Must-sees

Gorafe is a small village in northern Granada province, between Guadix and Baza, hidden in the valley of the river Gor. Its surroundings are part of the UNESCO Granada Geopark, and the landscape is what impresses most: the so-called Gorafe desert, a terrain of badlands, ravines and clay hills in ochre and reddish tones, best seen at sunrise or sunset. In and around the village many cave houses dug into the earth are still lived in, keeping a mild temperature all year round.

The other big reason to come is the dolmens. Around two hundred megalithic tombs are spread along the Gor valley, grouped into several necropolises, one of the largest concentrations in Europe. Waymarked routes take you to them on foot, and the village has the Megalithic Interpretation Centre, which helps explain who built them and why.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Gorafe. The most popular guided activity is the 4x4 route through the desert, which follows dirt tracks among the badlands and stops at viewpoints and some of the dolmens, handy because the tracks are not suitable for every car. You can also visit the dolmens on your own by following the waymarked routes, starting at the interpretation centre.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the interpretation centre and one of the dolmen routes. If you take the 4x4 trip through the desert, allow a full day. Ideally stay a night, because the landscape changes a lot with the light and the night sky, free of light pollution, is spectacular. With more time you can head to Guadix and its cave quarter.

Where to stay

The best option is to sleep in a cave house in Gorafe itself or nearby, an experience that is part of the visit. There are few places, so book in advance. If there is no room, Guadix, about thirty minutes away, has many more caves and hotels, and Baza is another nearby alternative.