Villanueva de las Torres: Toril, dolmens and Baños de Alicún

Villanueva de las Torres allows you to combine a walk through the town with the landscape of Baños de Alicún, the Toril irrigation canal and the dolmens. Organize these stops as different places: the town center and the spa surroundings are not the same arrival point. If you want to swim or book a stay, confirm the season and the reservation first.

What to see in the town

The presentation of the City Council places the municipality in the eastern part of Los Montes Granada. Its list of tourist resources includes the parish of Santa Ana and the cave houses. Prepare an urban walk and check the opening of the temple if you want to enter; Respect private homes and check which cave houses offer tours.

The same municipal catalog highlights the area of ​​the Granada Geopark and resources such as the bentonites of the Cortijo Victoriano and the Mesa de Bacaire. If you want to know these places, check the authorized route, its signage and where to park before leaving.

The Toril irrigation canal: why it is unique

The Geopark Geological Guide, printed pages 264–265, explains that the water from the thermal springs circulates through an irrigation ditch whose initial channel was excavated by humans. The accumulation of calcium carbonate progressively raised the channel and formed the travertine wall seen today.

The guide places the beginning of the formation of the wall more than 3,000 years ago, according to the dates cited. The surrounding geological terraces are older than the aqueduct wall. Observe it from the authorized route, without climbing the wall or walking through the canal.

Route of the irrigation canal and the dolmens of Alicún

The Granada Geopark file publishes these data for the joint route of the irrigation ditch and the dolmens:

The description begins in front of the hotel, ascends by road to a dirt road and continues along a descending path, the domens and the limestone wall. The file is considered simple. Pay attention to the stretch of road and the dirt road; If you travel with a wheelchair or stroller, ask about the slopes, width and obstacles before choosing this route.

The source offers a GPS track. Check access, status and signage before leaving. Bring drinking water, sun protection, appropriate footwear, and offline guidance. Adapt the route to the heat, rain and mobility of your group, and respect the rules of use of the irrigation ditches.

To consult the route, the Geopark’s Tourist Information Service publishes the telephone number 615 669 732 and the email turismo@geoparquedegranada.com.

Dolmens and archaeological heritage

Decree 43/2018, of February 20, published on February 26, registers the Megalithic Landscape of the Gor River as an Asset of Cultural Interest, which includes Gor, Gorafe, Villanueva de las Torres, Guadix and Baza. The description includes the complex of Baños de Alicún, Loma de la Raja and Cerro de la Mina; Not all the landscape sites are found in this municipality.

Dolmens are megalithic tombs. The decree places its construction between the end of the Neolithic and the Copper Age, with later reuses. Check the permitted access and guided tour options before you go. Follow authorized paths, do not climb structures and do not collect archaeological materials.

Alicún Spa: reservation and pools

The operator of the Alicún de las Torres Spa presents accommodation, thermal services, proposals for spending the day and the pools Los Torreones. Publish your address at GR-6101 road, km 16, telephone 958 694 022 and email info@balneariodealicun.com.

Their FAQ page, consulted on October 6, 2026, describes the pools as seasonal: usually opening the first weekend in June and closing after the first of September, with hours from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Confirm with the spa the dates and times of the season in which you want to go, especially if you are planning a visit outside of summer.

Before contracting, confirm which facilities are included in the price, schedule, reservation, access for minors, rules and cancellation conditions. Check the access and specific aid if you need adapted mobility. If you want to hire a therapeutic service, consult the professional responsible for their instructions and if it is appropriate for your situation.

How to organize the visit and transportation

For a heritage and landscape outing, prepare the urban walk and then the Toril tour. If you want to add the pools or a thermal service, organize the reservation and confirmed calendar first. The published time for walking is indicative: it leaves room for breaks, movements and visits to the dolmens.

Enter the town or the Hotel Reina Isabel/Balneario de Alicún as your destination, depending on your plan. Avoid confusing Alicún de las Torres with the municipality of Alicún de Ortega. Calculate the trip to the specific stop and check the condition of the roads before leaving.

The spa’s transportation information consulted on October 6, 2026 indicates that there is no ordinary public transportation from Guadix to its facilities and distinguishes the approach of the social thermalism program. Confirm that information for your date with the operator; If you arrive by bus to the town, also organize the transfer to the spa. Also prepare your return and check the parking lot before moving.

To eat or stay, confirm opening, reservation and services with the chosen establishment. Check what meals, access to facilities and accommodation includes each reservation. If you travel with dietary restrictions, check the menu and ingredients before booking.

Municipal contact

The City Hall publishes plaza San Blas, 1, 18539 Villanueva de las Torres, telephone 958 694 002 and general email vtorres@dipgra.es. You can consult urban resources and local accesses.