Villanueva De Las Torres: Archaeology and Thermal Baths

In Villanueva De Las Torres, you can focus your trip planning on different themes: archaeological finds, designated geological sites, the Alicún de las Torres thermal baths, rural cuisine, and a route with a desert character. These themes offer different ways to explore the town. The archaeological sites point to several historical periods; the LIG names identify geological sites; and the thermal baths’ outdoor pool complex is associated with summer. If you are considering which themes should shape your stay, you will find specific distinctions here rather than a general description of the town.

Archaeological traces at Baños de Alicún

The archaeological sites at Baños de Alicún have been classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) since 2008; the classification was expanded in 2018. The finds include eight dolmens, flint remains, arrowheads, knives, ceramic vessels, and graves. The finds therefore extend beyond megalithic monuments and encompass different types of discoveries. Remains of a Roman villa and a medieval Hispano-Muslim alquería have also been found in the same archaeological area. The terms Roman and medieval refer to different historical contexts; together with the dolmens, they offer a multi-layered archaeological perspective. If you are interested in history, you can consider both the specific groups of finds and the periods represented in the area when choosing what to see.

Geological sites

Geology also has named points of reference. Glacis de la Mesa de Bacaire is designated LIG 16 and is shared with Fonelas and Guadix; Bentonitas del Cortijo Victoriano is designated LIG 32. The Badlands del Negratín area is shared with Gorafe. This means there are two numbered LIG designations alongside another explicitly shared area. When comparing the geological sites, keep their names and the extent of the shared areas distinct: Fonelas and Guadix are named for the Glacis, while Gorafe is named for the Badlands area. The numbered sites have their own distinct designations and are not variations of the same name. This lets you explore the geological focus through different local connections.

Thermal baths with a seasonal outdoor pool complex

The Balneario Alicún de las Torres is a thermal spa in a natural setting, surrounded by megalithic remains. This means a thermal spa and an archaeological landscape are found together at this location. The Balneario also has a thermal bathing complex with outdoor pools in summer. This seasonal note applies to the outdoor pool complex. If you are planning your trip specifically around it, check the exact opening dates in advance, as opening arrangements may vary. This way, you can distinguish the thermal spa itself from the seasonal addition of outdoor pools.

Rural cuisine and Ribera del Fardes

The rural cuisine of Villanueva De Las Torres includes Papas a lo pobre, Ajoblanco, Conejo en fritada, Pipirrana, a chickpea and bean stew, Gachas, and Migas. The Spanish names give you specific terms to ask about individual dishes or recognize them on a menu. Villanueva De Las Torres also has a small production of Ribera del Fardes wine. Production levels and availability may change; if this wine is important to your plans, check its current availability.

PR-A 425 as a desert route

The PR-A 425 route passes through Villanueva De Las Torres and Gorafe and has a desert character. This makes it different from individual archaeological sites and geological designations: the focus here is a named route that explicitly includes two towns. If you choose the PR-A 425 as a theme for your trip, you can use its desert character as a way to describe it and take its connection to both towns into account.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Illora, Puebla De Don Fadrique, Dílar, Orce, Bácor, Chauchina, Jete, Lecrín.

For the broader travel overview: Granada.