Towns and villages
San Agustín del Guadalix: history, pastureland and waterfalls
From the town center and the parish church to the roads of Moncalvillo and the Guadalix River.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
San Agustín del Guadalix is located north of Madrid, next to the A-1 highway and the river that gives it its name. The town center blends seamlessly with a riverside setting, paths, and holm oak groves; towards Moncalvillo, the dehesa (pastureland) opens up into a landscape of Mediterranean grasslands and woodland.
Written records of the town date back to the 13th century. In 1382, it passed from the Crown's control to the lordship of Pedro González de Mendoza, a period in its medieval history that led to further transformations of the municipality. The parish church, built primarily in the 16th century on the site of an earlier temple, stands on the upper part of the town center.
The town's connection to its surroundings is evident both in the paths near the Guadalix River and in the devotion to the Virgin of Navalazarza. The Taral pilgrimage traditionally leads to the Moncalvillo hermitage, while the Hervidero waterfall and the old waterworks invite visitors to explore the landscape on foot.
What to see and what to do
Stroll through the Plaza de la Constitución and head up towards the parish church of San Agustín, located in the upper part of the old town. The church was built primarily in the 16th century and maintains a local connection with the Virgin of Navalazarza. Along the riverbank, you can admire the riverside landscape; outside the old town, the hermitage of Navalazarza, in Moncalvillo, is part of the Taral tradition. Check if it's possible to visit the interiors of these buildings before you travel.
Plan for a day or a weekend
In the morning, explore the Plaza de la Constitución, the nearby streets, and the parish church. After lunch in town, spend the afternoon strolling along the banks of the Guadalix River. For a weekend getaway, reserve a second day for one of the municipal trails to the Moncalvillo pastureland or the Hervidero waterfalls, after checking the route and trail conditions.
Where to eat
The town has bars and restaurants where you can take a break between visiting the town center and heading out into the countryside. Local restaurants have participated in municipal tapas and croquette initiatives; if you're interested in that format, check the current offerings of the establishments before choosing a table. Don't assume that a gastronomic route from previous years is still valid.
Routes and nature
The routes published by the City Council allow you to explore the Moncalvillo pastureland, the banks of the Guadalix River, and the Hervidero waterfalls. Among the points of interest in the area is the Retuerta aqueduct, linked to the old hydraulic infrastructure. The area combines holm oak forest, pastures, and riverside vegetation. Choose a documented route and check its length, access, and current conditions; Hervidero is intended as a scenic spot for contemplation, not as a swimming area.
How to get there and park
By car, the town is accessible from the A-1 motorway via the exits signposted for San Agustín del Guadalix. The Regional Transport Consortium offers intercity bus connections to the Plaza de Castilla interchange, including lines 191 and 193; line 727 connects to Colmenar Viejo. Some routes and stops are subject to change, so it's advisable to check the route and timetable for your day of travel. To visit the town center, use Plaza de la Constitución as a reference point and respect parking regulations.
Upcoming parties and plans
The Taral procession is traditionally held on the third Sunday of May, accompanying the Virgin of Navalazarza to her hermitage in Moncalvillo. Saint Augustine is commemorated on August 28th, and the patron saint festivities in honor of the Virgin of Navalazarza traditionally take place in September. Specific dates, routes, and events for each year should be checked in the corresponding municipal program.
Where to sleep
Practical information
The Town Hall is located at Plaza de la Constitución, 1. To plan a visit to the natural areas, consult the itineraries published by the municipality and check current notices and access points. The Regional Transport Consortium provides up-to-date information on intercity bus lines and stops; opening hours for cultural attractions and restaurants may vary.