Cave walking tour in Granada

Like in Turkey, people in Granada live in caves since hundreds years ago. Likewise, both places have licensed (with utilities and taxes) and unregulated ( no utility or tax) caves. These caves stay cool in summer and warm in winter.

The licensed caves are reinforced with concrete and have doors and rooms. The unregulated ones are subject to land sliding and weathering, so that they do not last long. The occupants of the unregulated ones need to be accepted by the community do they will not be outcast. They also need to be there all the time to avoid others taking over their caves.

Out tour guide used to live in a unregulated cave but gave it up for the modern convenience. His friend is still living in one in hope of becoming regulated in 10 years.  A bare-bone regulated cave costs 3000-5000 euros, while a licensed one starts with 200,000 euros. I asked the guide why a incensed one cost  more than a river side apartment unit on Seville. His guess is that the cost of living is lower in Granada than Seville so the housing units cost more. A student in Granada pays 150 euro instead of 500 euro for a room, and the tapas cost half in Granada than Seville.

The unlicensed ones are higher than the licensed one and have a better view of the city as well as the mountains.  I enjoyed the views from the top of hill above the caves at sunset.  

The guide also told us there is a well respected old man who gives free tapas if one comes with 5 gallons of water, since his unregulated cave is far away from water sources.