Towns and villages
Navalafuente: alleyways, meadows and the El Cancho waterfall
A walk among the heritage of San Bartolomé, the stone paths and the landscapes of the foothills of the Sierra Norte.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Navalafuente occupies a transitional landscape between the mountains and the countryside, at the foot of Alto del Pendón. Meadows, holm oaks, ash trees, and oaks surround a town center that allows you to move seamlessly from strolling through its squares to exploring rural paths in a single visit. The views towards La Morcuera and the Sierra de la Cabrera help to situate this corner of the Sierra Norte region of Madrid.
Its medieval history was linked to Bustarviejo and the Sexmo de Lozoya, within the Community of City and Land of Segovia. In 1734, it obtained the title of town and became independent from Bustarviejo; with the provincial division of 1833, it became part of the province of Madrid. Agriculture and livestock farming sustained the life of the village for a long time, and its memory remains present in the horse-shoeing frame and the paths between farms.
The Church of San Bartolomé preserves elements from the late Middle Ages and remnants of Gothic mural paintings, along with later renovations. The Plaza de la Fuente is another place worth visiting: tradition links the town's origins to the spring that fed the valley, although this story doesn't allow us to pinpoint a specific founding date.
What to see and what to do
Begin your exploration at the squares of San Bartolomé, Fuente, and Iglesia. Around these squares, you'll find the village center and some examples of rural architecture. The Church of San Bartolomé is notable for its apse, the chapel with its ribbed vault, and the remains of mural paintings; to visit the interior, please confirm the visiting conditions beforehand.
The horse-shoeing frame, located next to the Town Hall on the Royal Road of Bustarviejo, offers a glimpse into an essential task in the old livestock economy: restraining animals during shoeing. To complete your outing, you can explore the narrow streets or choose the municipal route that leads to El Cancho waterfall.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a day trip, combine a stroll through the squares, the area around the church, and the horse-shoeing frame with the Callejas route. Its circular route returns to the village, so you can leave lunch for after your walk and spend the afternoon relaxing in the old town.
If you'd like to spend more time in the countryside, set aside another day for El Cancho or the Dendro-route. A weekend allows you to experience two distinct landscapes: paths winding through meadows and past stone walls, and rocky outcrops and waterfalls. Choose your routes based on the weather and terrain conditions, and arrange accommodation and transportation in advance.
Where to eat
The municipal tourist directory includes El Tirol, at 1 Eras de Abajo Street, as well as La Taberna de Nava, La Pana, Bar España, Bar Los Ángeles, and Pizzería Megapizza. These are options for a stop in town; confirm with your chosen establishment their opening hours, food service, and whether reservations are available for your visit date.
Routes and nature
The Callejas route is circular and 3.12 km long. It runs along Calleja Ancha and Calleja Estrecha, between ash trees and stone walls, and returns next to the church of San Bartolomé.
The El Cancho route, also a loop, is approximately 5.5 km long from the town center and connects the waterfall with the granite crags of the higher areas. The waterfall is part of the Gargüera stream; its appearance depends on the water flow and rainfall.
The Dendro-route offers a 5.5 km circular walk through the meadows southwest of the village, with information panels about trees and plants. The path to Valdemanco is a longer alternative: municipal information indicates 7 km one way, so you should plan for the return trip. Check the map of each route and current conditions before setting out.
How to get there and park
Navalafuente is accessible by road from the A-1 and M-607 highways, continuing along the local road network. The M-625 runs through the town and serves as a reference point for reaching the town center. When parking, follow the signs and keep clear access to homes, properties, and roads.
The intercity bus line 726 connects Madrid, from Plaza de Castilla, with Navalafuente, passing through Colmenar Viejo, Soto del Real, and Guadalix de la Sierra. Check the Regional Transport Consortium website for stops and return trips for the specific day, as the service varies between weekdays and holidays.
Upcoming parties and plans
The celebrations of Saint Blaise and Saint Agatha are part of the traditional calendar at the beginning of February. Among their customs are the running of the heifers and the bonfires of Candlemas. In August, the festivities of Saint Bartholomew are celebrated, around the feast day of August 24th.
These references describe local traditions. Full dates, events, and times for each edition depend on the municipal program. To complete your visit, also consult the town's current cultural and sporting events calendar.
Where to sleep
Casa Rural El Guadarnés is located at Camino Remosquil, 65, on an estate with rooms converted from former stables. Its project coexists with a sanctuary for senior dogs; it's advisable to check the conditions of stay, especially if you are traveling with children or pets.
Camping Piscis is another option in the municipality, located on the road from Guadalix de la Sierra to Navalafuente. Confirm accommodation options, conditions, and availability for your dates directly.
Practical information
The Town Hall is located at Plaza de San Bartolomé, 1, and its telephone number is 91 843 22 75. The town's postal code is 28729. The tourist information office is located at Calle Iglesia, 13, with the telephone number 91 843 25 26; please confirm if they offer in-person service before visiting.
The municipality provides a map, audio guide, and route descriptions. Planning your route with these materials will help you distinguish between walks through the town center and excursions into the countryside. Please respect properties and livestock, and leave fences as you find them.