The Sacromonte Barrio, Granada

Sacromonte is located on the side of the Valparaíso valley (valley of Paradise). From almost every perspective there are views of the  Alhambra. Sacromonte is a neighborhood where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. 

Many years ago the Sacromonte became a sanctuary for marginalized Romani (Gitano) communities who lived in the many caves. Its name derives from the nearby Sacromonte Abbey, a 17th-century pilgrimage site housing sacred relics and catacombs.

Sacromonte Abbey, founded in the early 17th century, was built  after the discovery of purported early Christian relics and lead tablets (Lead Books of Sacromonte) in the late 16th century, believed—though later debunked—to document martyrdoms of Granada’s first Christian saints. The site became a pilgrimage destination, housing catacombs thought to hold the remains of Saint Cecilio, Granada’s patron saint.  Today, the abbey stands as a symbol of Granada’s complex religious history, blending Baroque architecture with legends of sacred mysticism.

The Sacromonte Abbey is linked to the controversial Lead Books of Sacromonte—17th-century lead tablets etched with Arabic and pseudo-Latin inscriptions, purportedly documenting early Christian martyrs but later deemed forgeries by the Vatican. It seems that interest in religion was waning and they decided to invent some religious events to rekindle interest of the faithful. Additionally, its catacombs and pilgrimage routes feature symbolic carvings and etchings depicting saints and biblical scenes. See info about Sacromonte caves visit

Architectural and Natural Charm

The labyrinthine cobblestone streets wind past cave homes adorned with vibrant ceramics and copper metalwork. Bougainvillea and geraniums spill from many balconies. The cave houses of Sacromonte, carved directly into the hillsides, are characterized by their curved, whitewashed interiors and natural insulation, maintaining stable temperatures year-round. Their facades often blend seamlessly with the terrain and have flower-lined entrances. Many caves feature interconnected chambers and terraces offering panoramic views of Granada, with some preserved as cultural museums (like the Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte) . See info about visit to the cave museum 

Flamenco

Sacromonte is a hub for flamenco. It is famous for Flamenco Zambra Gitana performances located in caves known as tablaos such as  Venta El Gallo. A flamenco tablao is an intimate venue dedicated to live flamenco performances, often featuring a small stage with wooden flooring to amplify dancers' rhythmic footwork (zapateado). These spaces prioritize authenticity, showcasing skilled dancers, singers (cantaores), and guitarists (tocaores) in raw, emotive performances that highlight flamenco's improvisational spirit. Some tablaos in the Sacromonte are located in long caves and the performers perform right next to the audience who are seated on wooden chairs either side on the cave this offering audiences an immersive, up-close experience. Click here to book a flamenco show

Visitor Tips

• Walking Access:  For people who are reasonably fit  it is easy to walk from the Albaicín. Many of the streets have no car access and the streets are cobblestoned so wear sturdy shoes. A good way to go walking into the Sacromonte is from near Plaza Aliatar then San Luis then Verea de Enmedio. More adventurous people may get up to San Miguel Alto and the Sacromonte Abbey.  
• Bus Access: The C34 minibus which goes to the area is infrequent, so if you can't get on a C34 use of the the other ones which go past the Peso de Harina and enter the Sacromonte along the Camino de Sacromonte. When I lived there I would often see people waiting for the C34 and if I had time I would tell them to go along to Peso de Harina because the buses go every 10 minutes not every 30 mintes.    See bus maps
• Private Car Access: It is not a good idea to drive into the camino de Sacromonte in a private car because it is difficult to park and the streets are narrow. However if you can down the road from the substation next to El Fargue there is ample free parking.  Once parked you can walk down to the camino de Sacromonte via the attractive winding walkway.  The map that appears on this page is centered at the place where you can park. 
• Must-See: Apart from wandering around the streets such as the Verea del Enmedio there are Tablaos which give flamenco perfomances, there are guided tours of the Sacromonte abbey and there is a Cave Museum.
• Tip for the Intrepid: If you climb down into the valley that is at the start on the left of the steep road that goes up towards El Fargue there is a footpath that will take you on an interesting trip past the cave valley where the hippies live, some amazing viewpoints of the Alhambra.  You will eventually arrive at the city walls and if you take a right at towards San Miguel Alto there is an amazing view of Granada which has a very good sunset view.  The route of this is shown in this hike
• Hikes: The Beas to Granada hike goes through the Sacromonte. Link Half of this hike is in the Sacromonte Link