The parish church of San Pedro Apóstol and the Tajo floodplain show two different sides of Calera y Chozas: the town’s architectural history and a river landscape with its own routes. Excursions also vary considerably—from a long circular walk to a canoe route available seasonally.

Churches, Museum and Local Festivals

The Iglesia Parroquial de San Pedro Apóstol is Romanesque; its Renaissance portal dates from the 16th century. Late Gothic features can be found on the apse windows. The Museo Etnográfico de Calera y Chozas preserves the remains of a Roman mosaic made between the 3rd and 4th centuries AD and discovered in the municipality in 1966. Check the museum’s opening arrangements before visiting.

The hermitages also have their own distinct character. 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 de la Virgen de Chilla is a 20th-century building with a circular floor plan, located near the Vía Verde de la Jara. South of Calera y Chozas, between the Camino Natural Vía Verde de La Jara and the Camino Natural del Tajo, lies the Ermita Virgen de la Vega. Its complex includes accommodation and a picnic area.

The Romería de Calera leads to the Ermita Virgen de la Vega on the first weekend in May. It includes patron saint festivities, dancing and performances. The festivities of the Santísimo Cristo de las Chozas feature floral offerings, folk dancing, processions with floats, giants and big-headed figures, as well as other performances and competitions. Check event dates before your trip.

Walking and Routes along the Tajo

The Ruta de Covisa is an 18.8-kilometre circular walk 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 Tajo floodplain. For a different perspective, try Stage 27 of the Camino Natural del Tajo: it starts at the southern edge of town, next to a children’s playground with an information board. The rural track runs alongside irrigation canals and irrigated fields and reaches the Apeadero de Silos, which has information and rest points.

The Vía Verde de la Jara starts at the platform of Calera y Chozas railway station. However, it is currently closed temporarily and use is prohibited. Check its status before travelling rather than planning to use it as an available route.

For a different way to get around, 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 for the outward and return journey combined. The canoe route passes under the Puente de los Silos and reaches the historic Puente del Salto del Moro. The surrounding area lies at the confluence of the Tajo and Gévalo. As the operator indicates that it is available seasonally, check the current dates in advance.

River Landscapes and Nature

Calera y Chozas lies in the fertile Tajo floodplain, an area that has been inhabited since ancient times. The area around the Puente romano de Calera offers wide views of the river and its agricultural floodplain. Traditional riverside paths connect Calera with the village of Chozas.

The ZEC-ZEPA Llanuras de Oropesa, Lagartera y Calera y Chozas protected area includes Calera y Chozas and provides a habitat for great bustards, little bustards and lesser kestrels. The gently rolling plain on the right bank of the Tajo is characterised by sandy materials and river deposits. In the Llanuras in the northwest of Toledo province, cereal fields lie alongside gently rolling dehesas.

Dates to Help Plan Your Trip

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. The Día Popular de la Bicicleta programme includes a race and a competition for the best-decorated bicycles. If you would like to plan your stay around an event, check the specific dates before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Buenasbodas, Consuegra, El Toboso, La Puebla De Montalbán, Malpica De Tajo, Carranque, Los Navalmorales, San Pablo De Los Montes.

For the overview of the wider area: Toledo.