Towns and villages
Navacerrada
A mountain village nestled between the reservoir, the granite squares and the pine forests of La Barranca
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Navacerrada sits in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains, with its town center at an altitude of approximately 1,207 meters. The reservoir and the slopes rising towards La Maliciosa give the municipality a landscape of water, forest, and mountains. A visit to the town requires its own route, separate from the ascent to the Navacerrada pass.
Its history is linked to medieval settlement and the use of the pastures by livestock farmers from Segovia. It was part of the Royal Estate of Manzanares and obtained the title of town in 1636. The Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, with origins in the 16th century and later renovations, allows one to recognize this history in the town center.
The summer season of the 20th century brought new homes and ways of life to the mountain village. Today, the fountains and squares of the town center invite visitors to stroll before heading to the reservoir or spending another day exploring the mountain trails.
What to see and what to do
Begin in Plaza de los Ángeles, where the Town Hall and the fountain of the same name are located. Continue to the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady to admire its tower and architecture from the outside; entry to the church requires checking that it is open. The Canaleja and San Antonio fountains complete a stroll through different corners of the old town.
The reservoir offers a second perspective of the town, with space for walking along the water. The municipal proposal starts at Prado Jerez Street and passes through the Cerca del Concejo Park.
For a hike in the mountains, La Barranca offers a landscape of pine forests and viewpoints. The official route combines the Ortiz Trail with the Las Canchas viewpoint and the esplanade of the old sanatorium; this visit requires planning a mountain hike.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a day trip, dedicate the morning to the town center: Plaza de los Ángeles, the church, and the fountains. Have lunch in town and leave the afternoon to visit the reservoir from Prado Jerez. Adjust your walk according to the path conditions and water level.
If you have a weekend, you can reserve the second day for La Barranca. The official circular route starts at its parking lot, not in the town center. Arrange your transportation to the starting point and back before you leave. Separate this hike from the town walk to allow enough time to choose based on your fitness level and the weather.
Where to eat
Nava Real has a restaurant and café located on Calle de las Huertas, s/n. Their menu includes Castilian cuisine, tapas, meat, and fish dishes. To view the current menu and make a reservation, please call the establishment at 918 531 000.
The Torreón de Navacerrada, located at Calle de la Tejera, 18, also has a restaurant. It allows you to combine a meal with an overnight stay at the same establishment; reservations and inquiries can be made by calling 674 718 572.
Confirm directly with each restaurant the service of the day, prices and any dietary requirements before arranging the visit.
Routes and nature
Reservoir Walk: The proposed municipal route is approximately 3 kilometers long and consists of a circular loop starting from Prado Jerez, passing by the Cerca del Concejo (Town Hall Wall). Water levels may affect the route, so it's advisable to check its condition before attempting to complete it. Bring your own water: the route description does not indicate any water sources.
La Barranca via Miradores and Senda Ortiz: official PNSG 020 route of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. It is a circular route of 10.3 kilometers with 429 meters of accumulated ascent, starting at the La Barranca 1 parking area. It passes through the pine forest and the Canchas and La Barranca viewpoints. It is classified for advanced hikers.
If you're walking from the village, add the approach journey, about 3.2 kilometers to the starting point, and the return trip. Check park notices and the weather forecast, and have the route ready to follow while you walk.
How to get there and park
By car, the M-601 and M-607 highways are the best routes to reach the town. Double-check your destination when planning your navigation: the town center and the Navacerrada mountain pass are different places.
From Madrid, the intercity bus line 691 departs from Moncloa and connects with Navacerrada, passing through Becerril de la Sierra. The Regional Transport Consortium map also shows the 690, towards Collado Mediano and Guadarrama, and the 696, towards the Collado Villalba hospital. Check the current timetables and stops for the specific route to plan both your outbound and return journeys.
For parking, use designated areas and pay attention to local signage. If you are starting the La Barranca route, distinguish its parking area from the parking lot in the village and check for any access restrictions for the day.
Upcoming parties and plans
The traditional calendar has two main reference points: Saint Anthony of Padua, on June 13th, and the Nativity of Our Lady, on September 8th. The celebration of Saint Anthony is linked to the hermitage of Dehesa de la Golondrina and the pilgrimage. The September festivities combine religious services and popular activities.
These dates describe the traditional festivities. To attend a future edition, please confirm the municipal program, the dates of each activity, and the participation requirements before organizing your trip.
Where to sleep
Nava Real offers accommodation on Calle de las Huertas, s/n, within the village. For room availability, rates, and booking conditions, please contact 918 531 000.
The Torreón de Navacerrada is a rural hotel with a restaurant housed in a 19th-century stone building. Its current address is Calle de la Tejera, 18, and its telephone number is 674 718 572.
Both options allow you to plan a stay in the municipality. Confirm availability for your dates, the necessary services, and finalize your reservation with the establishment before traveling.
Practical information
Municipal tourist information is available at the Casa de Guías (Guides' House), located at Paseo de los Españoles, 11. Their telephone number is 608 128 845; please check their hours before visiting. The Town Hall is located at Plaza de los Ángeles, 1, and can be reached at 918 560 006.
The AEMET municipal forecast corresponds to code 28093. Check it along with weather warnings and, for mountain outings, with park guidelines. Visiting the village, walking around the reservoir, and hiking in the mountains require different planning.
Confirm the church is open if you plan to go inside, as well as the availability of restaurants and accommodations, and the bus schedules for your chosen day. At the reservoir, check the condition of the trail; at La Barranca, plan your access to the trailhead and your return to the village.