Towns and villages
Navas del Rey
History of a village among pine forests, pastures and the Alberche landscape.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Navas del Rey is located in the southwest of the Community of Madrid, in a landscape that connects the foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains with the Gredos region. The Alberche River and the streams of its basin create an environment of pine forests, holm oaks, and agricultural land. In the town center, the squares offer a glimpse into the life of a town whose history is closely tied to the countryside and the transportation routes of this part of Madrid.
The former pastureland maintained ties with the Monastery of Santa María de Valdeiglesias and later came under the jurisdiction of San Martín de Valdeiglesias. The town was consolidated at the end of the 18th century; its municipal autonomy was achieved on April 22, 1819, when Ferdinand VII granted it the title of town. The pillory preserved in the Town Hall commemorates that change, while another example is displayed in the Plaza de España.
The Church of San Eugenio helps trace the town's evolution: its construction was commissioned in 1782, and the building underwent renovations and reconstruction after the Civil War. Outside the town center, the pastureland and the paths towards the Alberche River offer another perspective on the municipality, marked by the relationship between land use and the conservation of its habitats.
What to see and what to do
Plaza de España is a good starting point for exploring the town center and recognizing the pillory associated with its founding. Continue towards the Church of San Eugenio and the Plaza del Reloj and Plaza del Príncipe. The Caño Viejo (Old Fountain) and the horse-shoeing frame preserve the memory of the town's water supply and livestock handling.
The Civil Guard Museum houses the Ángel Bravo collection, which includes uniforms, decorations, photographs, and other artifacts from the history of the force. Please check their visiting conditions beforehand.
Next to the cemetery are the remains of the Cerrillo de los Moros castle. There are differing accounts regarding its dating; it should be approached as an archaeological vestige, without confusing it with the contemporary tower of the town.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a day trip, dedicate the morning to a stroll through the town center and learn about its history. You can add a visit to the Civil Guard Museum if you've confirmed your appointment and stop for lunch in town. In the afternoon, choose a route around La Pinarilla, depending on the conditions at the time.
For a weekend getaway, reserve the second day for one of the municipal trails, such as El Valle towards the Alberche River or Pinarejo. Decide on your route after checking the trail conditions and plan your return before setting out. You can also combine your stay with a visit to the neighboring town of Pelayos de la Presa.
Where to eat
The municipal directory lists Las Casas, at 10 Sandro Pertini Street, telephone 918 650 013; El Puchero de Lili, at 10 Virgen de la Soledad Street, telephone 658 807 949; and La Farola, at 1 Plaza del Príncipe, telephone 646 812 801. Contact the chosen establishment to confirm opening hours, menu, and make a reservation.
The cuisine presented as traditional to the municipality includes Castilian stews, Madrid-style stew, and meat dishes. Among the sweets, mantecados (shortbread cookies) and anise cakes stand out. These are local gastronomic highlights, and their presence on each menu or in each shop should be verified.
Routes and nature
The municipality is included within the Natura 2000 network areas linked to the Alberche and Cofio river basins and holm oak forests. The Dehesa Boyal (common pastureland) and the Picadas gorge are among its landscapes of interest, featuring Mediterranean vegetation and riverine environments.
The municipal hiking route includes El Valle towards the Alberche River, Vallejo Borrego and Pinarilla, El Valle and La Fuente Ruiz, Pinarejo, Socancho, and Bajondillo. La Pinarilla is a nearby option for enjoying the forest landscape. The publication of a trail does not guarantee that it will retain its signage or be passable: check its route and municipal signs before hiking.
The City Council has published notices and information on aid related to the 2026 wildfires. Before organizing a trip to the mountains, check if there are any restrictions or recovery work affecting your chosen route.
How to get there and park
Access from Madrid is via the M-501, the Pantanos road, which connects with the A-5 and the M-40. Plan your entry to the town center following the local signage.
The intercity bus line 551 connects Navas del Rey with Madrid and the San Martín de Valdeiglesias corridor. The CRTM (Regional Transport Consortium of Madrid) currently identifies its Madrid terminus as Cuatro Vientos. Check the route, stops, and daily schedules, including the return journey.
When parking, use only authorized spaces and respect driveways, bus stops, and access points. Check for temporary signage during festivals or events in public squares; space availability and free parking are not guaranteed.
Upcoming parties and plans
The festivities of the Holy Christ of Love are traditionally celebrated around the first weekend of September. Saint Eugene, the town's patron saint, is celebrated on November 15th, and Saint Anthony of Padua is usually celebrated on the weekend closest to June 13th.
The local calendar also includes the Navas y Olé spring fair and the traditions of the "quintos" (young men turning 18 that year), the May Day celebrations, and the New Year's Eve bonfire. Jotas and seguidillas are part of its folk heritage. These references describe traditional customs and dates; to attend an upcoming event, please check the corresponding municipal program.
Where to sleep
Almenara Rural offers tourist apartments in the town center, at Calle de las Seguidillas, 10. Their contact number is 626 030 626. The accommodation features four units: El Guijo, La Solana, La Salinera and La Jimena.
Check available dates, rates, and booking conditions directly. If you require a specific layout or accessibility features, confirm the details of the particular apartment before booking.
Practical information
The Town Hall is located at Plaza de España, 1. Telephone: 918 650 002. The postal code of the municipality is 28695.
Before visiting cultural sites, confirm access conditions: the existence of a museum or heritage building does not imply continuous opening. For outings to the countryside, check the weather forecast and local information regarding trails and restrictions. Choose a route that suits the available time and the group's fitness level.