Free walking tours in Galera and what to see

Must-sees

Galera is on the Granada high plateau, near Huéscar and Orce, in a landscape of badlands and clay soils that is part of the Granada Geopark. The village is known for its cave houses, dug into the hillside and still lived in, which give it its distinctive look. Up top stands the church of La Anunciación, with a Mudéjar coffered ceiling. Its history has a harsh episode: in 1570, during the Alpujarras war, Don John of Austria razed the town and sowed its lands with salt.

Its archaeological heritage is the most remarkable thing. Castellón Alto is a Bronze Age El Argar settlement, with terraced dwellings and tombs cut into the rock, in one of which a very well-preserved natural mummy was found. Close by is the Iberian necropolis of Tútugi, with several restored tombs recreating their original appearance. The visitor centre helps you understand both sites.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Galera. What you will find is a 4x4 route through the steppe and desert landscapes of the high plateau, a good way to see badlands and ravines that are far on foot. The Castellón Alto and Tútugi sites are much easier to understand with explanations, so ask about guided visits at the visitor centre.

How long to spend

A couple of hours are enough for the village, the cave houses and the church. If you add Castellón Alto and Tútugi, allow a long morning, and with the 4x4 route you will have a full day. With two days you can visit Orce, with its prehistoric sites, and Huéscar, both a few minutes away by car.

Where to stay

The most authentic experience in the area is sleeping in a cave house, and Galera and its surroundings have several fitted out as rural stays. They keep a pleasant temperature all year round, cool in summer and mild in winter. You will need a car to get around the area. If you want more choice, Huéscar is the nearest town with services, and Baza is a little further.