Towns and villages
Canencia: historic bridges and mountain forests
A village in the Upper Lozoya Valley to discover paths along the stream and the diversity of trees in its port, among pine forests, birch trees, holly trees and yew trees.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Canencia lies in a valley traversed by the stream of the same name, a tributary of the Lozoya River. Around the village itself are orchards, meadows, and pastures; towards the higher elevations, oak and pine forests transform the landscape. The mountain pass boasts a remarkable diversity of plant life, with birch, holly, and yew trees that make walks there interesting in different seasons.
Local history is linked to the medieval repopulation promoted by the Community of Villa y Tierra de Segovia at the end of the 11th century. Agriculture, livestock farming, and the use of the surrounding woodlands sustained the village for centuries; in the 19th century, charcoal production, mills, and linen weaving also played a role. The stone bridges and the horse-shoeing frame allow us to recognize part of that history in the present-day landscape.
The Church of Santa María del Castillo, of Gothic origin and dating from the 15th century, was damaged during the Civil War and was later restored. Together with the mountain houses and the bridges of Canto, Cadenas, and Matafrailes, it offers a glimpse into the history of Canencia before venturing into the mountain pass forests.
What to see and what to do
Stroll through the old town and around the Church of Santa María del Castillo. The church preserves elements of its Gothic past and a Mudéjar stucco pulpit. Confirm access to the interior before visiting. The horse-shoeing frame is a reminder of the work with draft animals, and the Hermitage of Santo Cristo adds another stop to the walk.
The historic bridges are one of Canencia's main attractions. The Puente Canto stands out for its two arches of unequal size; the Puente de Cadenas is narrower and has a single arch. Matafrailes, likely of medieval origin, is located further from the town center and features a high arch. You can start with the first two and plan your route to Matafrailes separately.
The mural "Canes" by Antonio Santoyo, known as Furyo, is located at 13 Callejillas Street. It depicts hunting dogs and alludes to one of the hypotheses about the name Canencia. This connection between the toponym and old royal kennels should not be interpreted as a proven origin.
To complete your visit, dedicate some time to the Canencia pass and its surrounding forest landscape. It's a different destination from the town center, with a recreational area from which walking trails begin.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a day focused on the village, explore the old town in the morning and visit the Canto and Cadenas bridges. After lunch, look for the Canes mural and complete your walk by exploring the village's livestock and religious heritage. If you prefer a day of hiking, start at the mountain pass and save your visit to the old town for after your hike, taking into account the travel time between the two.
On a weekend, dedicate one day to the town and its bridges and another to the Ecological Trail at the port. This way you can explore the riverbank and the forest without overloading yourself with walks or driving in a hurry. Plan your access to the starting point and your return before you leave; bus connections to the town center don't guarantee transportation to the port.
Where to eat
Colorines, at Matadero Street, number 14, offers traditional cuisine and grilled meats. El Pajar de Canencia, at number 42 on the same street, is another option for tapas, hamburgers, and grilled meats.
At Plaza de la Constitución, 7, you'll find the Bar Restaurante Cafetería Violeta. The municipal directory also lists La Borrachería, at Calle de la Cruz, 21. Confirm with your chosen establishment their opening hours, kitchen shifts, and availability for your date, especially if you're planning a meal after a hike.
Routes and nature
The Canencia Ecological Trail is a 6.5 km circular route with an elevation gain of approximately 225 m, according to the guide published by the Community of Madrid. It begins and ends at the mountain pass recreation area. Points of interest include the shepherd's hut, the El Hornillo area, and the Mojonavalle waterfall, as well as the diverse trees in the forest.
The route offers views of Scots pines, Pyrenean oaks, birches, holly, and yew trees. The waterfall changes with the water flow and seasonal conditions; ice and snow may appear in winter. Check the weather forecast and trail conditions, bring water and appropriate footwear, and do not collect plants or fruit from protected species.
For a hike starting from the town center, the Canto and Cadenas bridges provide access to the stream and riverside vegetation. If you include Matafrailes, consult the route and total distance before deciding on your itinerary. Please respect the paths, properties, and livestock farming practices in the area.
How to get there and park
From Madrid, you can take the A-1 to exit 69, follow the M-604 towards Rascafría and Lozoya, and then take the M-629 towards Canencia. This road continues towards the mountain pass and Miraflores de la Sierra, from where you can also access the pass. Before driving on the pass, check road conditions and the weather forecast.
The intercity bus line 195, Madrid–Braojos, includes service to Canencia and trips to the town itself. Check the Regional Transport Consortium website for the route and schedule of the trip you need, including the return journey.
There is a parking area at the port connected to the recreational area. Please use the designated spaces and respect the current restrictions, without blocking forest tracks. In the town center, park according to the signs and keep access to homes and roads clear.
Upcoming parties and plans
The Vaquilla festival is traditionally associated with January 20th, the feast day of Saint Sebastian. Young people parade through the town with a decorated wooden structure, accompanied by costumed figures with cowbells. It is one of the most characteristic expressions of local tradition.
The festivities in honor of Santa María del Castillo are celebrated in autumn, during October. Each year's celebrations include religious services and popular activities, but the specific dates and program vary and must be confirmed in the corresponding municipal announcement.
Canencia also organizes Tradition Recovery Days. Check the Town Hall's calendar for upcoming editions and other activities; the references above describe local customs and events, without announcing future dates.
Where to sleep
The Las Eras municipal accommodations are located on Ermita Santo Cristo street, without a number, on the outskirts of the town center. They consist of four apartments and allow guests to plan a stay to explore the town and prepare for trips to the port.
Hostal Colorines, located at Calle del Matadero, 14, is another accommodation option within the municipality. Check availability, booking conditions, and included services directly for your dates. If you choose an apartment, confirm its capacity and layout before booking.
Practical information
The telephone number for the Canencia Town Hall is 91 868 75 11 and its email address [email protected] municipality provides a tourist guide, audio guides, and route maps to help you plan your visit. Also, check the location of the municipal information office before visiting in person.
When planning your trip, distinguish between the town center and the port: the main forest walks start from the upper area and require additional travel time. Confirm the opening hours of businesses and whether you can visit the interior of the church.
In the countryside, respect livestock and property, keep dogs under control, and stay on designated trails. When visiting the waterfall, adjust your plans according to the weather and terrain conditions, especially during frost.