Baza

Why visit Baza

Baza lies in the north-east of Granada province, in a wide basin of eroded clay hills and farmland framed by the pine-covered Sierra de Baza and the solitary peak of Jabalcón. The town of Baza has been settled for well over two thousand years, from the Iberian city of Basti to a Moorish stronghold that fell to the Catholic Monarchs only after a long siege. Around it, cave houses are still carved into the soft hillsides, and the Negratín reservoir brings a ribbon of blue to the dry landscape. Uncrowded and full of character, it suits travellers interested in archaeology, hot springs, walking and rural stays underground.

Main attractions in Baza

Baza’s old town holds the Collegiate Church of the Incarnation, well-preserved Arab baths and an archaeological museum displaying a replica of the Dama de Baza, the Iberian funerary sculpture found nearby. In September the town celebrates Cascamorras, when a figure sent from Guadix is chased through the streets and doused in oil and paint. The Sierra de Baza Natural Park offers forest walks, mountain biking and clear night skies, while the Negratín reservoir between Zújar, Freila and Cuevas del Campo is popular for swimming, kayaking and sailing. At the foot of Jabalcón, the thermal waters of the Baños de Zújar overlook the lake, and Benamaurel and Cúllar have cave neighbourhoods to explore. Local cooking is upland fare, with lamb, migas, gurullos and robust stews.