Perhaps it is hard to get enthused at the prospect of sleeping in a cave. Afterall since parting company with our Neanderthal cousins we have spent our best efforts moving on to better things.

However visit the Spanish cave house of Guardix and you may decide stone-age retro is 'in'.

The cave dwellings here date back thousands of years. In the past they were mainly occupied by gypsies. Now many vcaves have been given over to tourism and have been restored and transformed.

Inside a typical cave there is a rugged, cottagey feel. White walls, tiled floors and liberal use of local ceramics in bathrooms and kitchens.

The ambience of these caves seem to apeal at a hard wired level. The caves are calming.

At night, if you do lie awake, the silence allows space to let your imagination space. The cave is so completely dark and quiet, you'll have one of the best night's sleep you've ever had. At an intuitive level the cave is a place of peace.

And you will sleep soundly. Which as well for each day in this area presents a new facet of interest in this overlooked area of Spain.

Guadix is in northern Andalucia where the climate is harsh. In summer, when the sun beats down on the jagged desert landscape, a dark cool that the cave affords is very welcome. And in winter when the air freezes outside, a log fire heats a cave room quickly.

Guadix, with views of the Sierra Nevada, is the heart of Andalucian caveland. The mountain air is clean. This is an area where goats still block the tiny roads and farmers plough fields with mules.

The culture in this area is vibrant. Being a couple of hours inland, the area still has authentic, cheap restaurants serving simple and delicious food.

If you are lucky you may hit upon a local fiesta. Perhaps involving a donkey race or cooking a giant paella. Whatever happens you are sure to come away with some fine memories of this delightful but off the beaten track area