Towns and villages
El Molar: caves, wine and heritage among hills
Discover the excavated cellars, the Church of the Assumption, and the walks that connect the town center with its countryside landscape.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
El Molar occupies a transitional position north of Madrid, where the mountain ranges, the countryside, and the Jarama river valley meet. The village is nestled among hills and maintains a close connection to the land: wine has been made and stored for generations in caves excavated around the village.
The Church of the Assumption of Our Lady tells another part of its story. Its construction and successive expansions, between the end of the Middle Ages and the Modern Age, left Gothic and Renaissance elements in the same building, declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2017. The wineries of La Torreta and El Charcón, for their part, demonstrate the continuity of the winemaking tradition.
In the 19th century, the Fuente del Toro spring attracted visitors due to the fame of its waters, and a spa was built there, though it is no longer in operation. Today, El Molar combines these historical traces with cave restaurants, strolls through the old town, and places like the Pinar de la Corneja pine forest, which offers panoramic views of the Madrid plains.
What to see and what to do
Begin in the Plaza Mayor and head towards the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady. The Community of Madrid declared it a Site of Cultural Interest in 2017, highlighting its evolution from Gothic to Renaissance styles. Continue towards La Torreta to see the entrances to the caves and cellars carved into the hills; if you wish to explore them, book a tour through the municipal tourist office or contact a winery directly. The Hermitage of La Soledad, next to the cemetery, and the Fuente del Toro (Bull's Fountain), a reminder of the old spa, are also worth a visit. The Pinar de la Corneja (Corneja Pine Forest) and the Hermitage of San Isidro offer another perspective of the town. The old watchtower is part of its history, but it is not preserved as a tower open to the public.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a day trip, dedicate the morning to exploring the Plaza Mayor, the church, and the traditional streets. Afterward, head to the cave and wine cellar district of La Torreta and reserve a table to sample the local cuisine. In the afternoon, choose a walk to the Pinar de la Corneja pine forest and the San Isidro hermitage, or follow one of the lines on the Metrominuto municipal map, depending on your preferred distance. For a longer stay, you can visit a winery through a pre-arranged tour and leisurely explore the diverse landscapes of the countryside and fertile plains; check the itineraries and access to each location beforehand.
Where to eat
The area around the caves and wine cellars of La Torreta boasts a long-standing culinary tradition, specializing in grilled meats and local wine. The municipal directory lists establishments like La Cueva del Lobo on Calle Santa María de la Cuesta, and there are also restaurants on other streets in the town center. For guidance, consider dining in a cave or a table in the town center; contact each establishment directly for their menu, opening hours, and reservation options. Dining and visiting a winery are separate activities, with conditions that should be confirmed individually.
Routes and nature
El Molar encompasses mountains, countryside, and the Jarama river valley within a single municipality. For walks in the immediate surroundings, the Metrominuto municipal map indicates routes towards Pinar de la Corneja, La Torreta, Peña de la Pala, and the Talamanquillo ravine, with approximate distances. Pinar de la Corneja is a municipal forest located on a hill next to the San Isidro hermitage. For longer paths and the valley section, it is necessary to consult current maps, terrain conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out; the urban walking map does not guarantee the difficulty or safety of a nature trail.
How to get there and park
The town center is located next to the A-1 highway, north of Madrid. To travel by bus from Plaza de Castilla, consult the map and current timetables of the Regional Transport Consortium: several intercity bus lines stop in El Molar, but their routes and schedules vary. Check the specific stop for both your outbound and return journeys. If you arrive by car, use Plaza Mayor as a starting point for your walk and follow the local signs; there is no designated public parking area near the church or the wineries.
Upcoming parties and plans
The patron saint festivities are celebrated in honor of Our Lady of the Whirlpool; their program and dates for each edition should be distinguished from tradition. For 2026, the City Council has announced the 19th Wine Fair, to be held from October 2nd to 4th in the area surrounding the La Torreta caves, with activities related to wineries and wine culture. The Passion Play and the Living Nativity Scene are other performances associated with the El Charcón caves in previous years; check their specific announcements before traveling, as a future edition is not guaranteed.
Where to sleep
El Molar offers accommodation options within the municipality. Among the establishments with their own websites are Hostal Landhaus, on Avenida de Madrid, Hostal Azul, on Avenida de España, and Hostal Paraíso, in Plaza del Paraíso. These are starting points for comparing location and type of accommodation, but they do not guarantee availability: check prices, conditions, and dates directly before booking.
Practical information
The municipal tourist office is located at Calle Remolino, 4, and can provide information about cave visits and local activities; it's advisable to confirm their availability before traveling. The Town Hall is located at Plaza Mayor, 1, and its telephone number is 91 841 00 09. The postal code for the town center is 28710; the AEMET (Spanish State Meteorological Agency) municipal identifier for checking the weather forecast for El Molar is 28086. Caves open to visitors and working wineries may have different access rules, so interior visits must be arranged in advance when applicable.
