Towns and villages
The Mills: stone, pastures and paths at the foot of La Peñota
A village in the upper Guadarrama valley where you can discover mountain heritage, literary memory and the yellow of the buckthorn trees in spring.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Los Molinos is located in the upper Guadarrama River valley. The town center retains its irregular streets and stone buildings, while the surrounding paths open up towards meadows and mountain slopes. La Peñota is a prominent feature of the landscape; in spring, the yellow blossoms of the broom add another reason to explore it.
The river played a crucial role in the local economy. Historical records show a license granted in 1546 to Álvaro de Mena to establish a mill. Milling, livestock farming, and the use of the surrounding woodland were integral to the lives of its inhabitants. In 1667, it was granted the title of town and exempted from the jurisdiction of Guadarrama, a pivotal moment in its municipal history.
The heritage allows us to trace other eras: the hermitage of San José bears the date 1737 at its entrance, and the parish church of the Purísima Concepción incorporates elements from various renovations. Closer to our time, the house of the writer Julio Escobar has become a space for memory and culture. Thus, a visit can connect the history of rural work with architecture and literature.
What to see and what to do
The Church of the Immaculate Conception is one of the main stops in the old town. Admire its stone construction and the porch, enclosed by a gate dated 1768. Inside, it preserves an 18th-century Baroque altarpiece. The exact date of the church's construction is uncertain; published dates place it between the 16th and early 17th centuries.
The Hermitage of San José, located at 1 Molino de la Cruz Street, is a single-nave building. Its main lintel bears the date 1737, and nearby stands a group of stone crosses. Please check its opening hours before planning a visit.
The Julio Escobar House Museum introduces visitors to the writer and his family through books, furniture, photographs, and personal belongings. It occupies the Las Angustias house, built in the 1920s and bequeathed to the City Council by Escobar. Please confirm visiting hours and current exhibitions.
To experience the everyday architecture, wander through the streets of the old town, paying attention to doorways, lintels, and granite facades. Route 1667 offers a way to discover the town's historic buildings.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a day trip, start with a stroll through the old town and around the exterior of the parish church. Add a visit to the Julio Escobar House Museum if its opening coincides with your visit, and continue on to the Hermitage of San José. After lunch, you can spend the afternoon on another walk through the town or choose a route through the surrounding area, allowing ample time to complete it.
On a weekend, set aside one day for the village and another for walking. The Stone Route can connect the architecture with the history of the stonemasons; the Pasture Route allows you to dedicate more time to the landscape. Check the route and starting point before deciding.
In spring, consider a trip to observe the broom bushes if they are in bloom. The timing depends on the season. If you arrive by public transport, also factor in travel time between the station, the town center, and the start of your chosen route.
Where to eat
El Colorín is located at Plaza de la Bodega, 2, and offers both dining and accommodation. Their phone number is 91 855 17 76. Casa Santoña, at Plaza de España, 3, is another option in the old town, specializing in anchovies and smoked fish; their phone number is 91 855 37 08.
For a steakhouse meal, Paco is located at Calle Pradillos, 11. These options allow you to plan your dining stop according to your route. Confirm service hours, menu, and reservations directly.
If you require dietary adjustments, consult with the establishment. Adjust your meal time to the full duration of your hike and avoid relying on a service you haven't checked.
Routes and nature
The Stone Route is a circular route of 8 kilometers. Its brochure estimates a time of between two and two hours and forty-five minutes, with a low to medium difficulty level. It begins in El Corralón, at 16 and 18 Herrenzuela Street, and connects buildings in the town with granite quarries.
The Dehesa Route offers an 11-kilometer trail through oak, ash, and holm oak forests. The Bunker Route allows you to explore Civil War fortifications; it follows its published route and respects the existing ruins. These are distinct options, so it's advisable to choose one and plan your entire route.
La Peñota and the Pino de San Roque are also included in the municipal network of routes. For this mountain outing, check the itinerary, elevation gain, and conditions before setting out.
The buckthorn groves are another attraction of the area. They typically bloom in spring, especially in April and May, though this varies from year to year. Please stay on the paths and avoid damaging the plants.
The distances and times shown are approximate. Bring water, maps, and appropriate footwear, check the weather forecast, and plan your return before setting out.
How to get there and park
From Madrid, the approach by car follows the A-6 towards the Guadarrama area and then the M-622 towards Los Molinos. Decide whether you want to reach the town center, the ski resort, or the start of a hiking trail to choose the appropriate access.
Los Molinos station is served by the C-8 commuter rail line, on the branch line towards Cercedilla. Its entrance is located at Glorieta de la Estación, 2. The 688 intercity bus line connects the town with the Moncloa transport hub. Check the stops, timetables, and any service disruptions for your chosen day.
The station has a park-and-ride facility designated as free by the Transport Consortium. Space availability is not guaranteed. In the town center and along the roads, please use designated parking areas and pay attention to signage, especially during events or traffic changes.
Upcoming parties and plans
The San Sebastián festival and the Vaquilla (little bull) are among the most characteristic traditions of Los Molinos, recognized as a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest. The usual schedule revolves around January 20th, with serenades, music, and the popular reenactment of the Vaquilla.
The pilgrimage to the Virgin of Espino takes place on August 15th. The festivities of the Holy Christ of the Good Death, the town's patron saint, are linked to September 14th and include religious ceremonies, social clubs, dances, and bullfighting events.
In spring, the flowering of the broom tree coincides with the Los Molinos festival in Amarillo, dedicated to the landscape and its conservation. Dates and activities for each edition require checking the corresponding program.
These references describe common traditions and times. Consult the current municipal calendar for upcoming confirmed events; do not transfer dates from a previous edition to the next.
Where to sleep
El Colorín offers accommodation at Plaza de la Bodega, 2, in the heart of Los Molinos. The property also has a restaurant. To book a stay, please call 91 855 17 76.
Before booking, please confirm the total price, room type, included services, and cancellation policy. If you are arriving by train or bus, check the route between your stop and the property, as well as transportation options to any activities you wish to do. Listings on this page do not guarantee availability for specific dates.
Practical information
The Town Hall is located at Plaza de España, 1. The municipal tourist information office provides the telephone numbers 91 855 10 13 and 91 855 14 42 for information about the town and its routes. Request maps and brochures before choosing a route.
To visit the Julio Escobar House Museum, confirm its opening hours, access conditions, and available exhibits. At churches, check access inside and respect religious services.
Check the AEMET forecast for Los Molinos and mountain warnings when heading to higher elevations. The weather in the town center may differ from that on the slopes and summits.
If you need information about accessibility, ask about the specific building or route. For trips between towns, also arrange your return transportation; the existence of a route does not guarantee service upon arrival.