Towns and villages
El Boalo, Cerceda and Mataelpino: three towns at the foot of the Guadarrama mountains
Granite heritage, Visigothic archaeology, literary memory and paths between meadows and mountains in a municipality with three identities.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
El Boalo comprises three distinct villages: El Boalo, Cerceda, and Mataelpino. They lie on the Madrid side of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, amidst grazing lands, rural paths, and granite formations. Cerceda boasts a remarkable collection of religious buildings, El Boalo combines archaeological heritage with literary tradition, and Mataelpino offers a glimpse into the mountain landscape that accompanies the Camino de Santiago de Madrid (Way of St. James from Madrid).
The El Rebollar archaeological site preserves the remains of a rural church dating back to the second half of the 7th century, along with burials and buildings from different periods. Medieval documents mention Cerceda and Mataelpino from the beginning of the 13th century; El Boalo is cited in the 15th century. All three towns were linked to the Royal Estate of Manzanares and the House of Mendoza.
During the 19th century, they were integrated into a single municipality. In addition to agriculture and livestock farming, stonemasonry emerged, and its materials continue to define buildings such as Santa María la Blanca in Cerceda. The residential expansion of the 20th century altered the landscape and the economy, while rural heritage and open spaces retained a central role in local life.
What to see and what to do
El Boalo: archaeology and literature
Plan your stroll through the old town around the Plaza de la Constitución and the Church of San Sebastián. To learn about a much earlier period, inquire about guided tours of El Rebollar: its ruins offer insights into a Visigothic church and the subsequent evolution of the site. Confirm the tour details and access requirements before traveling to the archaeological site.
Carmen Martín Gaite's family home offers another way to experience the town. The Foundation that preserves her legacy offers guided tours that allow visitors to explore her home and library. Check the dates and make a reservation; don't assume free access.
Cerceda: Santa María la Blanca and Plaza Mayor
The 16th-century Church of Santa María la Blanca is built of granite and features the Gothic style typical of Ávila. Its three-tiered tower stands out against the surrounding town. The Renaissance baptismal font is one of the interior's highlights; its opening should be confirmed. Complete your visit to the Plaza Mayor, with its layout resembling a small amphitheater.
Mataelpino: a mountain center
Set aside time to explore the village and appreciate its connection to the Guadarrama trails. The Camino de Santiago de Madrid route adds a pilgrim's dimension to the walk. From this vantage point, La Maliciosa mountain stands out as a prominent feature of the landscape; any excursion to higher elevations requires specific planning.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For one day
Begin in Cerceda with the Plaza Mayor and the exterior of Santa María la Blanca. Continue to El Boalo for a stroll through the old town and lunch. Dedicate the afternoon to Mataelpino and a pre-selected section of the trail, adjusting the distance to the available time.
If you manage to get a spot on a tour of El Rebollar or Carmen Martín Gaite's house, plan your day around their schedule and shorten the rest of your itinerary. The three sites are quite far apart: plan your travel between them before you leave.
For a weekend
Dedicate one day to heritage sites and another to one of the trails along the "Life of Water" route or a section of the Camino de Madrid. Staying in Cerceda allows you to spread your visits over two days. Leave time for lunch and rest in the villages, and confirm your return trip if you're relying on the bus.
Where to eat
El Boalo: Las Brasas de Casa Agustín
Located at Calle Audiencia, 4, this restaurant specializes in meats and grilled dishes. Reservations are handled through their online booking system; please ensure you receive a confirmation. For inquiries, please call 91 890 88 40 or email [email address missing][email protected].
Cerceda: El Ibón Restaurant Brewery
It's located at 3 Los Canteros Street. Their menu includes home-style cooking, tapas, hamburgers, and meat dishes. Contact: 91 857 45 [email protected] check the menu and booking conditions for your chosen day.
Mataelpino: Peace Café
It's part of the Kadampa Meditation Centre, located at 27 Guerrero Street. It can be a place to stop for coffee or pastries; they also advertise vegetarian options. Confirm when it's open and what's on offer before making a stop.
Please inquire directly about allergens, accessibility needs, and group catering. Menu options may change and do not guarantee table availability.
Routes and nature
The life of water
The municipality has three trails with their own maps. Trail 1 is a 9-kilometer loop that connects to the other two. Trail 2 is 4.3 kilometers long and connects to Trail 1. Trail 3 splits into east and west branches. Consult the map for your chosen trail to identify the starting point, connections, and the complete route.
Camino de Santiago from Madrid
The route from Manzanares el Real passes near the San Isidro hermitage before reaching Mataelpino. You can walk part of it as a leisurely stroll, planning the distance and return separately; a linear stage requires figuring out how to get back to the starting point.
Other routes
The municipal tourist information includes Los Chaparrales among its birdwatching suggestions. For mountain outings, request an itinerary that matches your experience level and check the weather and terrain conditions. Respect livestock, farms, and authorized trails.
How to get there and park
By road
From Madrid, the M-607 is one of the main access routes to the municipality. The A-6 offers another approach from the west. Choose your destination carefully when planning your trip: a visit to Cerceda, a nature reserve in El Boalo, and a stroll in Mataelpino require different routes.
By bus
Line 724 departs from the Plaza de Castilla interchange and its schedule includes services to El Boalo, Mataelpino, and Cerceda, passing through Manzanares el Real. Not all trips follow the entire route. Check the starting point, the specific stop, any variations, and the schedule for your chosen day.
Parking and moving
Use designated parking areas and continue on foot through each town. Avoid blocking access to properties, homes, or services. For a route, check the authorized parking area at its starting point. If traveling by public transport, confirm the return trip and connections between towns before planning your day.
Upcoming parties and plans
El Boalo
The San Sebastián festival is traditionally celebrated in January and is linked to the bonfire. The town also has summer festivals in July. These are distinct events on the local calendar, and their programs are published for each edition.
Cerceda
The festivities in honor of the Holy Christ of Hope are one of its main celebrations. The Plaza Mayor is the center of much of the town's festive life.
Mataelpino
The San Bartolomé festivities in August include the well-known Boloencierro: a large ball is rolled through the streets as part of a festive event with its own rules for participation. The Night Vigil and the Living Nativity Scene are among the other cultural and traditional offerings.
The literary program linked to Carmen Martín Gaite provides even more reasons to return. These references describe regular celebrations and activities; consult the current edition's schedule to confirm dates, reservations, and participation requirements.
Where to sleep
Steel and Stone, in Cerceda
These holiday apartments are located at Calle del Prado Serrano, 1D. They are constructed from repurposed shipping containers and each apartment has a private garden. Contact for reservations and inquiries: 675 486 [email protected].
Before booking, please confirm the capacity of your chosen apartment, its availability for your dates, the arrival and cancellation policies, and any accessibility requirements. Please also indicate if you are traveling with pets. Choose your accommodation considering your travel between Cerceda, El Boalo, and Mataelpino.
Practical information
Tourist Office
It's located on Paseo de Madrid, at the corner of Avenida de los Prados, number 2, next to the M-617, in El Boalo. The information email address [email protected] weekday telephone assistance, please call 91 842 02 09, extensions 2039 or 2035. Please confirm opening before visiting.
City hall
The town hall is located at Plaza de la Constitución, 1, in El Boalo. Contact: 91 855 90 [email protected] inquiring about a service or activity, indicate which of the three areas it is located in.
Prepare for the visit
The town center of El Boalo sits at an altitude of approximately 942 meters. Check the weather forecast for the municipality and, if you're heading into the mountains, the specific conditions of the route. For cultural visits, confirm availability and make a reservation; for walks, bring water and the relevant map. Check with each person in charge about the actual access conditions of the places you wish to visit.