Discover Galera

Galera combines archaeological and geological themes with a range of ways to enjoy active days. Castellón Alto and the Iberian necropolis of Tútugi represent the history of the area; the badlands and the Sismitas offer a different focus. The routes also vary considerably, from a cycling route through Chozones to a challenging trekking route of approximately six days. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth considering both the themes and the stated duration and activity for each option.

Archaeology at Castellón Alto and Tútugi

Castellón Alto is a settlement of the Argar culture, dating to an advanced phase of the Middle Bronze Age. It is dated to around 1900–1600 cal BCE. The Galera Mummy, discovered at Castellón Alto, is described as the oldest mummified remains on the Iberian Peninsula. The Museo de Galera preserves and displays remains from a burial site at Castellón Alto in an oxygen-free display case.

A guided tour of the Castellón Alto archaeological complex and the Iberian necropolis of Tútugi takes approximately an hour and a half. This time estimate applies to the visit to both sites together. The necropolis of Tútugi opened to the public in 2008; current visitor arrangements may differ. Check them before your trip if you would like to include the tour or visit in your plans.

Badlands and geological formations

The badlands of Castilléjar and Galera form a 7,100-hectare landscape in the municipalities of Castilléjar and Galera. The name therefore covers an area that extends across both municipalities. One specific geological feature is the Sismitas de Galera y Castilléjar: these geological folds were formed by sediment liquefaction.

In Galera, you can explore the past from two different perspectives: Castellón Alto is classified as a settlement of a particular culture and period, while the Sismitas focus on the formation of geological features. If you are planning your trip around particular themes, you can distinguish between these archaeological and geological perspectives rather than treating them as the same type of visit.

Cycling route and multi-day trekking

The Ruta de los Chozones is a 31.2-kilometer cycling route that passes seven Chozones open to visitors in the municipality of Galera. Chozones are small shelters built by people from local materials or caves dug into the rock. They served as rest stops for agricultural workers. The route thus combines a clearly defined cycling trail with the distinctive structures that give it its name.

The Gran Senda de los Primeros Pobladores offers a different timescale and level of activity. This challenging trekking route takes approximately six days and passes through Huéscar, Castril, Galera, Orce, Castilléjar, and La Puebla de Don Fadrique. It can also be completed running or by mountain bike. The difference from the Ruta de los Chozones may help you decide which route to choose: the latter is described as a cycling route within the municipality of Galera, with a specified distance and seven Chozones, while the Gran Senda is described as a multi-day route passing through several named places. These details offer different points of reference for planning your time and activities.

Wine tasting in Galera

At the Cata de Vinos de Galera, visitors can sample wines from various non-commercial Vino del País producers free of charge. If you would like to include the tasting in your trip, check the event dates before travelling. This lets you take the occasion into account when planning your schedule without assuming an event date that has not been specified.

Discover more destinations: La Rábita, Dúdar, Pinos Del Valle, Bubión, Murchas, Pinos Genil, Moclin, Iznalloz.

For the broader travel overview: Granada.