Towns and villages
Fresno Village
Rivers, pastures and the memory of old bridges in the Sierra Oeste of Madrid.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Aldea del Fresno is located in the southwest of the Community of Madrid, in a landscape where the Alberche and Perales rivers flow through meadows and holm oak groves. Water defines the character of the municipality: it connects its history with the ancient river crossings and offers an environment for walking and connecting with nature.
Its historical development was linked to the jurisdiction of Segovia and the district of Casarrubios. In 1627, Catalina de Mendoza acquired its lordship; with the provincial reorganization of 1833, Aldea del Fresno was incorporated into Madrid. Agriculture and livestock farming were part of its daily life, while the church of San Pedro Apóstol, documented in 1752, preserves a reference to the heritage of the town center.
The old La Pedrera bridge, dating from the 18th century, tells another chapter of this relationship with the territory. After the damage caused by the DANA storm of September 2023, its remains were consolidated and converted into an interpretive center in 2024. A visit allows one to understand the importance of the roads and crossings along the Alberche River in local history.
What to see and what to do
In the town center, the Church of Saint Peter the Apostle stands out, located in Saint Peter's Square. Its stone tower bears an inscription from 1793. Municipal records mention the church in 1752; however, this date should not be confused with the complete date of its construction. Before entering, please confirm the visiting conditions.
Near Perales are preserved the remains known as the Arab Waterwheel. The traditional name does not confirm its origin: municipal information itself indicates that its age has not been established with certainty.
The remains of the old La Pedrera bridge over the Alberche River were adapted as an interpretation space after the DANA storm of 2023. They allow visitors to learn about the historic bridge and its function in communications, alongside the new road crossing.
Safari Madrid offers an animal-themed leisure activity. The tour through the free-roaming animal area requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle; the park does not rent cars and convertibles are not permitted. Please check the current conditions before planning your visit.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a day trip, start in the town center and San Pedro Square. Continue with the riverside heritage sites and the remains of the old La Pedrera bridge, allow time for lunch in town, and complete the day with a walk along the riverbank, taking into account the weather conditions.
On a weekend, dedicate the first day to the town and its rivers. For the second day, choose between a route through the holm oak forests or a visit to Safari Madrid. The 18- and 19-kilometer municipal trails require separate planning; don't just consider them a short stroll at the end of the day. Confirm the available routes and, if you're relying on the bus, the return trips.
Where to eat
Sofía Restaurant, located at Carretera de Madrid, 32, offers home-style cooking and a menu featuring starters, meat, and fish dishes. It's a good option for a meal while visiting the town center.
El Jardín, located at Carretera de Madrid, 12, combines a rural hotel and restaurant. The published telephone number for the restaurant is 918 637 509.
Please check directly with each establishment for opening hours, reservations, and available offers. Schedules, menus, and seating capacity are subject to change.
Routes and nature
The Alberche and Perales rivers, along with the holm oak groves and pastures, form the main natural landscape of the municipality. The area around Playa del Alberche is ideal for a visit along the river; however, its name does not guarantee swimming conditions or services on any specific date.
The municipal information sheets describe the Cordel de las Merinas as an 18-kilometer circular route towards Chapinería and the Cañada Segoviana–Playa del Alberche route as a 19-kilometer circular route. The latter includes a crossing of the M-510, which should be taken into account when planning your trip.
The Picadas Gorge offers another area of interest, linked to the old railway and the Alberche landscape. Before hiking any of these routes, check the maps, the current continuity of the paths, and any warnings posted along the way. Published descriptions alone do not guarantee the current condition of a trail.
How to get there and park
By car, one route from Madrid combines the A-5 with the M-507. It can also be reached via the M-501 and M-510, depending on your starting point. Plan your route using current maps and pay attention to the access signs.
The intercity bus line 548 connects Madrid, from Plaza Elíptica, with Aldea del Fresno and Calalberche. Check the specific route: destinations and connections may vary depending on the service.
The operator has posted a notice dated July 31, 2026, regarding the suspension, until further notice, of stops Ctra. M-507–Playa del Alberche, numbers 10101 and 10117. Before traveling to the river area, please confirm if there is an update and which stop is operational.
To park, use designated spaces and respect the signs. No specific parking lot has been verified for availability, free parking, or guaranteed services.
Upcoming parties and plans
The traditional calendar includes San Antón, on January 17, the carnivals and the pilgrimage of Santa María del Fresno, which the City Council places on the last Sunday of May.
The patron saint festivities of Saint Peter the Apostle are traditionally celebrated at the end of June. The Paloma festival is part of the local events in August.
These references describe local customs. They do not constitute a confirmed program for a future event; please consult the relevant municipal announcement before planning your visit for a specific activity.
Where to sleep
Hotel Rural El Jardín offers accommodation at Carretera de Madrid, 12, within the municipality, and also has a restaurant. The published telephone number for the hotel is 918 636 834.
Confirm your dates, booking conditions, and any services you require directly. The existence of the property does not guarantee room availability for your stay.
Practical information
The Town Hall is located at Plaza de la Constitución, 7. Its general telephone number is 918 637 002 and the postal code of the municipality is 28620.
For heritage site visits, confirm whether the buildings are accessible. For outings to the countryside or river, check the weather forecast and any current warnings, and plan your route accordingly, taking into account its length and terrain conditions. Universal accessibility has not been verified for the sites described.
The emergency number is 112.