Discover Calera Y Chozas

Calera Y Chozas lies in the fertile floodplain of the Tagus, an area inhabited since antiquity. Churches, historic traces, and paths through the river landscape give your stay a range of possible focuses: you can explore its architectural heritage, plan a route, or make the landscape along the Tagus the centrepiece of your visit.

Tagus Floodplain and Protected Landscape

The area around the Puente romano de Calera offers sweeping views of the Tagus and its cultivated floodplain. Traditional paths along the riverbank connect Calera with the hamlet of Chozas. Further across the landscape lie the Llanuras de Oropesa, Lagartera y Calera y Chozas in the northwest of Toledo province. They stretch across cereal fields and gently rolling dehesas.

Calera Y Chozas is also part of the ZEC-ZEPA Llanuras de Oropesa, Lagartera y Calera y Chozas protected area. The gently rolling plain on the right bank of the Tagus is characterised by sandy materials and river deposits. The protected area provides a habitat for great bustards, little bustards, and lesser kestrels. These are useful points of reference if you are interested in the landscape and birdlife as well as the town’s architecture.

Walking Routes and Canoeing

The Ruta de Covisa is an 18.8-kilometre circular walking route of low difficulty; the estimated duration is five hours and 15 minutes. The route passes through the dehesas of Covisa and Tórtolas before descending to the Tagus floodplain. Its length, circular format, and estimated duration give you a concrete framework if you include this walk in your travel plans.

Stage 27 of the Camino Natural del Tajo begins on the southern edge of town, next to a children’s playground with an information board, and runs to the Apeadero de Silos, where information and rest stops are provided. The agricultural track is lined with irrigation channels and irrigated fields. This stage therefore highlights the agricultural surroundings and the infrastructure along the way.

The Vía Verde de la Jara begins at the platform of Calera Y Chozas station. In general, it can be travelled on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback. However, it is currently closed to use due to a temporary closure. Check its current status before your trip before planning to take the route.

For a different perspective on the river landscape, there is the Ruta de Piragüismo Vía Verde de la Jara. It starts at a landing stage in the municipality and is approximately nine kilometres long, including the outward and return journeys. The canoe route passes through an area at the confluence of the Tagus and Gévalo, under the Puente de los Silos, and as far as the historic Puente del Salto del Moro. As availability is seasonal, confirm the current dates before your trip.

Churches, Chapels, and History

The Iglesia Parroquial de San Pedro Apóstol combines features from different architectural periods: it is Romanesque, has a Renaissance portal from the 16th century, and displays traces of the Late Gothic style in its apse. The Ermita de San Policarpo is another of the town’s religious buildings. It was recently restored and is dedicated to Saint Polycarp. It may have been the first temple used by the settlers of Calera.

South of Calera Y Chozas, the Ermita Virgen de la Vega lies between the Camino Natural Vía Verde de La Jara and the Camino Natural del Tajo. Its complex includes accommodation and a picnic area. The Ermita de la Virgen de Chilla is a 20th-century building with a circular floor plan, located near the Vía Verde de la Jara. These architectural details differ markedly from the older features of the parish church.

The Museo Etnográfico de Calera y Chozas preserves the remains of a Roman mosaic. It was made between the 3rd and 4th centuries AD and discovered in the municipality in 1966. Check the museum’s current opening arrangements before visiting. The archaeological site around the Palacio de Tórtolas also includes numerous underground silos. The Viaducto Salto del Moro crosses the Tagus on the railway line between Talavera de la Reina and Villanueva de la Serena.

Festivals and Events

The Romería de Calera takes place on the first weekend in May and heads to the Ermita Virgen de la Vega. It includes patron saint festivities, dances, and performances. The festivities of the Santísimo Cristo de las Chozas feature, among other things, a floral offering ceremony, folk dances, processions with floats, and giant and big-head figures; bullfighting events, performances, and competitions are also part of the programme. If you want to plan your trip around one of these festivals, check the current dates in advance.

CaldeJara takes place during Holy Week and includes a mountain bike race, a half marathon, and a walking event between Calera Y Chozas and Aldeanueva de Barbarroya. Here too, check the dates before your trip rather than assuming a specific event date from the usual time of year.

Discover more destinations: Pepino, Rinconada, Hontanar, Carranque, Talavera De La Reina, Villafranca De Los Caballeros, Seseña, La Villa De Don Fadrique.

For the broader travel overview: Toledo.