Towns and villages
Navarredonda and San Mamés: towns and roads towards La Chorrera
Two mountain villages nestled among meadows, oak groves and pine forests, with churches of medieval origin and a waterfall that invites you to discover the slopes of the Carpetanos Mountains.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Navarredonda and San Mamés form a single municipality nestled at the foot of the Carpetanos Mountains in the Sierra Norte region of Madrid. The two villages retain their distinct character and meeting places, surrounded by meadows, orchards, and oak groves. Higher up, pine forests and open slopes transform the landscape, offering paths towards the mountains.
Its development is linked to the Lordship of Buitrago and an economy based on livestock farming and small-scale agriculture. In the 18th century, the Ensenada Cadastre documented these uses, along with orchards and fruit groves. In the mid-19th century, San Mamés was incorporated into the municipality of Navarredonda. The Civil War caused significant damage and led to the reconstruction of buildings and homes.
The churches of San Miguel and San Mamés preserve the memory of religious heritage, although their renovations belong to different periods. This history now shares the spotlight with rural paths, cheesemaking, and the Chorrera de San Mamés, the waterfall on the Chorro stream that can be reached on foot from the villages.
What to see and what to do
Navarredonda
Explore the area around the Plaza de la Constitución and the Town Hall, and visit the Church of San Miguel Arcángel. Severely damaged during the Civil War, it was rebuilt in 1962 and retains the semicircular Romanesque apse of the previous church. A stroll through the streets reveals houses and buildings related to agricultural and livestock farming.
San Mamés
The church is located just outside the village. Its exterior combines masonry and brick, with decorative details beneath the apse's eaves. It's a worthwhile stop to observe how materials and forms are combined in the religious architecture of the mountains. Confirm its opening hours before planning a visit inside.
La Chorrera and the local cheese
The Chorro stream waterfall is one of the municipality's main hiking destinations. The visit requires an uphill hike; plan your entire route before setting out. The San Mamés cheese factory offers a glimpse into another aspect of the rural economy through its artisanal cheeses. Inquire beforehand about service and purchasing options, as a tour of the production facilities is not included.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a day of hiking, start in San Mamés and set aside the morning to climb to La Chorrera. If you choose the 3.78-kilometer (1.2-mile) municipal linear route, keep in mind that the return trip is also included: repeating the path adds up to approximately 7.56 kilometers (1.5 miles). Afterward, you can have lunch (reservations required) and spend the afternoon exploring Navarredonda and its Church of San Miguel.
If you prefer a day focused on the villages, stroll through both town centers, admire their churches from the outside, and inquire about purchasing artisanal cheese. You can complement your visit with a partial walk along the country lanes, adjusting your return point according to the weather and conditions of the day.
For a weekend getaway, dedicate one day to the Chorrera circular trail, which connects both villages, and another to exploring the village streets and oak groves. Allow time for rest and confirm meals and accommodation before finalizing your plans.
Where to eat
In Navarredonda, Bar La Ronda is listed in the municipal directory as a place to take a break during your visit. Their published phone number is 91 869 50 14.
In San Mamés, the City Council lists Don De Ximena gastrobar and Bar Juana La Loca among the hospitality establishments. These are options you can consider when planning a meal or a snack while exploring the area.
The San Mamés cheese factory produces artisanal cheeses made with local livestock, including goat and cow's milk. The contact number provided by the municipality is 637 742 889. Please confirm availability, products, and purchase options.
Check directly for opening hours, menu and reservation for the chosen day; adjust the end of the route to the meal you have agreed upon.
Routes and nature
From San Mamés to La Chorrera
The City Council describes a linear route of 3.78 kilometers with an ascent of approximately 300 meters, of moderate technical difficulty. This distance is for the climb; the return journey along the same path doubles the distance. The waterfall is about 30 meters high and is part of the Chorro stream. Do not confuse this with a longer circular route.
Circular route through La Chorrera and Navarredonda
Sierra Norte Madrid offers a 12-kilometer route with 389 meters of elevation gain that connects the waterfall with both villages. It combines tracks, trails, pine forests, oak groves, and narrow alleyways between walls. Review the complete route, including intersections and sections alongside roads, before choosing it.
Other local roads
The Town Hall also publishes routes for the Robledal and the Cerro, as well as the access to the Chorrera waterfall from Navarredonda. Choose a specific route and bring your map. Respect fences, livestock, and access signs; check the weather forecast and terrain conditions before setting out.
How to get there and park
From the A-1, one entrance is at exit 74, towards Buitrago del Lozoya and Villavieja del Lozoya. The M-634 leads to San Mamés; for Navarredonda, it connects with the M-635 and the turnoff for the M-974. Another option is to exit the A-1 at kilometer 69, follow the M-604 towards Rascafría, and take the M-634 towards Gargantilla; from there, the M-635 provides access to both towns.
Line 195 departs from Plaza de Castilla and includes Navarredonda on its route to Braojos. Some trips terminate in Canencia: check the destination of your chosen departure point. Circular routes 195A and 195B connect Navarredonda and San Mamés with Buitrago and other towns, via different routes. Check timetables, stops, and return times for your travel date.
When parking, follow the signs and avoid blocking driveways, livestock access points, and walkways needed by residents. Identify the town center and the exact starting point of the route before programming your GPS.
Upcoming parties and plans
San Ildefonso's feast day is traditionally January 23rd, and the municipality describes its celebration as taking place on the nearby Saturday, with food and the traditional "vaquilla" dance. The Fiesta de la Retama (Broom Festival) is linked to Saint Peter's Day, June 29th, or the preceding weekend.
The celebrations in honor of Saint Mamés are traditionally held in August. Navarredonda also has summer festivals at the end of that month and the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel on September 29th.
These references describe local traditions and regular events. To attend an upcoming event, please consult the confirmed annual program: dates, events, and times may change and are not guaranteed here.
Where to sleep
In San Mamés, the municipal directory lists La Chorrera Rural Accommodations, which are organized as independent apartments within stone buildings. The listed telephone number is 686 249 704 and the email address is [email address missing][email protected].
In Navarredonda, Alojamientos Rurales La Nava is another option for staying in the town center and organizing excursions along the valley trails. Confirm the terms and conditions of your stay with the manager.
When booking, identify the area where the accommodation is located and check availability for your dates, capacity, included services, and cancellation policy. If you require any accommodations or are traveling with pets, please inform the property directly.
Practical information
The Town Hall is located at Plaza de la Constitución, 1, in Navarredonda. Telephone: 91 869 51 28. Email:[email protected] can provide guidance on municipal information, celebrations, and inquiries related to the towns.
Navarredonda and San Mamés are two villages within the same municipality. When planning visits, meals, or routes, please specify which one you are heading to. The coordinates on this page correspond to the point in Navarredonda designated as the municipal capital by AEMET (the Spanish State Meteorological Agency).
Visiting the interiors of churches and other establishments requires confirming their operating conditions. For the Chorrera trails, bring water, appropriate footwear and clothing, and consult the complete route map. The distances indicated for a linear route should be supplemented with your return trip plan.