Towns and villages
Alpedrete: quarries, heritage and walks through the pastureland
A town with a quarrying tradition at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama, where granite unites the history of the town center with the wetlands of its former mines.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Alpedrete is located in the northwest of the Community of Madrid, at the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range. Granite is featured in its buildings and in the surrounding outcrops; the pastureland and old quarries allow visitors to combine a stroll through the town with observing the landscape in a single visit.
The town belonged to the historical district of Real de Manzanares and was under the jurisdiction of the Villalba council before becoming an independent municipality on April 26, 1840. Stone quarrying and processing sustained a significant part of its economy. Granite from its quarries was used in construction projects such as the Monastery of El Escorial and the Royal Palace of Madrid.
The Church of the Assumption of Our Lady and the Stonemason's Museum help to interpret this history from two perspectives: religious architecture and the craft of those who worked the stone. Outside the town center, some abandoned excavations retain water and provide habitat for wildlife. Los Negrales adds to the municipality a residential area with a train station and a parish church dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
What to see and what to do
The Church of the Assumption of Our Lady is one of the first stops in the old town. Its stone construction and fortress-like appearance are striking features. The parish dates back to the 15th century, although earlier traditional dates are accepted. Inside, it preserves a 16th-century Mudéjar coffered ceiling; to see it, check the church's opening hours and respect the religious services.
The Stonemason Museum, located in Plaza de la Constitución, houses tools, photographs, and documents related to the trade. It's a particularly useful visit before heading out to the quarries, as it allows you to understand how granite was extracted and worked. Please confirm the opening hours before you go.
The hermitage of Santa Quiteria, located near the schools and sports center, is dedicated to the local patron saint. The church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen is located in Los Negrales. The Asunción Balaguer Cultural Center enhances the visitor experience when its program coincides with your stay.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a day trip, start in the Plaza de la Villa and spend the morning exploring the old town and the exterior of the Church of the Assumption. If the Stonemason's Museum is open, continue there to learn about stonework. After lunch, reserve the afternoon for the marked trail of the old quarries or a walk through the Dehesa Boyal (common pastureland). Choose your route after checking its information and the day's conditions.
Over a weekend, you can separate both experiences: heritage and museums on the first day, nature on the second. Add Los Negrales if you're interested in exploring another part of the municipality, or an activity at the Asunción Balaguer Cultural Center if there's a confirmed program. If you're arriving by public transport, decide which station or stop you'll use and check the return service separately.
Where to eat
Escala restaurant, located at 12 San José Street, specializes in rice dishes and paellas, along with other Spanish cuisine. It has a dining room and terraces, and advertises its own parking for customers. Reservations are handled by phone and must be confirmed by the restaurant; their number is 91 850 60 56.
Check the menu and opening hours for the day of your visit, especially if you'd like to order a paella. The town's restaurants and cafes allow you to plan a break between exploring the town center and heading out to the countryside, without having to make your visit a continuous day trip.
Routes and nature
The old quarries are the landscape most closely linked to the identity of Alpedrete. The environmental restoration completed in 2024 included a marked trail with information about the quarrying and the ecological value of the surrounding area. Follow the signs to learn about the extraction sites and the transformation of these spaces.
The network of quarries and ponds is included in the regional wetlands catalog. Some basins retain water and provide refuge for amphibians and insects. It is advisable to observe them from the paths and respect their banks. The Dehesa Boyal (common pasture) allows you to complement your outing with a walk through the surrounding woodland of the municipality.
To help you plan a visit focused on biodiversity, the City Council provides guides on birds, flora, amphibians, mammals, butterflies, and mushrooms. Check access notices and route information before setting out; adjust the duration of your walk according to the weather and terrain conditions.
How to get there and park
From Madrid, the approach by road is via the A-6 corridor and local access roads towards Alpedrete. The M-619 connects the town center with the area around Collado Villalba. The arrival point varies depending on whether you're going to the town center, Los Negrales, or the start of a walk through the quarries.
The town is served by the Alpedrete and Los Negrales train stations on the Cercanías commuter rail line towards Cercedilla. To visit the town center, check the distance from your chosen station and consult Renfe's timetables and service updates. The 681 intercity bus line connects Madrid, at the Moncloa interchange, with Alpedrete; check the route and stop that best suit your plans.
The Transport Consortium has identified park-and-ride facilities at both stations. Their existence does not guarantee available spaces. In the rest of the municipality, use authorized parking areas and check local signage, especially during festivals and events that may affect traffic.
Upcoming parties and plans
The festivities of Saint Quiteria are traditionally celebrated around May 22nd. The carrying of the statue up and down between the hermitage and the Church of the Assumption, along with the procession, are among the events most closely associated with the patron saint. The specific dates and program change each year.
Los Negrales celebrates the festivities of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in July, with July 16th being the main religious holiday. These mentions describe local traditions and do not constitute a confirmed calendar of upcoming celebrations.
To choose a plan for your stay, check the municipal calendar and current cultural program. Concerts, activities, and organized tours must be checked for the specific date of your trip.
Where to sleep
Hostal El Caño is an accommodation option right in Alpedrete. This family-run, rural establishment offers room reservations and is ideal for splitting your visit between the town center and the surrounding countryside over two days.
Before booking, please confirm the dates, total price, cancellation policy, and check-in procedure directly. The inclusion of the accommodation on this page does not guarantee availability for a specific stay.
Practical information
The Town Hall is located at Plaza de la Villa, 1. Its general telephone number is 91 857 21 90. The Cantero Museum, in Plaza de la Constitución, also houses the Tourist Information Point, where you can find details about the visit and municipal activities.
Check the museum's current opening hours and access information for the temples. If you need accessibility information, request specific details about the location or route you wish to visit.
The AEMET forecast for Alpedrete allows you to prepare for your outing into the natural surroundings. Bring water and appropriate footwear for your chosen route, and leave the puddles and stonework debris as you find them.