Towns and villages
Fresno de Torote and Serracines: heritage and walks along the Torote River
Two centers with different histories share a rural municipality: the old Fresno and Serracines, where local life is concentrated and proposals to discover the surroundings begin.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Fresno de Torote is located northeast of Madrid, near the river that shares its name. A visit here involves exploring two distinct areas: Fresno, which retains its old village architecture, and Serracines, where the Town Hall is located and much of the town's activity takes place. The surrounding countryside is characterized by its cultivated fields and riverbanks.
Both villages had their own histories before being united as a municipality in the 19th century. Fresno was linked to the Hurtado de Mendoza family from the 15th century, while Serracines belonged in the 16th century to the estate of Ana de Mendoza, Princess of Éboli. Accounts of the founding of Fresno differ, so a single origin and date cannot be definitively established.
The churches of the Assumption in Fresno and Saint Stephen the Protomartyr in Serracines are reminders of that past. The shift of the population towards Serracines and the growth of residential areas changed the distribution of activity between the two towns. Today, a stroll through Serracines can be combined with the municipal initiatives to visit the lagoon, the pastureland, and the surrounding viewpoints.
What to see and what to do
Begin in Serracines, where you'll find the Church of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr in the Plaza de la Constitución. Its exterior combines brick and masonry and features a bell gable. Before entering, check with the parish and respect the religious services.
In the historic center of Fresno, the Church of the Assumption and the old trades house help illustrate the town's organization, which was linked to agricultural work. Plan your visit by checking the town hall's information on permitted access. The old village includes private property; please only view the area from authorized locations.
To complete your visit with scenery, choose one of the municipal health routes after checking its starting point and route.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a day trip, dedicate the morning to Serracines and the area around San Esteban. If you wish to visit the interior, check opening hours before setting out. Afterward, you can explore one of the hiking trails, adjusting the distance to your pace and the day's conditions.
The stop in the old town of Fresno needs to be arranged separately: confirm where you can access it and how to get there. Don't assume there's a continuous, well-maintained path between the two towns.
For a weekend getaway, combine your visit with other nearby towns and arrange meals and accommodation in advance. If you're traveling by bus, choose the specific stop in Serracines or Fresno and check the return times.
Where to eat
Routes and nature
In December 2025, the City Council presented three health routes: La Dehesa, La Laguna, and El Mirador, with signage made from recycled materials. The advertised distance of 12.4 kilometers refers to the total round trip distance, not the distance of each individual route.
Another municipal publication describes the Healthy Initiation Route as a linear, 1.7-kilometer trail through riverside and wetland environments. Before choosing it, confirm the starting point and whether the indicated distance includes the return trip; plan your return journey as it is a linear route.
Check the signs and the current condition of the trails. For walks near the Torote River, also consult the flood warnings and crossings: the City Council has published restrictions on the bridge at Camino Valle del Río. Check the current situation before entering that crossing. Respect the crops, observe wildlife from a distance, and carry water.
How to get there and park
The M-113 provides access from the Daganzo area towards Ribatejada. Enter your specific destination address: Fresno and Serracines are separate towns within the same municipality.
Line 256 connects Madrid, from Canillejas, with Daganzo and the municipality of Fresno de Torote, with services continuing on to Valdeavero. Line 251 links Torrejón de Ardoz with various surrounding towns and Alcalá de Henares, passing through Fresno and Serracines. Routes vary between trips.
Check with the Regional Transport Consortium to find the bus stop you need and the return and departure times. Park where indicated by signs and avoid blocking access to homes, properties, or roads.
Upcoming parties and plans
The patron saint festivities in August are dedicated to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. They combine religious ceremonies and festive events, the details of which are outlined in the program for each year's celebrations.
For upcoming plans, consult the municipal calendar and the registration requirements for each activity. The August 2026 program corresponds to a celebration that has already taken place at the time of viewing this information sheet; its dates and activities should not be transferred to the next edition.
Where to sleep
Practical information
The Fresno de Torote Town Hall is located in Serracines, at Calle de la Higuera, 2. Its telephone number is 91 879 15 50. You can request information about access to the historic center and municipal routes.
The parish of San Esteban Protomártir, in the Plaza de la Constitución in Serracines, publishes the telephone numbers 91 884 10 96 and 608 824 605. Check the possibility of visiting the church without interfering with religious services.
Check the AEMET forecast for Fresno de Torote before heading out into the countryside and be aware of any local warnings affecting riverbanks and crossings. If you require specific accessibility information, inquire about the building or the particular route.