Towns and villages
The Fleece - The Spartan
Two rural villages nestled among watchtowers, traditional architecture and paths of the Jarama Valley
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
El Vellón and El Espartal are two distinct population centers that form a single municipality, separated by about five kilometers. Both share the rolling landscape of the Jarama Valley, with dryland crops, pastures, holm oaks, junipers, streams, and rural roads, but each retains its own identity and heritage.
El Vellón is home to the town hall and a significant portion of the area's historical monuments. During the Middle Ages, it was linked to the territory of Talamanca and the Archdiocese of Toledo, and it was granted town status in 1564. The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, the pillory, the Hermitage of San Blas, and the old washhouse offer a glimpse into different stages of its history.
El Espartal retains the scale of a small rural village, with winding streets and irregular blocks adapted to the slope. Its main monument is the Church of Our Lady of the Conception, built at the beginning of the 20th century and home to a 16th-century baptismal font that, according to local tourist information, came from an earlier church.
Between the two towns lies a network of livestock trails and farm tracks, overlooked by the El Vellón watchtower, a medieval lookout tower protected as a Site of Cultural Interest. Thus, a visit can be planned as a combined tour that includes both town centers and the landscape that connects them.
Sources:https://www.sierranortemadrid.org/pueblo/el-vellon/ · https://www.sierranortemadrid.org/pueblo/el-espartal/ · https://www.turismoelvellon.org/ · https://www.comunidad.madrid/transparencia/sites/default/files/regulation/documents/documento_inicial_estrategico_5.pdf
What to see and what to do
In El Vellón, a visit can begin at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, built between the 15th and 16th centuries. The building features masonry construction with ashlar reinforcements, a polygonal apse, two naves, and a 16th-century Plateresque doorway on the south side, now walled up and incorporated into the parish offices. It is advisable to confirm beforehand whether access to the interior is possible.
Also in El Vellón is the pillory, a monolithic column whose inscription is dated 1552; the municipal tourist information indicates that the capital and the cross may be later additions. The walk can continue past the old washhouse, the hermitage of San Blas, and the Mon Devane mural dedicated to the memory of pastoral life.
In El Espartal, the main landmark is the Church of Our Lady of the Conception. Built in the early 20th century, it has a single rectangular nave, a gabled roof, and a taller, polygonal apse. It preserves a 16th-century baptismal font, linked by local tradition to the old hermitage that preceded the church. A stroll through its streets reveals a compact hamlet, irregularly laid out and adapted to the slope.
Between the two towns stands the El Vellón watchtower, a medieval lookout tower declared a Site of Cultural Interest. It should be viewed respecting the authorized paths and without climbing or altering the structure.
Sources:https://www.turismoelvellon.org/monumentos.htm · https://www.sierranortemadrid.org/pueblo/el-vellon/ · https://www.sierranortemadrid.org/pueblo/el-espartal/ · https://www.sierranortemadrid.org/espacio-cultural/el-vellon-mon-devane/ · https://www.comunidad.madrid/docs/assets/2025/11/24/listado_bienes_inmuebles.pdf
Plan for a day or a weekend
To explore both villages in one day, dedicate the morning to El Vellón. Walk around the Church of the Assumption, the Plaza de la Picota, the old washhouse, and the mural dedicated to pastoral culture. Before continuing, you can visit the Hermitage of San Blas if access is possible.
In the afternoon, travel to El Espartal and stroll through its small town center to the Church of Our Lady of the Conception. The distance between the two towns is about five kilometers, but it's advisable to check transportation options and current road conditions beforehand.
If you prefer walking and have the time and preparation, the El Vellón–Atalaya–El Espartal municipal route connects the two villages in approximately seven kilometers. If you have a weekend, set aside another day for the El Berrocal and Dehesa Boyal route or to leisurely explore the heritage and landscapes of each town. Always check the weather forecast, the current route, and the return time.
Sources:https://www.turismoelvellon.org/monumentos.htm · https://www.turismoelvellon.org/ruta_1.htm · https://www.turismoelvellon.org/ruta_4.htm · https://www.sierranortemadrid.org/pueblo/el-espartal/
Where to eat
Routes and nature
The El Vellón–Atalaya–El Espartal route is the most representative itinerary for understanding the relationship between the two towns. It begins in the Plaza Mayor of El Vellón, continues along the Camino de Talamanca and a livestock trail, passes by a watering trough and the watchtower, and proceeds along farm tracks to the Plaza de la Iglesia in El Espartal. The municipal records indicate an approximate length of seven kilometers.
From El Vellón, you can also take a six-kilometer route along the Camino de la Emisora, El Berrocal, the Camino del Pozo del Romero, and the Dehesa Boyal. The route crosses pastures, holm oak groves, and rock formations, with views towards other high points in the area.
The municipal landscape comprises dryland fields, meadows, holm oaks, junipers, gall oaks, and aromatic scrubland. Small strips of riparian vegetation appear along the streams, while rocky outcrops offer geological interest. Before hiking, consult updated maps and the weather forecast; stay on public paths, respect livestock, and do not cross fenced properties.
Sources:https://www.turismoelvellon.org/ruta_1.htm · https://www.turismoelvellon.org/ruta_4.htm · https://www.turismoelvellon.org/rutas.htm · https://www.turismoelvellon.org/intro.htm
How to get there and park
The municipality is located north of Madrid, near the A-1 highway corridor. The local road network connects El Vellón with Pedrezuela, El Molar, and nearby towns; El Espartal is located approximately five kilometers east of the main town. Check an official road service before setting out for roadworks, snow, or other issues.
The intercity bus line 193 connects the Plaza de Castilla interchange with Pedrezuela and El Vellón. Schedules and stops are subject to change, so it is necessary to check the current information from the Regional Transport Consortium and verify the last return service. During this inquiry, no reliable official source could be found to confirm a regular connection to El Espartal; please confirm current options before traveling.
No consistent municipal reference to designated tourist parking areas has been found in either of the two towns. Park only where permitted and without blocking streets, access to homes, properties, or agricultural vehicle passages.
Sources:https://www.turismoelvellon.org/ · https://www.crtm.es/datos_lineas/horarios/8193H2.pdf · https://www.comunidad.madrid/centros/vellon
Upcoming parties and plans
In El Vellón, the traditional calendar is marked by the feast of Saint Blaise, celebrated on February 3rd, and the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, whose main celebration usually takes place on the first weekend of October. The tradition of Bread and Cheese on the Sunday before Ascension Day is also maintained, linked to the procession of the image of Saint Blaise and the distribution of food.
In El Espartal, the traditional celebrations highlighted by the municipal tourist information are Saint Joseph's Day and Our Lady of the Pillar, the latter around October 12th. Each village thus maintains its own festive occasions within the same municipality.
These references describe the traditional calendar and do not constitute a confirmed future program. Specific dates, events, and any changes should be verified annually through the City Council's official channels. During this consultation, no current municipal program for future editions was found.
Sources:https://www.turismoelvellon.org/fiestas.htm · https://www.sierranortemadrid.org/fiestas-tipicas-sierra-notre-de-madrid/fiestas-patronales/
Where to sleep
Practical information
The town hall is located at Plaza de la Iglesia, 1, in El Vellón. To confirm the opening of churches, cultural activities, the condition of hiking trails, or available services in El Espartal, please consult the town's official channels before traveling.
AEMET officially registers the municipality as "El Vellón," with the code 28168, and places the reference point for the forecast at an altitude of 888 meters. The forecast applies to the entire municipality; it is advisable to check it before undertaking routes between the two towns, especially on days with heat, rain, wind, or frost.
El Vellón and El Espartal are two distinct towns within the same municipality. Please respect the tranquility of their town centers and, in the countryside, the agricultural and livestock practices. Keep any gates you find locked, do not litter, and avoid approaching heritage buildings through unauthorized areas.
Sources:https://www.comunidad.madrid/centros/vellon · https://www.aemet.es/es/eltiempo/prediccion/municipios/vellon-el-id28168 · https://www.sierranortemadrid.org/pueblo/el-vellon/ · https://www.sierranortemadrid.org/pueblo/el-espartal/
