Towns and villages
Miraflores de la Sierra
Fountains, summer villas and the memory of Vicente Aleixandre at the foot of La Najarra
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
In Miraflores de la Sierra, the mountains begin to make their presence felt among the village streets. La Najarra dominates the horizon, while oak and pine forests surround the village center, situated at an altitude of approximately 1,140 meters. Its location next to the roads leading to the Canencia and La Morcuera mountain passes makes it easy to combine a visit to the squares and fountains with a day of hiking.
Before being called Miraflores, the town was Porquerizas. Its medieval development was linked to the Royal Estate of Manzanares and the lordship of the Mendoza family. On December 24, 1523, it received the title of town, with its own jurisdiction. The Church of the Assumption helps to visualize this history: its construction incorporates works from different periods, from the transformation of the medieval temple to later expansions.
From the late 19th century, summering added another layer to the urban landscape. The garden villas of La Colonia show how the former mountain village also became a place of rest for Madrid families. Vicente Aleixandre spent long periods here, and his memory accompanies a promenade that links the historic center with poetry. Between the Fuente Nueva fountain, the mountain houses, and the summer residences, Miraflores preserves the traces of these different ways of living in the mountains.
What to see and what to do
The town center and the Aleixandre Walk. It begins in Plaza de España and follows José Yáñez and Santa María streets to the church. You can continue towards Plaza del Rollo, with the monument to the dog keeper, and Calle Mayor. The walk allows you to admire traditional mountain houses and visit places associated with Vicente Aleixandre without leaving the town.
Church of the Assumption of Our Lady. Construction of the tower began in 1511. Inside, the apse and transept retain the late Gothic style, while the nave dates from a later period. Please check with the parish regarding entry and respect the religious services.
Fuente Nueva (New Fountain). Located on Calle Mayor, this 1791 structure is a good place to stop and observe the importance of the water supply in the life of the town. Its basins form part of an urban landscape that has attracted painters and photographers.
The Plaza del Álamo and La Colonia. The monument to the ancient elm tree and the bust of Aleixandre link the town's memory with its literary history. Towards the roads to Rascafría and Canencia, the summer villas of La Colonia appear: they can be viewed from public spaces, respecting private property.
The Grotto of Our Lady of Begoña, created in 1952, is another of the municipality's unique sites. A visit can be combined with a trip to the Fuente del Cura (Priest's Fountain); please check access conditions beforehand.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a day trip, dedicate the morning to the historic center. Starting from Plaza de España, follow the route to the church, Plaza del Rollo, Fuente Nueva, and Plaza del Álamo. This suggested walking route includes stops to admire the buildings and learn about the legacy of Vicente Aleixandre; entry to the church depends on its opening hours.
After lunch in the village, choose between exploring the villas of La Colonia or visiting the Begoña Cave and the Priest's Fountain. This second option allows you to swap the streets for the edge of the mountain without adding a climb to your day. Adjust your movements according to the available daylight and the day's conditions.
For a weekend getaway, reserve the first day for the old town and the second for the 10.6-kilometer La Parada del Rey route. Use the municipal itinerary and plan your entire excursion before booking lunch. If you prefer a shorter walk, the Paseo de las Fuentes offers a 5-kilometer circular route. Book accommodation and meals separately and check your return trip if you're arriving by bus.
Where to eat
The Paseo de los Álamos offers several dining options near the city center. Local cuisine features grilled meats, mountain beef, cheeses, and seasonal produce.
Mesón Maito, located at Paseo de los Álamos, 5, has been serving grilled meats and wood-fired roasts since 1941. Telephone: 91 844 35 67.
Brindis Sierra, located at Paseo de los Álamos, 8, occupies the former Hotel Victoria and offers Spanish cuisine, with a dining room and terrace. Telephone: 910 148 046.
La Muñequilla, at Paseo de los Álamos, 6. The hotel restaurant specializes in stews and seasonal produce. Telephone: 91 844 94 65.
Check with each establishment for kitchen opening hours, menu, and reservation availability. The dishes listed describe their culinary offerings and may vary.
Routes and nature
The King's Stop via Monte Aguirre and La Raya, SL-02. This municipal route is 10.6 kilometers long and has an elevation gain of 420 meters. It starts at the Fuente del Cura recreation area, crosses oak and pine forests, reaches La Parada del Rey, and returns via La Raya to the starting point. The route offers views of the changing vegetation and the Miraflores reservoir. Consult the complete route before setting out.
Humilladero de San Blas, SL-03. The published route is 7.83 kilometers long: it begins at the Fuente del Cura (Priest's Fountain) and ends in the town center. It connects the Mirador de la Muñequilla (Little Doll's Viewpoint) with San Blas and continues through pastures and livestock trails. It includes road crossings towards Soto del Real and Guadalix, so it is advisable to check the route and pay attention to traffic.
The Fountain Walk is a 5-kilometer circular route that combines streets, the area around the Priest's Fountain, and wooded sections. Water and historic fountains serve as the central theme of the walk; bringing your own water means you won't have to rely on public taps.
For hikes, check the weather forecast and any warnings from protected areas. Use established trails and take your trash with you. Distances don't guarantee a route is suitable for everyone: consider the elevation gain, terrain, and the experience level of your group.
How to get there and park
By car from Madrid, the usual route is via the M-607, continuing towards Soto del Real and then the M-611 to Miraflores. From the A-1, you can also reach Miraflores via Venturada, the M-608 towards Guadalix de la Sierra, and then the M-626. Check for any road closures before choosing your route.
The intercity bus line 725 connects the town to Madrid, departing from the Plaza de Castilla transport hub. Check the timetable for your travel date and the return stop before leaving the capital. The bus to the town center alone does not provide access to mountain passes or the start of a hiking route.
To visit the town center, the City Council has designated parking areas on Reina Victoria Street, Río Street next to the supermarket, and the open area on Alto del Rubio Street. Please use the marked spaces and check the terms and conditions on-site. From the parking area, you can continue on foot to the town center; however, parking availability and free access are not guaranteed.
Upcoming parties and plans
Saint Blaise's Day, on February 3rd, is one of Miraflores' most distinctive celebrations. The tradition includes the pilgrimage to the wayside shrine and the presence of the dog handlers, whose cowbells are an integral part of the local festive identity. The story linking them to the flight of Napoleonic troops belongs to local legend. Potatoes with cod are associated with this celebration.
San Isidro, on May 15th, commemorates the town's agricultural past with its religious traditions. Around August 15th, the patron saint festivities of the Assumption of Our Lady take place, combining a procession and popular events, including bullfighting.
These dates describe the traditional schedule. To attend a future edition, please check the municipal program: concerts, tours, times, and activities may change each year.
Where to sleep
Hotel La Muñequilla, located at Paseo de los Álamos, 6, offers accommodations in the city center. The hotel offers rooms and also advertises an apartment option with two bedrooms and a kitchen. Reservations: +34 91 844 94 65. Email:[email protected].
Before booking, check availability for your dates, the type of accommodation, included services, and cancellation policy. If you need parking, are traveling with a pet, or have mobility requirements, arrange these details directly with the property. Staying in the village makes it easy to separate a stroll through town from a hike in the mountains the next day.
Practical information
The Tourist Office is located at 7 José Yáñez Street. You can request information about the old town, routes, and activities [email protected] municipal service information sheet indicates the telephone number 91 844 91 41, extension 4. Confirm their availability before traveling.
The town center and villas of La Colonia are best explored from the streets and public spaces. To enter the church or the Grotto of Begoña, please check opening hours and visiting conditions. Access to the interiors of private residences is not permitted.
If you're going for a walk, get a map or the municipal route and note the distance of the trail from the distance needed to reach its starting point. Plan your return trip as well: the San Blas route begins at the Fuente del Cura (Priest's Fountain) and ends in the town center.
To prepare for your outing, you can consult the AEMET municipal forecast, code 28085. For excursions to higher altitudes, also check the mountain forecast and any current warnings. The weather forecast for the city center does not reflect all the conditions at the summits.