Towns and villages
Colmenar Viejo
The town of the basilica, the livestock traditions and the open landscapes of Navalvillar
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Colmenar Viejo lies north of Madrid, in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range. The town center, at an altitude of approximately 879 meters, is most recognizably marked by the basilica tower. The surrounding landscapes, characterized by livestock farming, remain an essential part of the municipality's identity.
Its medieval consolidation was linked to the settlement of Segovia and the Royal Estate of Manzanares, which would eventually fall under the lordship of the Mendoza family. In 1504, it obtained the title of town and separated from the jurisdiction of Manzanares. During the 16th century, it gained importance as an economic and administrative center of the territory.
This growth left a monumental mark that can still be seen in the town center: the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady began construction at the end of the 15th century and was completed in the 16th. The Town Museum offers a glimpse into the trades and daily life that accompanied this history, while livestock farming remains present in the landscape and local traditions.
What to see and what to do
The Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady is the main monument to visit. Walk around its exterior to admire the tower, the buttresses, and the portals; the north portal features particularly elaborate decoration. Inside, the Renaissance altarpiece is a highlight. Check opening hours and visiting conditions before entering.
In the old town, you can also stop at the Municipal Granary, near Luis Gutiérrez Square. Its function as a grain storehouse is a reminder of how the town's supply was organized. The chapels of Santa Ana and San Francisco further enhance the heritage tour; access to the interior requires confirmation.
The Casa Museo de la Villa, located at Plaza del Maestro Almeida, 1, brings together archaeology, crafts, economic activities, and traditions. Please confirm your visit by email before adding it to your itinerary: the tourist office located there is temporarily closed.
Outside the town center, the area around the chapel of Our Lady of Remedies offers another place linked to local identity.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a day trip, dedicate the morning to the basilica and a stroll through the old town. Continue on to the Pósito (municipal granary) and the Plaza del Pueblo (town square) before having lunch in town. If you have confirmation that the Casa Museo (House Museum) is open, include it in your itinerary to complement your view of the heritage with the history of local trades.
For a weekend getaway, set aside another day for Navalvillar. Choose in advance the spots in the pastureland you'd like to visit and arrange transportation to the access points. You can combine this with a visit to the area around Remedios, checking the visiting conditions for the hermitage and the archaeological site.
The urban stroll and the trip to the countryside have different time and transportation requirements. If you arrive by train, also plan how to get from the station to the start of each activity.
Where to eat
Trece Restaurante is located at Calle del Corazón de María, 6, units 1 and 2. They offer contemporary cuisine with a Mediterranean base. To view the menu and make a reservation, please call 919 516 581.
El Lagar is located at Calle del Cura, 34. The establishment publishes a menu and seasonal dishes; inquiries and reservations can be made at 670 099 316. It can fit in as a lunch stop during a visit to the old town.
Confirm the day's service, prices, reservation, and any dietary requirements directly with your chosen restaurant. Adjust your meal plan to the actual duration of your walk or outing.
Routes and nature
The Dehesa de Navalvillar is a municipal estate located north of the town, at the foot of San Pedro hill. The Town Hall guide recommends pedestrian access via the Remedios or La Mueda gate, near the chapel, next to the M-625 road. Check current access conditions before setting out.
The Tejada stream flows through the property, passing through pastures and wooded areas. The archaeological sites of Navalvillar and Navalahija preserve the foundations of houses and workspaces belonging to former rural communities. The guide also highlights Peña Gorda as a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the landscape.
Choose a route using the municipal map and adjust the distance to your fitness level. Respect livestock, fences, and archaeological sites; avoid leaving the paths to enter mining remains or buildings. Bring water and check the weather and any current warnings. The visit does not guarantee wildlife sightings or that all marked points will be open.
How to get there and park
Colmenar Viejo is served by a commuter rail station on the C-4b line. The Regional Transport Consortium (Consorcio de Transportes) identifies the line as Parla–Atocha–Sol–Chamartín–Cantoblanco–Colmenar Viejo. Check Renfe for daily timetables and service disruptions to plan your journey and return.
By car, the M-607 is the main route from Madrid. For Navalvillar and Remedios, plan to take the M-625 towards Guadalix de la Sierra. The train station and the historic center are separate locations: check the route to your first stop.
There is a public car park next to the station. Confirm its current terms and conditions and pay attention to the signage; do not assume that all parking areas have the same conditions. In the town center, use designated parking areas and check for temporary restrictions during festivals or events.
Upcoming parties and plans
La Vaquilla is one of Colmenar Viejo's most distinctive celebrations, recognized as a Festival of National Tourist Interest. Groups parade through the streets and dance with their symbolic heifers, decorated with scarves and other ornaments. The celebration takes place at the end of January; check the program for the edition you wish to attend.
La Maya, on May 2nd, features floral altars and an offering to the Virgin of Los Remedios. The patron saint festivities in honor of this Virgin are celebrated at the end of summer. November 22nd, Town Day, commemorates the granting of town status in 1504.
These references describe traditions and commemorations. To prepare for your next visit, confirm the dates, activities, and participation requirements in the municipal program for each event.
Where to sleep
Gran Hostal El Chiscón offers accommodation at Calle de los Frailes, 91, in Colmenar Viejo. Their telephone number for inquiries and reservations is 918 452 847.
This can serve as a base for spending several days exploring the town and its surroundings. Check availability for your dates, rates, cancellation policies, and the services you require directly. Mentioning the property does not imply availability or guarantee a reservation.
Practical information
The Town Hall is located at Plaza del Pueblo, 1, and its telephone number is 918 450 053. For tourist information and inquiries about the House Museum, [email protected] of the date of consultation, October 2, 2026, the municipal website of the tourist office indicates temporary closure; please confirm service and visits before traveling.
The House Museum and the tourist office have separate municipal listings: the announced closure of the office does not automatically mean the entire museum is closed. Please request confirmation of your visit. Do the same for the interiors of the basilica, chapels, and the Remedios hermitage.
The AEMET municipal weather forecast uses code 28045. Check the weather before heading out into the countryside and plan your route and pack enough water. If you're using the local train (Cercanías), check for any service disruptions and the last available train for your return trip. Visits outside the town center also require planning local transportation.