Towns and villages
Soto del Real
The old Chozas de la Sierra, among ash groves, cattle paths and the slopes of the Cuerda Larga mountain range
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Soto del Real lies south of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, with its town center at an altitude of approximately 919 meters. The meadows and ash groves of the foothills extend towards the slopes of the Cuerda Larga and La Najarra mountain ranges. In the town center, the proximity of the main square, the stream, and the church makes it easy to explore the village on foot.
The medieval settlement was linked to shepherds from Segovia and the territory of Real de Manzanares. For centuries it was known as Chozas de la Sierra. The name change to Soto del Real was approved in 1959, following a process initiated by a petition from local residents in 1956. The old name remains part of its local history.
The stone bridge over the Chozas stream and the Church of the Immaculate Conception are the most visible landmarks of the historic center. The parish church tower dates from the 15th century; its interior houses a walnut altarpiece dated 1749. Outside the center, the Hermitage of the Rosary, built in 1954, offers a different perspective of the town and the surrounding mountain landscape.
What to see and what to do
The town square is a good starting point. Head towards the bridge over the Chozas stream, known as the Medieval Bridge: it has a single arch and is made of granite. Its construction date is not precisely known.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception is located at 2 San Sebastián Street. Admire the tower and, if the church is open, the unpainted walnut altarpiece. Confirm entry with the parish by calling 918 476 603.
Continue towards the River Park to see its ash trees, whose shape is reminiscent of traditional pruning to obtain fodder for livestock. Another visit is to the hermitage of Our Lady of the Rosary, in Peña Mingazo: its elevated position offers views of the town and the mountains.
Plan for a day or a weekend
For a day trip, combine a stroll through the square, across the bridge, and past the church with a meal in the town. In the afternoon, you can explore part of the Green Ring or visit the River Park, adjusting the distance to your available time.
For a weekend getaway, dedicate one day to the village and another to a pre-chosen route. The climb up to the area around the Hermitage of Rosario allows you to extend your visit to include the surrounding landscape. If you opt for the mountain trek to Manzanares el Real, set aside a day for it and arrange your return: it ends in a different town.
Where to eat
La Ruta restaurant is located in the Hotel Prado Real, at Calle Prado, 15. It offers Mediterranean cuisine and a variety of tapas and combination plates. For daily specials and reservations, please call 918 478 698; you can also confirm any dietary requirements directly with the restaurant.
Vistas Reales is located in the Cañada de los Rancajales, s/n, outside the town center. It offers a Spanish restaurant and activities on a farm with animals. A tour option is available for the restaurant; please call 629 234 558 to inquire about what your reservation includes and the current terms and conditions.
Choose between eating in the village or traveling to a country estate, depending on your plans for the day. Confirm the menu, prices, and access before your trip.
Routes and nature
Green Ring: a circular route starting and ending in the town square. The town council describes it as easy, linking heritage sites, the Cañada Real (Royal Cattle Track), amphibian ponds, and sports areas. It's a great way to explore different environments near the town; get the route map to choose the section you want to complete.
Soto del Real–Manzanares el Real: Green Route 7.12 of the Regional Transport Consortium, 18 kilometers long and of medium-high difficulty. It passes by the Hermitage of Rosario, the Hoya de San Blas and La Pedriza before ending in Manzanares. After about 8 kilometers, the tracks give way to trails among the rocks.
The route description warns of an isolated section where hiking alone is not recommended, and of the lack of shade and water sources in extreme heat. Preparation, personal water, and familiarity with the route are essential. Check park warnings and plan your transportation from your destination; the route does not return to the starting point.
How to get there and park
By car, access from Madrid is via the M-607 and the M-609 connection. The M-608 connects the area with Manzanares el Real and Guadalix de la Sierra.
The Regional Transport Consortium's line 725 connects Madrid, from Plaza de Castilla, with the corridor encompassing Soto del Real, Miraflores, Bustarviejo, and Valdemanco. Check the specific stop, daily timetable, and any service changes before planning your outbound and return journeys.
To park, use designated areas and check the signs in the town center. During the festivities, access may be restricted due to processions or other street activities. If your visit includes a hike that ends in Manzanares, plan your return before leaving your car in Soto.
Upcoming parties and plans
The traditional calendar includes La Maya on May 3rd; the August festivities, around the first Sunday of the month; the pilgrimage on August 15th; and the celebration of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7th. These references describe the municipality's traditions and do not replace the program for each event.
Confirmed plans for October 2026: The City Council has updated the Rosario festivities due to the forecast of rain, distributing activities from October 3rd to 11th. On the 3rd, the choral concert "The Song of the Sibyl" is scheduled for 7:30 pm in the church. On the 7th, the mass and procession will take place at 12:00 pm, and the traditional "potatoes with meat" will be served at 2:30 pm in the River Park.
The updated program also announces a guided tour on October 11th at 10:00 AM, departing from the Tourist Office. Please confirm participation requirements and any changes before attending. Information verified on October 2, 2026.
Where to sleep
Hotel Prado Real: accommodation at Calle Prado, 15, with a restaurant on the premises. Inquiries and reservations can be made by calling 918 478 698.
The municipal directory also includes A.R. Apartamentos, at Avenida de España, 1, telephone 637 825 695, and Apartamentos Cuerda Larga, at Calle Cristal, 37, telephone 625 188 101. These are alternatives for booking an apartment stay.
Contact your chosen accommodation to confirm they accept bookings for your dates, their rates, and the services you require. The inclusion of these properties does not guarantee room or apartment availability.
Practical information
To prepare for your visit, the municipal tourist information office can be reached by phone at 696 364 478 and by [email protected] the availability and conditions of guided tours before you travel. The Town Hall is located at Plaza de la Villa, 1, telephone 918 476 004.
The AEMET municipal forecast code is 28144. Check the weather and current warnings before setting out; for hikes that go into the mountains, also check the park's signage.
A visit to the exterior of the bridge and church can be arranged as part of a walk through the old town. To enter the church, confirm its opening with the parish. Bring the route map if you're hiking the Green Ring or venturing into the mountains, and check transport schedules from your final destination. During the Rosario festivities in October 2026, check the updated program, as some activities have been rescheduled due to the forecast of rain.