Alovera offers two ways to discover the town: three signposted routes for walking or cycling, and a heritage that includes Roman finds, medieval origins, and Renaissance and Baroque details. This lets you choose between outdoor activity and a focus on local history when planning your trip. The routes vary in length and course; local bus connections may also be relevant to your plans.
Walking and cycling routes
Three signposted routes start and end at Parque de la Armonía. The Ruta Verde is 18 kilometres long and was initially designed for cycling, mostly on wide, surfaced paths. The Ruta Roja is a 4.5-kilometre circular route along paved, completely flat paths. The 10-kilometre Ruta Azul follows the irrigation canal that runs through the town during its second section. Before setting out, check the signage and trail conditions locally.
There are also areas along the banks of the Henares near Alovera for walks and easy routes. The river forms the eastern and western boundaries of the municipal area. Riverside paths and the signposted routes are different ways to spend time outdoors; when planning, it is worth considering each route and its described features separately.
Church, town centre and archaeological finds
The Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel is the most important heritage site in Alovera’s historic centre and has medieval origins. It has three naves and a Renaissance portico with five arches and Ionic capitals. The Baroque high altar provides a contrasting feature: the polychromed and gilded woodwork was created by the brothers Juan-Francisco and Pedro González de Vargas between 1634 and 1643. Buildings with a traditionally agricultural character have also been preserved around the old town.
The Roman cupa is also part of the town’s history. It was discovered in 1999 during foundation work for the church tower and can now be viewed in the town hall’s council chamber. Check local access arrangements before your visit. A pair of Visigothic eagle-shaped brooches was found on the Camino de la Barca in Alovera and is now exhibited at the Museo Arqueológico Nacional in Madrid. If you include these finds in your travel plans, check the current exhibition details in advance.
Festive traditions and local routes
The celebrations in honour of the Virgen de la Paz include a traditional procession. The statues of the Virgen de la Paz and San Ildefonso are carried from the chapel dedicated to them through the streets to the Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel. The timing and exact route may vary from year to year. The celebrations also include the preparation of various bollos using traditional recipes: residents make them in a local bakery. These include mantecados, torta and biscuits. This tradition connects the festival with communal preparation and specific local baked goods.
Getting there and finding accommodation
Alovera can be reached via the A-2, exit 44; the R-2, Cabanillas exit; and the N-320 and CM-1008. The N-320 connects the town with Azuqueca de Henares. A bus route connects Alovera with, among other places, Guadalajara, Azuqueca de Henares, Alcalá de Henares and Madrid. Check current routes and timetables before travelling. When looking for a hotel in Alovera, you can first consider whether the routes, local history or bus connections are especially important for your stay.
Discover more destinations: El Cubillo De Uceda, Rebollosa de Hita, Jadraque, Albares, Malaguilla, Azuqueca De Henares, Mirabueno, Megina.
View the broader travel overview: Guadalajara.
