Towns and villages
The Atazar
Slate, ancient threshing floors and paths above the great Lozoya reservoir
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
El Atazar rises among slopes of rockrose and slate, near the dam that bears its name. Its pedestrian streets, traditional houses, and old livestock pens preserve the scale of a small mountain village, while the paths open up to sweeping views of the reservoir.
The documented history of the town is linked to the Tierra de Buitrago region. It was granted town status in 1490 and for centuries its economy was based on crops, pastures, and livestock. The threshing floors and the Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, built between the 16th and 17th centuries, are reminders of different stages of this rural economy. The hypothesis of an Islamic origin for the settlement lacks sufficient evidence and does not allow for a fixed founding date.
In the 19th century, it lost its municipal autonomy and remained linked to Robledillo de la Jara until 1928. In the 20th century, the construction of the reservoir transformed the landscape, flooding farmland and the old mill of El Riato. Today, in El Atazar, the memory of those works coexists with the paths that crisscross the pastureland and the slopes of the Lozoya River.
What to see and what to do
Explore the old town on foot to admire the slate houses and the Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. In the upper part of town, the ancient threshing floors, paved with stone slabs, are preserved; they offer a useful stop to understand how grain was processed. The washhouse, the water trough, and the areas associated with the old horse-drawn carriage routes complete the walk.
In the surrounding area, you'll find huts and barns that once served as shelters and livestock pens. The Old Fountain, also known as the Arab Fountain, is another element of the local heritage; its traditional name alone doesn't suggest an Islamic origin. The viewpoints in the area offer panoramic views of the reservoir and the surrounding slopes.
Plan for a day or a weekend
Spend the first part of your day exploring the village streets, the church, and the threshing floors. Afterward, you can choose the Dehesa Trail, a circular route through the oak and gall oak landscape, or head to a viewpoint along one of the paths leading to the old sheepfolds. Allow time to admire the views before returning to the village center.
For a weekend getaway, combine the cultural walk with two different routes: one through the pastureland and another towards the reservoir landscapes, such as the Tinao del Águila Trail or the Pisanchón Trail. Consult their descriptions and plan your return: these last two are described by their one-way distance.
Where to eat
The Town Hall includes Bar Mesón Elathazar, located at Avenida Presa de El Atazar, 1, in its list of local restaurants and bars. Confirm directly whether they serve meals on the date of your visit, what options they offer, and if they accept reservations. If you plan to spend the day walking, consider planning your meals accordingly.
Routes and nature
El Atazar has three marked local trails. The Dehesa Trail is a circular route of 6.6 km through oak and gall oak forests. The Tinao del Águila Trail is 3.9 km one way, and the Pisanchón Trail is 4 km one way; both allow you to explore rockrose-covered slopes, old livestock shelters, and views of the reservoir. The Genaro Trail, a longer route around El Atazar, also runs through the municipality.
Outbound journeys require planning for the return trip via the same route or a verified alternative. Before setting out, check the route information, current signage, and weather conditions; respect access and restrictions in areas near the dam.
How to get there and park
From Madrid, one option by car is to take the A-1 to exit 60, pass through El Berrueco, and continue on the M-131 and M-133 roads following the signs to El Atazar. The Town Hall has designated a parking area at the entrance to the village and restricts vehicle access to the pedestrian zone, except for residents and authorized vehicles. Please respect the signs and do not expect to find a parking space.
By public transport, line 197 connects Madrid, from Plaza de Castilla, with Torrelaguna, and line 913 of the Regional Transport Consortium connects Torrelaguna with El Atazar. Check the timetables and the actual round-trip connection for your travel date before setting out.
Upcoming parties and plans
Among the town's traditions are the May Cross, the celebration of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, and the popular summer festivals. Religious services, community meals, and festive activities depend on the program for each year. Check the town hall announcements for confirmed dates and events before planning your trip.
Where to sleep
The Town Hall lists El Jaral Rural Accommodation, located at Calle del Moral, 6, as an option for staying in El Atazar. Please check their terms and availability for your desired dates directly before planning your stay.
Practical information
The Town Hall can be reached at 91 868 60 98. The town center is pedestrianized and vehicle access is restricted, so it's best to start your walk from the entrance parking area. AEMET (the Spanish State Meteorological Agency) provides the municipal weather forecast under the name "Atazar, El". Before setting out on a route, check the updated itinerary and the status of access points to the viewpoints and other areas around the reservoir.