Towns and villages
Pelayos de la Presa
The Valdeiglesias monastery and the Alberche landscape, next to the San Juan reservoir.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Pelayos de la Presa is located in the southwest of the Community of Madrid, next to the Alberche River and the San Juan Reservoir. Its small area encompasses a town center, residential developments, and hillsides covered with pine and holm oak forests. The water and the landscape lend character to a getaway that allows visitors to combine heritage with outdoor activities.
The history of the valley is closely linked to the monastery of Santa María la Real de Valdeiglesias, founded in the 12th century and associated with the Cistercian order. Its buildings were transformed over the centuries; the 19th-century confiscation of church property and subsequent deterioration left a set of ruins whose restoration was undertaken by the architect Mariano García Benito after acquiring it in 1974. In 2004 he donated it to the municipality, and today it is managed by a foundation.
The town's current name was adopted in 1916 to distinguish it from other towns called Pelayos. There are several theories about its earliest settlements, so a single origin cannot be definitively established. In the second half of the 20th century, the San Juan reservoir spurred its development as a leisure and summer destination, adding a new chapter to the town's relationship with the Alberche River.
What to see and what to do
The Monastery of Santa María la Real de Valdeiglesias is the main heritage site. The complex includes the apse of the church, remains of the cloister, and various monastic buildings, featuring medieval elements and a Baroque façade. Its ruined state is part of the experience and allows visitors to observe the successive construction phases.
The foundation offers self-guided and guided tours; the latter requires prior booking. Please confirm opening hours for your chosen date, as the site may be closed for events.
In the town center, look for the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, the wayside cross dedicated to Saint Blaise, and the fountain with the old pillory next to the Town Hall. These stops offer a glimpse into the town beyond the reservoir.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a full day trip, start with a visit to the monastery after confirming its opening hours and, if you wish, booking a guided tour. Continue with a stroll through the town center and a break for lunch. In the afternoon, you can visit the area around the San Juan reservoir to admire the scenery from its designated access points.
If you have a weekend, dedicate the second morning to one of the routes offered by the municipality, choosing according to the current condition of the path and the time available. The cultural visit and the walk along the Alberche River complement each other perfectly, without needing to focus your entire trip on water activities.
Where to eat
Restaurante Monasterio is located on the Pantano road, s/n, next to the San Juan reservoir. Its menu focuses on rice dishes and meats, and it has a terrace with water views. Telephone: 918 644 010.
To arrange your meal, please consult the current menu, opening hours, and reservation requirements. If you are visiting the village during a day of activities or with a group, please confirm service conditions beforehand. The restaurant and the historic monastery are separate locations, so it's advisable to check the destination when planning your travel arrangements.
Routes and nature
The City Council has selected three routes: the Vía de Picadas trail, the Boquerón trail, and the Laguna trail. The Boquerón trail connects the area around the monastery with San Martín de Valdeiglesias and returns along the edge of Mount Fuenfría. Before choosing this route, review the entire trail and plan your return; it's not a short walk.
The area combines the Alberche River, the pine forests of San Esteban Hill, and the holm oak and scrubland formations of Las Mucas. These are landscapes best explored by following the established route and respecting the access signs.
The San Juan reservoir has designated swimming areas, including El Muro. However, this authorization does not extend to every shoreline and does not imply constant supervision. Please check health advisories, the season, and any current restrictions before planning any water activities.
How to get there and park
The M-501, the Pantanos road, is the main access route from Madrid, with connections from the A-5 and the M-40. It also connects Pelayos with Navas del Rey and San Martín de Valdeiglesias.
The intercity bus line 551 serves this corridor. The CRTM (Regional Transport Consortium of Madrid) identifies its Madrid terminus as Cuatro Vientos; check the route and the specific stop, as well as the departure and return times for the chosen day.
In the town center and at the reservoir access points, park only where authorized and respect temporary signage and emergency access points. Availability of parking spaces or free parking is not guaranteed.
Upcoming parties and plans
San Blas is one of the town's most deeply rooted celebrations, with its traditional day on February 3rd and the eve of Candlemas. The San Blas pilgrimage is usually held at the end of May.
In August, the festivities of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary bring together the town's summer celebrations. These dates are based on the traditional calendar; however, the actual dates, events, and any changes for each year should be confirmed in the official municipal program before traveling.
Where to sleep
Camping Monasterio is located at Camino de la Enfermería, 1, and offers camping, bungalows, and mobile homes. Contact number: 656 872 054.
Check directly with the opening hours, availability for your dates, and conditions of your chosen accommodation. Verify specific amenities, house rules, and any accessibility requirements before booking; the establishment's existence does not guarantee availability.
Practical information
The Town Hall is located at Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 1. Telephone number: 918 645 005. Postal code: 28696.
Guided tours of the monastery require prior booking with the managing foundation. Please also confirm access requirements if you are traveling with children, in a group, or with people with special needs.
Before heading out into the countryside or to the reservoir, check the weather forecast, local advisories, and signage. Plan your transportation separately between the town center, the monastery, and the recreational areas: arriving in town by bus does not guarantee a connection to each point of interest.