Sierra Oeste

Although Madrid is a landlocked city, its rivers and reservoirs make it possible to enjoy a wide range of nautical sports. There are conducted water activities such as canoeing, sailing, rowing and rafting, among others.

Madrid’s largest reservoir is the Pantano de San Juan. It is home to the Royal Nautical Club of Madrid, which has nautical and sailing schools where you can obtain

official sailing certificates. This is the only sailing area and one with a Blue Flag certification in the Region of Madrid. Considered “Madrid’s beach”, it was built in 1955 to provide water and power to the south-east of the region. Located within the municipalities of San Martín de Valdeiglesias, El Tiemblo, Cebreros and Pelayos de la Presa, it is part of the River Alberche.

Visitors can enjoy 14 km of beach area only 70 km away from Madrid, in a superb natural environment, with quiet pools and small beaches of rocks and sand, surrounded by large pine and holm oak groves where they can have a well-deserved rest. The most visited zones are the “Cerro de San Esteban” and “El Yelmo”, and the best recreational areas are “Virgen de la Nueva” and “El Muro”.

The reservoir of San Juan has quays, restaurants, sailing clubs, camping areas, seasonal bars with open-air seating and even a nudist beach. Its waters conceal two important historical constructions that are part of the cultural heritage of San Martín de Valdeiglesias: a medieval bridge with eight arches that united the two banks of the river, and the ruins of the original shrine dedicated to La Virgen de la Nueva. You can spend the entire weekend in one of the many hotels in the area, or in a camping spot, if you’d like to have greater contact with nature. Enjoy one of the most refreshing ways to explore the Region of Madrid!

You cannot miss San Martín de Valdeiglesias. A town in the southwest of the region, known for its medieval castle and its proximity to the reservoir of San Juan.

St Mary the Royal, Historical-Artistic Monument, is an archetypal example of the Benedictine and Cistercian monasteries although, due to the great number of works and modifications carried out in it during its almost seven centuries of active life, its primitive and original configuration of Romanesque monastery has been blurred; manifesting in him all the architectural styles that arose in Spain, throughout that long period; from the Romanesque of the thirteenth century to the baroque of the early seventeenth century.

It was founded by a Visigothic figure, erected on a 'Mozarabic chapel' inhabited by hermits. It was founded by a Royal Privilege of King Alfonso VII of 1150 who grouped the twelve hermitages of the area in the community of the Holy Cross, subject to the Benedictine rule. In 1177 the Monastery was incorporated into the Order of Cîteaux under the auspices of King Alfonso VIII. Under this Order would remain until its closure following the Law of Disentailment of Mendizabal of 1835.

The most remarkable of the monastery is the church that is situated in the highest part of the site, orienting the axis of its ship towards the Holy Land, avoiding, thus, casting shadow to the cloister. This, attached to the right side wall of the nave of the church, constitutes the central axis of the liturgical and monastic activity. To the cloister the church, the chapter room, the armarium (Library), the refectory, the accesses to the zone of monks and converts and the portería converge.

In 1974, the architect from Madrid Mariano García Benito ended the plunder and his abandonment buying his ruins thanks to an advertisement appeared in a Madrid newspaper, which offered its sale. Since 2004, it belongs to the Monasterio Santa María la Real Foundation of Valdeglesias.

At the exit from the municipality of Rozas de Puerto Real, we can begin a hike along an easy trail that barely has any slope yet is impressive, given that it passes by the great Castañar de las Rozas, a forest that is full of chestnut trees, with imposing individuals some of whom are more than 100 years old, and is included in the Special Area of Conservation (SAC), where we find the reservoir of Los Morales. The track runs along the outside of the reservoir of Los Morales which extends over 33 hectares. It’s a pleasant walk for families with children as it is easily traversed by a wide road that’s almost flat and has panoramic views of a landscape full of trees.

The municipality is also included in a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA). The surroundings are ideal for outdoor activities. In Safari Madrid you can admire giraffes, elephants, lions and others from your car.

The most significant examples of Aldea del Fresno's artistic heritage are found in the Tower of the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, the Arab Waterwheel and the Granja El Santo. The Church Tower is from the 18th century, has a square floor plan, is built of ashlar and has two bodies. Near the Church, on the banks of the Perales River, are the ruins of the Arab Waterwheel, whose construction was raised on a base of irregular masonry from which another body of the same material reinforced at its corners with exposed brick rose.

Inside La Granja El Santo, the oldest element is the Hermitage of San Saturio from the 14th century and classified as a Regional Historic Artistic Interest.

The term "de los Vidrios" refers to the glass industry that was of great importance from the 15th to the early 20th centuries. In the municipality, there were stone and clay ovens that produced high-quality glass. Part of the glassware in the Royal Pharmacy of the El Escorial Monastery is made in Cadalso de los Vidrios.

Cadalso de los Vidrios enjoys a privileged natural environment and is included in a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA). To get to know the municipality's nature better, there is the possibility of hiking, horseback riding, or cycling routes.

Cadalso's artistic heritage has samples of great value. The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption began to be built in 1498 with part of the Arab wall of Cadalso. The church has a nave with four chapels, a sacristy - with a Herrerian-style barrel vault - and a Renaissance baptismal font. The 1547 portal is also Renaissance.

The Villena Palace was built with stone ashlars in the 15th century and was a place of recreation and rest. In the Renaissance style, it has 16th-century gardens that are listed as an Asset of Cultural Interest. The Casa de los Salvajes or Casón de los Austrias is a solariego building in the Renaissance style. For its part, the Fuente de los Álamos is of Muslim origin and is an old spring that forms a well on which a stone construction is built.

Its name could come from the ash color typical of the rocks in the area. A curious sight is the Written Stone (Piedra Escrita), a megalithic monument from the 3rd or 4th century on which three human figures can be seen. Enjoy outdoor activities!

The landscape of the municipality is rugged and is characterized by being located at the foot of the Sierra de Cenicientos. From the highest areas there are fabulous panoramic views of the surroundings. In addition, those who wish can do activities such as, for example, hiking and cycling routes.

The main examples of the artistic heritage of Cenicientos are the Church of Saint Stephen Protomartyr (Iglesia de San Esteban Protomártir), the Hermitage of Our Lady of the Oak (Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Roble) and the Written Stone (Piedra Escrita). The Church, built with ashlars between the 15th and 16th centuries, has a rectangular body to which a polygonal apse and a square tower are attached. The nave is divided transversely by four diaphragm arches in ogival that correspond to the buttresses of the exterior, something that is not frequent in other churches in the Community of Madrid. Among the religious constructions, in Cenicientos there is also the Hermitage of Our Lady of the Oak, from the 15th century and with reforms in the 20th century.

The Written Stone is a megalithic monument -from the 3rd or 4th century- formed by a granite rock approximately seven meters high and nine in circumference. On one of its faces it shows a niche in which three human figures can be seen.

The scenic beauty of Chapinería is due to its location between the mountains and the foothills and the presence of numerous streams that run through the municipality. Among the animal species, mammals and birds stand out, which enjoy a Special Protection Area (ZEPA).

Within the artistic heritage of Chapinería is the Church of Our Lady of the Conception (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción), in the Herrerian style and built with granite between the 16th and 17th centuries. Inside, a Churrigueresque altarpiece and a carving of the Immaculate Conception from the 16th century stand out, in a style reminiscent of Gothic. The Hermitage of the Holy Angel (Ermita del Santo Ángel) - from the 20th century but which preserves a carving of the Holy Angel from the 18th century - and the Calvary (Calvario), with three granite crosses from the 18th century.

The Sagra Palace (Palacio de la Sagra) is another example of the town's heritage. It was built with granite ashlar at the end of the 18th century as a hunting lodge for the Marquises of Villanueva de la Sagra. The Palace has a square floor plan with a rectangular side patio and a wooden gallery on columns. It has been used as a preventive center for children of leper parents, as a powder magazine during the war and, currently, as municipal offices.

The municipal landscape is characterized by the presence of water thanks to the Perales River and numerous streams, springs, and fountains.

The main example of artistic heritage is the Parish Church of the Assumption of Our Lady. It was built with ashlar - reinforced with buttresses in some points - and in Renaissance style between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. It has a rectangular nave and a three-body tower, approximately 20 meters high. The church's highlights include its coffered ceiling, a Baroque altarpiece, several wooden sculptures - believed to be from the 13th or 14th centuries - and the 17th-century baptismal font. Within the religious constructions, there is also the belfry of the old Church of San Vicente, which is the only element that remains of this construction erected between the 12th and 13th centuries.

Other examples of Colmenar del Arroyo's heritage are the two Romanesque bridges that cross the stream, dating from the 15th century. The Fragua Bridge is built with ashlar and masonry and has a single eye in the shape of a semicircular arch. The Caño Bridge has two semicircular arches and was built with ashlar and stone. There are also some remains of mills in the municipality that reflect Colmenar del Arroyo's agricultural tradition.

Los fresnos, que dan origen al nombre del pueblo, se sitúan en la zona sur y debieron formar parte de antiguos bosques de esta especie, tienen especial valor ecológico algunos parajes como la dehesa de Fuentelámparas.  Disfruta de su entorno haciendo rutas a pie, a caballo o en bicicleta. Imprescindibles su Museo Lunar y la ruta de La Puente.

La principal muestra del patrimonio artístico de Fresnedillas es la Iglesia Parroquial de San Bartolomé, construida en el siglo XVI y con sillería reforzada por contrafuertes. Presenta una nave, un gran arco de medio punto y cubierta de madera así como una espadaña de dos cuerpos. El coro de la Iglesia se sitúa en alto y se sustenta sobre columnas del siglo XVII.

En las proximidades del núcleo urbano también se pueden apreciar dos fortines que reflejan los combates registrados en la zona durante la Guerra Civil española.

Más información: Turismo Fresnedillas de la Oliva

The natural environment of the town is of special value and water is abundant thanks to the Perales River and the many streams that flow through the municipal district. In the municipality, it is possible to carry out agritourism, environmental education and hiking and horseback riding routes.

The artistic heritage of Navalagamella presents examples such as the Church of Our Lady of the Star (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Estrella), from the late 15th or early 16th century, built with rubble and masonry. It has a single nave with a polygonal apse with the sacristy on the Epistle side and a tower attached to the left of the main façade on the Gospel side. The altarpiece is of great value.

In Navalagamella it is also possible to observe other heritage samples such as the Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj), which could be from the 17th century and is made up of two superimposed bodies: The lower one, made of masonry with lime mortar; and the upper one, where the clock face is located. All this is topped by a small single-arched belfry, crowned by a triangular pediment.

The municipal area also houses the remains of five old flour mills on the Perales River. Also on this riverbed there are two bridges: The medieval Pasadero Bridge (Puente del Pasadero), dating from the 15th century and consisting of a half-point barrel vault of a single arch on which masonry tympanums filled with rubble rest; and the Malpartida Bridge (Puente de Malpartida), from the late 19th or early 20th century, made of iron.

The town of Navas del Rey is blessed with an abundance of water, thanks to the Alberche and Cofio rivers, several streams, and the Picadas Reservoir. Visitors can explore the town's natural surroundings on foot or by bike, and be sure to check out the Royal Hunting Lodge and the Ethnographic Museum.

The dehesa, a vast expanse of Mediterranean woodland, is one of Navas del Rey's most important natural and historical landmarks. In addition to the dehesa, the town's water resources are provided by the Alberche and Cofio rivers, several streams, and the Picadas Reservoir. The most abundant fauna are mammals and birds, which are protected under a Special Protection Area (ZEPA).

The artistic heritage of Navas del Rey is highlighted by the Church of San Eugenio, a relatively late construction dating from 1782. The church has been restored and houses valuable works of art inside: a 16th-century image of San Diego; a 17th-century Virgen de la Candelaria; a 16th-century Virgen con el Niño; and a polychrome sculpture of San Joaquín and the Virgen from the Baroque period, 17th century.

Located in the vicinity of the Church of San Eugenio is the Royal Hunting Lodge, a hunting pavilion that reflects the history of Navas del Rey. It consists of a watchtower - made of stone and with an octagonal floor plan -, a warehouse, and a cellar.

Since the latter half of the 20th century, Pelayos de la Presa has emerged as a sought-after tourist destination, primarily due to the San Juan Reservoir and its natural surroundings, which include pine forests, oak groves, broom fields, pastures, and more. The reservoir, in particular, is a favorite spot for swimming and water sports.

Among the artistic heritage of Pelayos de la Presa stands out the Monastery of Santa María de Valdeiglesias, declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument. The original building dates back to the late 12th century and is in the Romanesque-Mudejar style. Notable features of the monastery complex include the Mozarabic chapel, the church, the cloister, and the galleries. Currently, it is in a state of disrepair and is in private hands.

Other examples of Pelayos de la Presa's heritage include the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption - dating from the 16th century and rebuilt after the Spanish Civil War -, the stone fountain in front of the Town Hall - where you can see the old pillory -, and the prehistoric paintings on granite boulders in the La Enfermería area.

Anidado en la Sierra Oeste de Madrid, Robledo de Chavela es un municipio que invita a la exploración y al descubrimiento. Sus orígenes se remontan a la época romana, cuando la zona era conocida como Roburetum, debido a la abundancia de robles. Los vestigios de una calzada romana en sus alrededores son un testimonio de su pasado.

A lo largo de los siglos, Robledo de Chavela ha sido testigo de importantes acontecimientos históricos. Durante la Edad Media, la villa se convirtió en un importante centro agrícola y ganadero, y su iglesia parroquial, construida en los siglos XIV y XV, es un magnífico ejemplo del estilo gótico. Su imponente retablo y su torre campanario, con sus ocho pináculos, son elementos que destacan en su silueta.

La relación de Robledo de Chavela con la monarquía española es otro aspecto destacado de su historia. El torreón de Fuentelámparas, construido para que la Corte lo utilizara como puesto de vigilancia, es un testimonio de la importancia estratégica de la zona. Además, las tierras de Robledo fueron fundamentales para la construcción del Monasterio de El Escorial, y muchos monarcas españoles disfrutaron de la caza en sus bosques.

En la actualidad, Robledo de Chavela conserva su encanto medieval, con calles empedradas y casas de piedra que nos transportan a otra época. El casco urbano se caracteriza por su trazado irregular y sus plazas acogedoras, donde se respira un ambiente tranquilo y relajado. La Casa de las Cadenas, una antigua mansión que albergó a varios reyes españoles, es otro de los monumentos más destacados del municipio.

El entorno natural de Robledo de Chavela es otro de sus grandes atractivos. Sus extensos pinares, robledales y el embalse de Robledo de Chavela ofrecen un paisaje de gran belleza y diversidad. Numerosas rutas de senderismo permiten explorar los rincones más escondidos del municipio y disfrutar de la naturaleza en estado puro. El río Cofio atraviesa el término municipal, creando un paisaje fluvial de gran belleza.

Además de su patrimonio histórico y natural, Robledo de Chavela cuenta con una rica tradición cultural. Sus fiestas populares, como las de San Roque o la Virgen de Navahonda, son una muestra de la identidad y el arraigo de sus habitantes. La gastronomía local, basada en productos de la tierra, también merece ser descubierta.

Its location between the valleys of the Tiétar and Alberche rivers, along with its chestnut trees, forms a combination of natural elements unique to the region. Enjoy the serenity and silence of this municipality of Arab origin.

The municipality is home to the largest chestnut forest in the Community of Madrid, as well as pines, oaks, pastures, and scrubland, making it an ideal place for hiking and cycling routes.

The most outstanding example of Rozas de Puerto Real's artistic heritage is the Parish Church of San Juan Bautista, dating from the 15th century but rebuilt in the 20th century. Of particular note is the free-standing tower, with three bodies and built of ashlar. Another example of the municipality's heritage is the Fuente de las Pimpollas - Arab and dating from the 8th century - built in stone and characterized by having its basin covered by a stone semicircle.

Al suroeste de la región, lindando con las provincias de Toledo y Ávila, se yergue San Martín de Valdeiglesias, una localidad reconocida por su castillo medieval y su cercanía al pantano de San Juan.

Esta región de la Sierra Oeste de Madrid es una extensa área menos conocida que otros enclaves rurales, como la Sierra de Guadarrama, pero de igual belleza natural, que esconde un gran patrimonio cultural y arqueológico, gastronomía, fiestas y tradiciones. Un destino de naturaleza que ofrece infinitas opciones interesantes, lugares perfectos para viajes inolvidables.

Créditos imágenes:

San Martín de Valdeiglesias © Jose Ramiro Laguna. Shutterstock

San Martín de Valdeiglesias © DRG Photography. Shutterstock

Pantano de San Juan © Mehdi33300. Shutterstock

The natural beauty of the municipality is evident. Water is abundant thanks to the Aceña and Cofio rivers, the Hornillo and Tobar streams, and the Tobar reservoir. Santa María de la Alameda has a great wealth of forests, with oak and pine woods. Ideal for breathing fresh air and enjoying outdoor activities, it also offers the possibility of paragliding and hang gliding.

The main example of the town's artistic heritage is the Church of Santa María, whose construction in several phases began in the 16th century. It has undergone several renovations during the 20th century. 

The presence of the Cofio River and its numerous streams has left its mark on the municipality in the form of bridges and fountains. The Mocha Bridge or the Five Eyes Bridge was built in the 16th century and declared a Site of Cultural Interest.

Valdemaqueda also has places of great natural interest such as the pine forests of the Santa Catalina and Atalaya hills, where birds - eagles, kites, vultures, storks, owls ... - enjoy a Special Protection Area (ZEPA).

The artistic heritage of Valdemaqueda includes the Church of San Lorenzo Mártir, the Mocha Bridge and the old Medinaceli Palace. The church of San Lorenzo Mártir - from the 16th century - has a rectangular floor plan with a single nave. The apse is Gothic and is crowned by an apse with external buttresses and masonry walls with ashlar at the corners.

The Mocha Bridge reflects the Roman presence in the lands of Valdemaqueda. It is 55 meters long, made of stone and consists of four semicircular vaults and two flat slab spans on both sides. In the Middle Ages, some of its elements were reformed.

The old Medinaceli Palace was a meeting place and leisure for the nobility. Of the original construction, only the portada and the coat of arms remain, which are from the 18th century.

At 70 kilometers from Madrid and within the San Martín de Valdeiglesias wine region, it is known as "Madrid's vegetable garden." Exploring both the urban center (its 15th-century Gothic church of Santiago Apóstol is a site of cultural interest) and enjoying its surroundings through outdoor activities is worthwhile.

In the Plaza Mayor, you cannot miss admiring its Santiago Apóstol parish church. The municipality's heritage also boasts a series of hermitages, such as those of Nuestra Señora de la Poveda, dating back to the 17th-century Baroque period and housing the image of the town's patron saint, the hermitage of Santa Lucía, or the hermitage of Cristo de la Sangre. We cannot forget its Town Hall, a typical Castilian structure from the 17th century; the entrance to the Álvaro de Luna palace; or the fountains of Los Caños, de Picañejo, and de La Reguera.

However, this town is also defined by its nature, offering the opportunity to walk along the camino vecinal a Pelayos de La Presa and enjoy its mountains with native fauna of holm oaks, cistus bushes, and pines. Another unmissable walk is along the banks of the Alberche River, with crystal-clear waters suitable for swimming and white sand beaches. You can even explore the route of the abandoned railway line within the municipal natural park of Gurugú.

Villamanta boasts a remarkable historical and artistic heritage. The Church of Santa Catalina, built between the 16th and 17th centuries, stands out as a designated Site of Cultural Interest. Start your exploration with a stroll through the historic center, then delve into the surrounding natural beauty.

The landscape is a tapestry of valleys and hills, with water flowing abundantly thanks to the numerous streams. Horse lovers will delight in the presence of a riding club, two equestrian centers, and a stud farm, offering the opportunity to explore the area on horseback.

Among the town's architectural gems are the Parish Church of Santa Catalina, the Hermitage of Our Lady of Socorro, and the Casa del Legionario. Construction of the Church began in the 16th century and features three naves separated by semicircular ashlar arches supported by pilasters formed by half-columns. The square tower showcases various masonry styles.

The Hermitage of Our Lady of Socorro, dating back to the 16th century, embodies a simple style with a square floor plan and a single nave. The Casa del Legionario, also from the 16th century, is remarkable not only for its construction but also for housing a Roman inscription on a plaque embedded in the facade. This element serves as a testament to the human presence in Villamanta during the Roman Empire.

Villamantilla boasts a valuable natural environment. Nestled on the banks of the Perales River, it's embraced by the "Encinares de los ríos Alberche y Cofio" Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA). Explore its surroundings by following one of the many trails that start in the town.

The main example of Villamantilla's artistic heritage is the 16th-century Church of San Miguel Arcángel. Recent renovations have restored much of its former appearance: an old entrance has been uncovered beneath the belfry, and a new opening has been created in the bell tower to house a fifth bell.

The municipality's agricultural tradition is also evident in the remains of a 1636 mill. Two stone wells built with ashlars, where water once channeled to power the machinery, are still visible. Less than a kilometer away, you'll find a small, low-rise dam built with masonry and reinforced with buttresses.

The landscape of Villanueva de Perales is adorned with dense oak forests and dehesas (wooded pastures) to the north and southeast. The municipality is further graced by the Perales River and a network of streams, which nurture lush riparian vegetation of exceptional scenic beauty.

Villanueva de Perales' artistic heritage shines through its religious and civil architecture. The Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepción, built in 1970, stands out as a testament to the town's faith. The early 20th-century Hermitage of San Norberto adds another layer of spiritual charm.

As you wander through the streets, admire the captivating facades of old houses, each whispering tales of the town's past. Quench your thirst at the refreshing fountains that dot the town, adding a touch of tranquility to your exploration.

For an unforgettable outdoor adventure, embark on the Ruta de la Cañada Real Segoviana, a 21-kilometer trail that begins at the Centro de Interpretación de Vías Pecuarias (Interpretation Center of Livestock Routes). Wind your way through the picturesque countryside, culminating in the town of Sevilla la Nueva.

Zarzalejo's historical center, designated a Rural Center of Interest, boasts distinctive quarries and abundant natural resources. Among the municipality's most remarkable natural spaces are Las Machotas (impressive mountainous formations), the Collado de Entrecabezas pass, and the chestnut forests of Fuente del Rey.

The Church of San Pedro Apóstol stands as the main example of Zarzalejo's artistic heritage. Construction was completed in 1619, though some historians believe its origins might date back to 1492. Built entirely of granite ashlar, the church features a single, wide nave with the apse, sacristy, entrance portico, and three-tiered tower attached.

Don't miss the facades of some old houses, as well as the Caño Viejo fountain (18th century) and the Caño Nuevo fountain (1850) while exploring the village.