Baza - Costa Tropical, Spain

The city of Baza is set in the centre of the “Altiplano” (high plain) region of Spain and is one of the undiscovered jewels of Andalucia. The city dates from Roman times and there are many places of historical interest that are well worth a visit. In 2003 Baza was officially declared to be of national historic interest. The ancient fortress (Alcazaba) the Muslim Medina and the Arabic Baths are of especial interest.

Surrounded by the mountains of the Sierra de Baza and the Sierra de Castril some of the scenery is simply breathtaking, and yet it is only 107 kilometres from Granada city and the world famous Alhambra Palace.

The contrasting landscapes of this area from the natural parks of the sierras to the arid bad lands and then the fertile valleys, ensure that around every corner there is something different to see. Within this area comes the particularly interesting heritage of “Cave Houses”. Inhabited since time immemorial they are now sought after holiday homes and as a retreat for the rural tourist.

The climate of this area varies from cold and dry in the winter with daytime temperatures averaging approx 10 degrees C, to summer temperatures of well over 30 degrees C during the hottest months of July and August. There is usually some rainfall in the spring and autumn with the occasional summer storm towards the end of August. (230)

There are many fiestas throughout the year, not only in Baza but in every surrounding village. The most famous of these are the Easter (Holy Week) parades in Baza and Huescar, the festival of the Moors and Christians held in Cullar and Benamaurel during the last weekend of April and the Feria (town fair) 6 th to 15 th Sept in Baza.

Unlike the coastal regions “tapas” are still served in the bars and restaurants of the area with all alcoholic drinks. Tapas are small portions of local delicacies that are provided free of charge to accompany your drink.

This area can only be described as “Real Spain”, it is like stepping back in time. Every village has it’s own bakers, ironmongers etc and bread is still delivered on a daily basis. The people are friendly, the food is simple, wholesome, plentiful and cheap with a typical menu of the day consisting of three courses, bread and a drink, costing approx 9 euros (£7).

A traffic jam is unheard of and the word “Manana” (tomorrow) doesn’t mean tomorrow, it just means that whatever it is, won’t be done today; which completely typifies the pace and way of life of this amazing area.

Written by James Woodard - Owner of Property 403100 in Baza, Spain

Make a holiday rental villa or cave house in Baza, Spain your home away from home

The Baza region of Granada, Spain, is an unspoilt area of contrasting landscapes. With huge mountains, arid plains and fertile valleys littered with charming villages and traditional towns. The iconic cave houses in Baza are just the icing on the cake, as it is the awe-inspiring and very rare, landscapes and the humbling historical discoveries in the region that really attract visitors.

Things to do in Baza, Spain

The whole of Baza has been declared a region of National Historic Interest due to the staggering number of important archaeological discoveries found in the region. Throughout this historians’ playground are a whole host of attractions, some of the most impressive of which include the famous Marzuela Arabic Baths, Muslim Medina and Alcazaba Fortress, the Iberian/Roman City of Basti, a little outside the town of Baza itself, the Villa Romana and the beautiful Dama de Baza on Sanctuary Hill. The best place to start your exploration and mission of understanding about the history of Baza is at the Municipal Museum of Baza, located in the town of Baza itself.

Culture and gastronomy are huge plus points for Baza holidays. The cuisine is fantastic, with delicious, hearty game stews and gachas tortas (a hot, meaty pasta dish) during the cold winters and magnificent cold meats and capers as a treat during the summer months. Throughout the year, the famous Baza puddings and sweets can keep even the sweetest tooth contented. Some of the best times to enjoy these delicacies is during the many annual festivals. The February Carnival remains as extravagant and wild as ever, with huge parties and sensational costumes, whilst the 10 day town fair of Feria in September always draws a large crowd.

The outdoor lifestyle is a glorious treat in Baza. There are endless routes for walking, mountain biking and horse riding throughout this glorious region, and in most cases, the sights you stumble across will stay with you forever. Along the way, should the heat of the day become too much, there are a great number of still lakes and meandering rivers in which to take a refreshing dip, in water so clean that it can be drunk.

Places to visit on holiday in Baza, Spain

The regional capital, also named Baza, is a fantastic location from which to explore the region. Even if you are staying in Baza accommodation elsewhere, you will almost certainly make the journey into town at least once. There are a great range of shops, galleries and museums in Baza, as well as being home to the impressive Lady of Baza and the ancient church of San Maximo.

Weather in Baza, Spain

Summers in Baza are warm and very dry, with average monthly temperatures of 25?C from May until September. Daily peak temperatures can become extremely hot, often breaking the 40?C mark in the middle of the day.

Cheap flights to Baza, Spain

Having the use of a hire car is essential whilst staying in Baza accommodation, as the area is very remote, and fantastically peaceful. There are a good range of airports within a reasonable driving distance, including Granada (GRX), which is directly connected to London, Liverpool (LPL) and the East Midlands (EMA) by Ryanair services.