WHY COME?
BECAUSE
GORAFE AND THE GRANADA GEOPARK CAPTIVATE US
Gorafe captivates us through contrast: a valley sculpted over thousands of years, necropolises that remind us of our origins, and a silence that is a true luxury. We experience the area as an open-air laboratory: geology, archaeology, and dark skies coexist within just a few kilometers. To those who ask us about “the best,” we always give the same answer: there’s no set order. Every trip is different and depends on the light, the weather, and what you want to feel that day.
Where we are and how we take advantage of the 360º views
Our “base camp” is the glass house in the Gorafe desert. It’s located within the Geopark, elevated and open to the horizon. From here we can see Guadix, Baza, Sierra Nevada, Cazorla, and Sierra Mágina; this 360º view helps us decide in the moment which place to visit based on the light, wind, or clouds. For those who dream of sleeping under the stars without sacrificing comfort, our glamping space in Granada is a comfortable way to experience the desert night… inside and out.
Essential Places
RECOMMENDED VISIT
Megalithic Interpretation Center
We like to start here because it provides context. In a short visit, we understand how those who inhabited the valley lived and built the dolmens. We leave with fresh ideas and new questions: Why this location? What materials did they use? How was the landscape integrated into their rituals? We recommend letting reception know if you would like suggestions for walking sections or path conditions. In our experience, a five-minute chat here saves you from doubts later.
Tips: Comfortable shoes, water, and absolute respect for the burial mounds (do not climb on them, do not move stones). If you come with children, it works great as a “curiosity gym”: a model, an audiovisual presentation, and then real dolmens.
RECOMMENDED VISIT
Dolmens of Gorafe
The valley boasts more than 250 dolmens spread along several marked trails. The beauty is that you don’t need to do them all to appreciate the place: even a short stretch can change your perspective. We often pause to observe the orientation of the slabs, the terrain, and the vegetation. Time often slips away between photos, so come without rushing.
Tips: Leave no trace (no litter or stones out of place), bring a hat and sunscreen in the warmer months, and remember that the true value lies in looking calmly: the dolmens are not decorations, they are memory.
RECOMMENDED VISIT
4×4 through the desert
A 4×4 is ideal for understanding the terrain quickly and safely. We promote respectful driving on tracks and waterways, with stops to observe the landscape and learn about the environment. If you’re interested, we can find an experience that suits your style at desiertogorafe4x4.com.
RECOMMENDED VISIT
Alicún Spa
The spa is our pause button. Medicinal waters, lush vegetation, and a welcome tranquility. We enjoy it as a counterpoint to the desert: the aridity contrasts with an aquatic environment that invites you to reset. If you’re traveling as a couple or family, it’s the perfect place to reconnect.
Tips: Book in advance on weekends during peak season and combine your visit with a short walk in the surrounding area. Leaving here “refreshed” isn’t just a promise; it’s quite literal.
RECOMMENDED VISIT
Cave Houses
“El Torriblanco”
Sleeping in a cave is a way to understand the historical relationship between people and the landscape. Stable temperature, silence, and that feeling of a “home that embraces you.” “El Torriblanco” maintains this essence, but with modern comforts. For longer stays, alternating a night in the cave with another under glass is a combo you often request.
Tips: Bring comfortable clothes and let time slow down: a cave calls for reading, conversation, and leisurely after-dinner chats.
RECOMMENDED VISIT
Gorafe Desert
“Los Coloraos”
Los Coloraos is a natural amphitheater of gullies and fairy chimneys that changes with the light. Here, color reigns supreme: ochres, reds, and shadows that create folds. There are nearby viewpoints and dirt tracks; some require experience or a suitable vehicle. If you prefer to play it safe, we organize 4×4 routes with our sister website desiertogorafe4x4.com, with photo stops and terrain analysis.
Tips: Avoid dry riverbeds with a forecast of storms, bring an extra battery, and download offline maps. For photos, a wide-angle lens and a short telephoto lens perform very well; The texture of the dry mud is a pure spectacle.
RECOMMENDED VISIT
Astrotourism in Gorafe: Starlight-certified dark skies
One of the reasons we live here is the Starlight-certified dark skies. The darkness is real: when everything is off, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. For us, moonless nights or nights with a thin moon are the most special. If you have children, turn it into a game: easy constellations first, and if you’re up for it, a summer meteor shower.
How we experience it
We prepare for the night in advance: we check the lunar phase, the cloud forecast, and bring headlamps with red light to maintain our acclimatization. Inside the glass house in the Gorafe desert the experience is comfortable: you observe, go back inside, heat up a cup of tea, and return to the sky. That blend of immersion and comfort is, for us, the definition of understated luxury.
RECOMMENDED VISIT
Toril Irrigation Channel
A circular walk of about an hour that we love for its geological character. The thermal water, rich in calcium carbonate, has created travertine deposits that today form a kind of “living wall” through which the irrigation channel flows. It’s easy, photogenic, and perfect for unwinding after a busy morning.
Tips: Wear shoes with non-slip soles (there are wet sections), and if you come during the peak summer hours, look for shade along the banks. We like to come at a leisurely pace, listening to the water.
RECOMMENDED VISIT
Negratín Reservoir
Negratín surprises with its palette of colors: turquoise hues contrasting with reddish clays and slopes that seem otherworldly. It’s a great setting for sweeping views and, depending on the season, water activities. We love it for its silence and the way the light falls on the water. If you’re looking for a different perspective of the desert, this is it.
Tips: Check access points and open viewpoints; the wind can change quickly. Bring a jacket or sweater even if the day seems warm: it gets chilly by the water.
WHERE TO SLEEP
IN GORAFE?
Our glass house is a landscape inside and out: panoramic windows, a privileged location, and a sky that seems within reach. As a base, it allows us to make decisions on the fly and stargaze in comfort. If you want to experience the Geopark at a leisurely pace, this is the place. → the glass house in the Gorafe desert
So, if you’re looking for something different (and very photogenic), our glamping in Granada is a perfect fit: comfort, minimalism, and starry nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “the best” place to start?
There isn’t just one. Sometimes we start at the Interpretation Center, and other times at Los Coloraos if the light is epic. We decide as we go.
Is it possible to enter the desert with a regular car?
There are accessible viewpoints; for inland trails, a 4×4 or a guided tour is best. If you have any doubts, check out desiertogorafe4x4.com.
Where can we comfortably view stars?
In our house, the Starlight dark sky can be enjoyed indoors and without getting cold: the glass house in the Gorafe desert.
How long does it "take" to get to each place?
We prefer to talk about sensations: some are short walks (Acequia del Toril), others call for stopping and observing (dolmens, viewpoints). We leave it open so that everyone can experience it at their own pace.
Conclusion
Gorafe isn’t a to-do list: it’s a territory to be listened to. That’s why we prefer to talk about it place by place, without fixed itineraries. One day it will be dolmens and silence; another, red clay and wind; another, stars and thermoses of tea by the glass. If you want to turn that visit into an experience, here we are: the glass house in the Gorafe desert and our glamping in Granada.
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European Regional Development Fund.
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