Towns and villages
Madarcos: mountain architecture and paths along the Madarquillos
A small village at the foot of Somosierra where stone houses, the memory of trades and pastures invite you to explore the landscape calmly.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Madarcos is nestled in the foothills of the Somosierra mountain range, amidst hills, meadows, and the Madarquillos River. Its small size allows for a close-up view of the landscape of meadows and ash trees that surrounds the town.
The traditional houses, with their stone walls and gabled roofs, share space with old farmyards and orchards. The forge and the horse-shoeing frame are reminders of the livestock and agricultural work that organized the daily life of the village for generations.
No documented founding date is known. The parish church of Santa Ana, built in the 17th century, offers a concrete historical reference; the local testimonies gathered along the emotional route help to understand how trades, irrigation, and local life continued to change in more recent times.
What to see and what to do
Begin at the Church of Santa Ana and stroll through the streets, taking in the stone houses, farmyards, and small vegetable gardens. The horse-shoeing frame, the old forge, and the water trough reveal everyday uses related to livestock and water. The "Secrets of Madarcos" emotional route connects these places with memories etched by residents of different generations; it also includes the old school, the clock used for irrigation turns, and Paulino's mill. The walk through the village center can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, and you can then extend your visit towards the pastureland.
Plan for a day or a weekend
Spend the morning exploring the town center and recognizing the stops on the emotional route: the church, the forge, the horse-riding frame, and the area around the fountain and the stone basin. After lunch, choose one of the marked trails that start from the town to discover the pastureland and the landscape of Madarquillos. If you have a weekend, set aside a second day for a longer hike and a leisurely visit to the nearby towns in the middle Lozoya Valley. Adjust your walk according to the current trail information and the day's conditions.
Where to eat
The Town Hall includes Bar La Fragua, located at Calle del Calvario 1D, among the village's dining options. It occupies a renovated building that evokes the old blacksmith's trade. It's advisable to check directly with the establishment if they offer food during your visit.
Routes and nature
The surrounding area combines ash groves, meadows, hillsides, and the banks of the Madarquillos River. The Town Hall offers several marked trails of varying lengths starting from Madarcos, including options of 2.5, 4.2, and 9.5 kilometers. For a scenic outing, look for the Collado de la Dehesilla trail or the Madarquillos River routes promoted by Sierra Norte Madrid. Check the current route and its directions before setting out, as some options veer away from the town center and follow rural roads.
How to get there and park
From Madrid, take the A-1 motorway and then local roads. The Town Hall describes access routes through Buitrago and Piñuécar towards the Madarcos turnoff, or via Aoslos and Horcajo de la Sierra. For public transport, the Regional Transport Consortium identifies line 191B, which runs between Buitrago del Lozoya and Somosierra, passing through Madarcos. Check specific services and connections before your trip. When parking, follow local signs and avoid blocking streets, access roads, and driveways.
Upcoming parties and plans
Saint Anne is the patron saint of Madarcos, and the traditional days for her festivities are July 25th and 26th, linked to Saint James the Apostle and Saint Anne. The Town Hall also recognizes the Day of the Angel on March 1st, and the events dedicated to preserving and reviving traditions, known as Madarcos Yesterday and Today. The 17th edition of this event is officially scheduled for October 3rd, 2026, featuring crafts and activities related to traditional trades; the detailed program may be updated.
Where to sleep
The Town Hall lists several rural accommodations in Madarcos: Posada Abrazamozas, at 9 Eras Street; Casa de la Maestra 1 and 2, at 11 Eras Street; and Casa del Baile, at 1 Panza Street. These are options for extending your stay in the village and exploring the surrounding area over two days. Check directly for conditions and availability before planning your trip.
Practical information
The Madarcos Town Hall is located at Calle Santa Ana 4, postal code 28755; its telephone number is 91 868 14 61. The municipality's AEMET code is 28078. To plan an excursion, consult the weather forecast, updated route information, and the services of the Regional Transport Consortium. In the town center and on the paths, please respect residential areas, orchards, and livestock fences.