Calera y Chozas between the Tagus floodplain and cultural heritage

Calera y Chozas lies in the fertile floodplain of the Tagus, an area that has been inhabited since antiquity. In the northwest of the province of Toledo, the Llanuras de Oropesa, Lagartera y Calera y Chozas extend between cereal fields and gently rolling dehesas. The ZEC-ZEPA Llanuras de Oropesa, Lagartera y Calera y Chozas protected area is a gently undulating plain on the right bank of the Tagus, shaped by sandy materials and river deposits. It includes Calera y Chozas and provides a habitat for great bustards, little bustards and lesser kestrels.

When comparing holiday apartments in Calera y Chozas, check travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions.

Culture and history

The Iglesia Parroquial de San Pedro Apóstol is Romanesque and has a 16th-century Renaissance portal. Its apse bears traces of the Late Gothic period.

The Museo Etnográfico de Calera y Chozas preserves the remains of a Roman mosaic. It was created between the 3rd and 4th centuries AD and discovered in the municipality in 1966.

The recently restored Ermita de San Policarpo is dedicated to Saint Polycarp. It may have been the first temple used by the settlers of Calera.

The Ermita Virgen de la Vega lies south of Calera y Chozas 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 and is located near the Vía Verde de la Jara.

The archaeologically interesting surroundings of the Palacio de Tórtolas contain numerous underground silos. The Viaducto Salto del Moro crosses the Tagus along the railway line between Talavera de la Reina and Villanueva de la Serena.

Nature and trails

The Ruta de Covisa is an 18.8-kilometre circular hiking trail with a low difficulty level and an estimated duration of 5 hours and 15 minutes. It passes through the dehesas of Covisa and Tórtolas before descending to the Tagus floodplain.

Stage 27 of the Camino Natural del Tajo begins on the southern edge of Calera y Chozas next to a children's playground with an information board. It reaches the Apeadero de Silos, where information and rest points have been provided, and follows an agricultural track lined with irrigation channels and irrigated fields.

The Camino Natural Vía Verde de La Jara begins at the platform of Calera y Chozas railway station. In principle, it can be used on foot, by bicycle or on horseback; however, it is currently closed temporarily, with use prohibited, including cycling.

Other places

For further destination options, see Noblejas, Rinconada, Mora, Valmojado, Totanés, El Real De San Vicente, Cuerva and Burujón.

Water and river landscapes

The Ruta de Piragüismo Vía Verde de la Jara begins at a landing stage in the municipality of Calera y Chozas and is approximately 9 kilometres long, calculated for the outward and return journey. The canoe route passes under the Puente de los Silos and reaches the historic Puente del Salto del Moro. It runs through an area at the confluence of the Tagus and Gévalo.

The surroundings of the Puente romano de Calera offer wide views of the Tagus and its agriculturally used floodplain. Traditional riverside paths connect Calera with the district of Chozas.

Festivals and events

On the first weekend in May, the Romería de Calera takes place at the Ermita Virgen de la Vega. It includes patron saint celebrations, dance events and performances.

The festivities of the Santísimo Cristo de las Chozas include a flower-offering ceremony, traditional dances and processions with floats, giants and big-headed figures. The programme also features dance events, bullfighting events, performances and competitions.

CaldeJara takes place during Holy Week and includes a mountain-bike race, a half marathon and a hiking event between Calera y Chozas and Aldeanueva de Barbarroya.

The Día Popular de la Bicicleta includes a race and a competition for the best-decorated bicycles.

For the overarching travel overview: Toledo.