Towns and villages
Becerril de la Sierra: granite, springs and paths below La Maliciosa
A town steeped in livestock history and stonework, two churches from different eras, and trails winding through oak groves, pine forests, and mountain landscapes.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Becerril de la Sierra is located in northwest Madrid, at the foot of the Guadarrama Mountains, with La Maliciosa as one of its most prominent landmarks. The surrounding area combines pastureland, granite outcrops, oak groves, and pine forests. In the town center, the squares and fountains make it easy to explore on foot, where examples of rural housing still stand alongside buildings from later periods.
Its medieval development was linked to the Royal Estate of Manzanares. In 1636 it gained independence and recognition as a town. Livestock breeding, shepherding, and the extraction and transport of granite were essential activities for its inhabitants; the stone is still present in the houses, fountains, and the Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle, completed at the beginning of the 17th century.
During the 20th century, summer vacations and the construction of second homes transformed the town, with particularly intense growth from the 1960s onwards. The Church of Our Lady of the Valley dates from this period and features a very different architectural style from the old parish church. Today, a stroll through the town center and along the surrounding trails allows visitors to connect Becerril's rural past with its current residential and tourist life.
What to see and what to do
urban walk
It begins in the Plaza de la Constitución, in front of the arcaded Town Hall. It continues towards the Fuente de los Cielos (Fountain of the Skies) and along Madrid and Zamora streets, where traditional stone houses remain. The Plaza del Espejo (Mirror Square) features the Fuente de la Bola (Fountain of the Ball), recognizable by its spherical finial. The Fuente de los Caños (Fountain of the Pipes) completes the tour of these public spaces.
Saint Andrew the Apostle
The parish church is built of granite and retains a columned portico and a three-tiered tower. Its facade bears the date 1609. The exterior offers a glimpse into the religious architecture of the old town; confirm its opening before planning an interior visit.
Our Lady of the Valley
Built in the late 1960s, it uses concrete, triangular shapes, and sloping walls. Its design contrasts with San Andrés and allows us to recognize another stage in local development.
Memory of the stonemasonry
The stone monument included in the town's promenade commemorates a trade that was once of great importance in Becerril. Consider its connection to the granite used in the houses and fountains to understand the town center beyond its monuments.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a day trip, start with a stroll through the city center: Plaza de la Constitución, the fountains, traditional houses, and the exterior of San Andrés Church. If you plan to visit a church, check its opening times and religious services beforehand. Have lunch ready and allow yourself plenty of time to explore the city center at a leisurely pace.
In the afternoon, choose a walk in the surrounding area with a route and duration suitable for the daylight hours. The full Almorchones route takes more time than a stroll through the town center; plan your outing separately if you want to complete the entire route.
For a weekend getaway, dedicate one day to the village and another to a hike, such as the ascent to the Telégrafo peak in Cabeza Mediana. Combine accommodation with local restaurants and check access routes to the starting point. La Maliciosa requires mountain experience and specific planning.
If you arrive by bus, arrange your return trip before heading out into the mountains. Allow some time between the end of your hike and your chosen expedition.
Where to eat
Las Terrazas de Becerril, located at Paseo de San Sebastián, 3, offers market cuisine, grilled fish, and meats. Some roasts, such as suckling lamb and suckling pig, are prepared to order. Telephone: 91 853 80 02. Email:[email protected] the current menu and book for the day of your visit.
The restaurant at Hotel Las Gacelas, located at Paseo de San Sebastián, 53, offers traditional dishes made with local produce, with views of La Maliciosa mountain. The establishment lists 91 853 80 00 as its contact number. Please confirm your restaurant service and reservation.
To fit your meal plan into your itinerary, arrange your arrival time with the restaurant. Inquire directly about allergies, dietary restrictions, and any accessibility requirements you may have.
Routes and nature
Along the slopes of the Almorchones
The municipal route connects diverse landscapes in the surrounding area: the Navacerrada reservoir, pine forests, oak groves, and the La Barranca sector, before approaching the La Maliciosa reservoir and returning to Becerril. Its length requires planning a full day. Consult the map and elevation profile; some sections present additional challenges for bicycles.
To the Medium-Headed Telegraph
The route starts at Majada de las Monjas and ascends through the Matarrubia mountain area to Cabeza Mediana, at 1,331 meters. The optical telegraph tower adds a historical element to the route. Plan both the ascent and the return, and check the current access routes.
The Malicious One
The proposed route starts in the Vista Real area, passes by the reservoir, and ascends to the summit at 2,227 meters. It is a challenging route, intended for people familiar with mountaineering. The return journey follows the same route.
Bring your route map, water, and appropriate equipment. Check weather advisories and any restrictions; conditions can change significantly with snow, ice, or poor visibility. Respect livestock, gates, and designated trails.
How to get there and park
By car, the M-623 provides access to the town center and connects with the M-607. From Madrid, plan your approach based on your starting point and check traffic conditions before traveling. In winter, check the road conditions in the mountains.
Park where signage allows and continue on foot through the city center. Las Terrazas restaurant indicates nearby public parking areas on Paseo de San Sebastián. Confirm access and current conditions upon arrival; do not block driveways, pedestrian crossings, or service entrances.
Line 691 connects Madrid, from Moncloa, with Becerril de la Sierra on its way to Navacerrada. The official timetable distinguishes between different routes and variations, so you should check the specific stop and schedule for your chosen day.
Also check the return trip and the distance between the bus stop and the start of a route. Arriving in the village by bus does not guarantee transportation from every point in the mountains.
Upcoming parties and plans
Saint Roch, the town's patron saint, is celebrated on August 16th with Mass and a procession, part of a calendar of neighborhood gatherings and festivities. The Holy Christ of Good Counsel festivities take place in September and are another of the town's major events.
Saint Sebastian's Day, on January 20th, is linked to the tradition of bonfires and cowbells. The May Cross celebration includes a pilgrimage to the Raso de los Enebros, while Saint Andrew's Day, on November 30th, traditionally includes a tribute to the elderly.
Holy Week processions and other cultural activities round out the local calendar. These references describe the traditions: consult the programs for each event for specific dates, registration, access, and any changes. Do not assume shuttle services or activities announced in previous years.
Where to sleep
Hotel Las Gacelas
It's located at Paseo de San Sebastián, 53. It has rooms and a restaurant, making it possible to organize a stay in the town with meals at the same establishment. Contact: 91 853 80 [email protected].
The Becerril Platform
It offers accommodation in converted freight cars. Located at Calle Huertas, 15. Contact: 610 643 [email protected] the features and capacity of the wagon you are interested in.
Confirm availability for your dates, meal plan, arrival time, and cancellation policy. Inquire about pets and accessibility requirements before booking; seasonal services must be inquired about directly.
Practical information
The Town Hall is located at Plaza de la Constitución, 1. It lists the telephone number 91 853 80 06 and the email [email protected] organize visits and tours, consult the municipal tourist information and confirm the services you need.
The village center sits at an altitude of approximately 1,078 meters. The forecast for the village may differ from conditions on the peaks: plan separately for any ascent of La Maliciosa and check mountain warnings.
The fountains in the town center are part of the urban heritage; check their signage before drinking and carry water for the trails. Access to reservoirs and mountains requires following the instructions of those in charge.
Check with each establishment for the actual access conditions. In the countryside, respect farms and livestock, keep pets under control, and take your trash with you.