Guadix holidays: cathedral town in Granada's high country
Provincia de Granada · Andalusia · Spain · 18,718 residents
Guadix Cathedral.jpeg/500px-Guadix_(166032889).jpeg)
Alcazaba
Convento de Santiago.jpg/500px-Palacio_de_Pe%C3%B1aflor%2C_Guadix_(22014455455).jpg)
Palacio de los Marqueses de Peñaflor
Palacio de los Condes de Villa AlegreGuadix is an inland town of about 18,700 people in the province of Granada, set at 927 metres above sea level. That altitude shapes everything. Winter days reach around 14°C but nights drop to 2°C, while July climbs to 36°C with almost no rain. The historic core is compact. Guadix Cathedral, the Alcazaba, the remains of the ancient city of Acci and a cluster of old palaces all sit within about a quarter of a mile of the centre. Granada airport, which has direct flights from the United Kingdom, is under an hour's drive away. That makes Guadix a sensible base for a cultural short break or a day out from Granada or Almería.
Why go
- Guadix Cathedral, the Alcazaba and the ancient city of Acci all lie within a quarter-mile walk.
- Granada airport has direct UK flights and is roughly 36 miles, or 51 minutes, by car.
- April and May bring highs of 23 to 24°C, ideal for walking the old town.
Top sights in Guadix
Cathedral, Alcazaba and Roman Acci
The headline sight is Guadix Cathedral, the town's Roman Catholic cathedral, about 0.2 miles from the centre. Close by are the remains of Acci, the ancient city from which Guadix grew, around a quarter of a mile away. The Alcazaba, the town's fortress, is barely 0.1 miles from the centre, so the three can easily share a morning.
The old town also holds the Convento de Santiago and a run of palaces, all about 0.2 miles out: the Palacio de los Marqueses de Peñaflor, the Palacio de los Condes de Villa Alegre and the Palacio Episcopal. For views over the rooftops, the Mirador de la Magdalena is right in the centre and the Mirador Las Cuevas is about 0.4 miles away. A little further out, the bullring at Valle del Zalabí lies roughly 3.5 miles from town.
Tours and tickets for Guadix and the surrounding area can be booked directly on this page.
Tours & tickets in Guadix
Guided tours, day trips and tickets in and around Guadix can be booked in advance, priced in GBP.
See tours & tickets (opens GetYourGuide in a new tab)Where to stay in Guadix
Staying in the old town
Guadix is inland and compact, so there is no coast-versus-centre choice to make. Nearly every sight sits within a quarter of a mile of the cathedral. Staying in or near the historic core puts the Alcazaba, the palaces and the Mirador de la Magdalena on your doorstep.
With around 18,700 residents, this is a working market town rather than a resort. Evenings are generally on the quiet side. If you want more nightlife, Granada is within easy driving distance. Live hotel prices for Guadix are shown on this page.
Hire a car
The easiest way to reach Guadix and the villages around it is a hire car from Granada (GRX), about 51 min away.
Best time to visit Guadix
When to visit Guadix
- 14°CJan31 mm
- 15°CFeb36 mm
- 19°CMar65 mm
- 23°CApr5 mm
- 24°CMay48 mm
- 29°CJun33 mm
- 36°CJul0 mm
- 35°CAug2 mm
- 28°CSept15 mm
- 23°COct48 mm
- 19°CNov12 mm
- 14°CDec14 mm
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
The most comfortable months are April, May, June, September and October. April is the pick for dry weather, with highs of 23°C and only about 5mm of rain across two rain days. May and October are similar in warmth, at 23 to 24°C, though each sees around 48mm of rain.
July and August are the hottest months, at 36°C and 35°C, and they are almost completely dry. That is hot work for sightseeing on foot. March is the wettest month, with about 65mm over nine days. Winter days peak at 14 to 15°C, but at this altitude nights fall to 2 or 3°C, so pack a warm layer. Guadix is inland, so sea temperatures do not apply.
Full monthly table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 14°C | 2°C | 31 mm | 8 h |
| Feb | 15°C | 3°C | 36 mm | 9 h |
| Mar | 19°C | 5°C | 65 mm | 10 h |
| Apr | 23°C | 8°C | 5 mm | 12 h |
| May | 24°C | 11°C | 48 mm | 12 h |
| Jun | 29°C | 15°C | 33 mm | 13 h |
| Jul | 36°C | 20°C | 0 mm | 14 h |
| Aug | 35°C | 20°C | 2 mm | 13 h |
| Sept | 28°C | 14°C | 15 mm | 11 h |
| Oct | 23°C | 11°C | 48 mm | 10 h |
| Nov | 19°C | 6°C | 12 mm | 9 h |
| Dec | 14°C | 3°C | 14 mm | 8 h |
Averages 2015–2024. Highlighted months are the sweet spot for warm, dry weather.
Getting there from the UK
Flights and driving from the UK
Granada airport (GRX) is the closest. It has direct flights from the United Kingdom and lies about 36 miles away, roughly 51 minutes by car. Almería (LEI) also has direct UK flights and is about 53 miles away, around an hour and a quarter's drive. Málaga (AGP), the largest of the three and also served directly from the UK, is about 86 miles away, or a little over two hours by car.
The nearest ferry ports are Motril (about 45 miles), Almería (about 50 miles) and Málaga (about 81 miles). Their routes run to Morocco, Melilla and Algeria rather than to Britain, so they are no help for the journey from home.
Driving from Calais takes roughly 22 to 23 hours behind the wheel, so it is best split over several days.
By air
- Granada (GRX)36 miles, about 51 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
- Almería (LEI)53 miles, about 1 h 15 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
- Málaga (AGP)86 miles, about 2 h 3 min by roaddirect flights from the UK
By car and ferry
Driving from Calais takes roughly 22 h 39 min without stops. Nearest ferry ports: Motril (45 miles), Almería (50 miles), Málaga (81 miles).
Guadix is good for
Around Guadix
Day trips from Guadix
Baza is the largest nearby town, with around 23,400 people, and lies about 24 miles away. Zújar is a similar distance. Trevélez is roughly 22 miles off, and Laujar de Andarax about 25 miles.
Towards Granada, Güéjar-Sierra is around 19 miles away, with Alfacar and Monachil both about 24 to 25 miles out. Closest of all is the small village of Villanueva de las Torres, about 18 miles away and home to only around 750 people.
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Tips from Robin
Practical tips for Guadix
At 927 metres, Guadix is far cooler at night than the coast. Even in June, lows sit around 15°C, and in winter they drop to 2°C. Bring layers whatever the season.
High summer is fiercely hot and dry, with July averaging 36°C and no rain. Plan the cathedral and Alcazaba for early morning, and save the miradors for evening light.
The historic sights are close together, so you will not need a car in town. Car hire does make sense, though, for the airport transfer and for day trips.
Questions people ask
What is the nearest airport to Guadix?
Granada airport (GRX) is the nearest, about 36 miles away or roughly 51 minutes by car, and it has direct flights from the United Kingdom. Almería (LEI) is around 53 miles away and Málaga (AGP) about 86 miles. Both also have direct UK flights.
Is Guadix worth a day trip from Granada?
Yes, if you enjoy history. Guadix Cathedral, the Alcazaba, the remains of ancient Acci and several old palaces all sit within about a quarter of a mile of each other. That makes a compact day out, and the drive from the Granada airport area takes under an hour.
How hot does Guadix get in summer?
Very hot. July averages highs of 36°C and August 35°C, with almost no rain in either month. Nights stay around 20°C. Sightseeing is most comfortable early in the morning or in the evening.
What is the best month to visit Guadix?
April, May, June, September and October offer the most pleasant conditions. April stands out, with highs of about 23°C and only two rain days. September is also good, with highs near 28°C and little rain.
Does Guadix get cold in winter?
It can. At 927 metres, daytime highs in December and January are around 14°C, while nights drop to about 2 to 3°C. Pack warm clothing for evenings if you are visiting between November and February.
Can I drive to Guadix from the UK?
You can. The drive from Calais takes roughly 22 to 23 hours of driving time, so most people break it over several days. Nearby ferry ports at Motril, Almería and Málaga serve North Africa rather than Britain, so flying into Granada or Almería is usually quicker.