Towns and villages
San Martín de Valdeiglesias
La Coracera, the vineyards and the San Juan reservoir: three ways to discover Sierra Oeste.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
San Martín de Valdeiglesias is located in the southwest of the Community of Madrid, in the Alberche Valley. The San Juan and Picadas reservoirs, the surrounding mountains, and dryland crops are part of its landscape. In the town center, the castle and the Plaza Real (Royal Square) offer a starting point for a visit that can continue through vineyards or along the waterfront, depending on the season and access conditions.
The medieval history of the municipality was linked to the monastery of Santa María de Valdeiglesias, located in what is now the municipality of Pelayos de la Presa. In 1434, Álvaro de Luna acquired the lordship from the monks. The construction of the Coracera Castle, a 15th-century fortress that preserves the imprint of seigniorial power in the heart of the town, dates from this period.
The Church of San Martín de Tours and the hermitages complete this historical heritage. The wine tradition adds a thread that reaches into the present day: San Martín lends its name to a sub-region of the Vinos de Madrid Designation of Origin, where the Garnacha and Albillo Real varieties stand out. Visiting a winery offers a glimpse into the relationship between the crops, the landscape, and the life of the region.
What to see and what to do
The Coracera Castle is the main historical site to visit. Its keep and defensive enclosure reveal a fortified 15th-century manor house. Check opening hours and visiting conditions before you go.
In the Plaza Real stands the Church of San Martín de Tours, built in the Herrerian style. Inside, the altarpiece of the main altar is particularly noteworthy; access should be confirmed beforehand. The walk can continue through the streets of the old town and the area around the hermitages.
The Enchanted Forest, on the Marañones road, offers a walk through a garden of plant sculptures, with labyrinths and botanical collections. It's a great option for a family visit: check the opening schedule and the type of ticket you choose.
To experience the wine country, Las Moradas de San Martín offers vineyard and winery tours with tastings. It's located in Pago de los Castillejos, on the M-541 road, kilometer 4.7. Please contact the winery to arrange your visit.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a day trip, start at the Plaça Reial and explore the old town before visiting the castle, once its opening hours are confirmed. After lunch, choose just one activity: the botanical sculpture garden or a pre-arranged winery tour. This way, you can dedicate time to each place and plan your trips without making too many stops.
For a weekend getaway, dedicate one day to heritage and wine, and another to the reservoir area or a trail with confirmed access. Water activities require checking their conditions with the operator. If you plan to participate in a wine tasting, arrange transportation in advance.
Where to eat
The 7 Capillas restaurant is located at Calle del Pilar, 11, within the Hacienda La Coracera estate. It offers Spanish cuisine, specializing in roasts and rice dishes, and also has a café. Telephone: 918 613 491.
Please check the menu, kitchen hours, and reservation conditions for your chosen date. If you'd like to try local wines, you can ask about Garnacha and Albillo Real. Please inform us of any dietary requirements in advance.
Routes and nature
The municipal catalog includes routes such as the Hermitage Route, a 12.68-kilometer circular route, and the 13-kilometer circular route "Among Vineyards and Olive Groves." These are suggestions for exploring different facets of the area; before choosing one, confirm the route, the condition of the paths, and any restrictions.
The San Juan reservoir is another highlight. Virgen de la Nueva beach and El Muro are designated swimming areas, but you should check health advisories, signage, and seasonal services. Authorization does not automatically extend to every cove.
For water activities, please check the participation and navigation conditions with the organizers. For hiking trips, plan your route and arrange your return: transportation from the end of a route and continuous trail markings are not assumed.
How to get there and park
The M-501 is the main access road from the Madrid area. The N-403 connects the town to the main roads of Ávila and Toledo. Choose your route based on your starting point and check for any traffic disruptions.
The intercity bus line 551 connects Madrid, Cuatro Vientos, with San Martín de Valdeiglesias and continues, depending on the route, towards El Tiemblo or Cebreros. Check the stops and departure and return times for your travel day.
The municipal tourist information identifies parking areas at the bullring, Avenida de Madrid, and Aliseda. For the reservoir, there are parking areas at El Muro and Virgen de la Nueva. Please confirm access conditions and respect the signage; space availability is not guaranteed.
Upcoming parties and plans
The festivities for the Virgin of La Nueva are traditionally celebrated in September. The Easter Monday pilgrimage, known as El Hornazo, is another event linked to the patron saint and the area surrounding her hermitage. Saint Martin of Tours' feast day is November 11th.
These references describe the traditional calendar. Events, concerts, tours, and dates for future editions should be confirmed in their respective programs. Wineries and other local venues also offer their own experiences, subject to availability and reservation.
Where to sleep
Hacienda La Coracera offers apartments at Calle del Pilar, 11, in the heart of San Martín de Valdeiglesias. The property also features a café and the 7 Capillas restaurant. Telephone: +34 918 613 491.
Check availability, rates, and conditions directly for your chosen apartment. Confirm which services are included in your booking and inform them of any accessibility needs before booking. For more options, the municipal tourist information office lists other accommodations in the area.
Practical information
The Town Hall is located at Plaza Real, 1. Telephone: 918 611 308. The postal code is 28680. The municipal tourist information office offers information on guided tours, routes and activities in the surrounding area.
Confirm the opening hours of the castle, church, and other establishments before planning your day. At the reservoir, check the notices and access conditions for each area; seasonal services should not be assumed to be available year-round. For hiking, request up-to-date information about your chosen route and check the weather forecast.