Towns and villages
Valdeolmos-Alalpardo
Two historic villages, a medieval tower and country lanes to discover northeast Madrid.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
Valdeolmos-Alalpardo is located in the countryside northeast of Madrid, nestled between the open landscape of farmland and the towns surrounding the Jarama River. The municipality encompasses the historic centers of Valdeolmos and Alalpardo, as well as the Miraval residential development. At TSM, it belongs to the Middle Jarama Basin publishing area.
Both towns were linked to the Community of Villa y Tierra de Talamanca and the lordship of the Archbishopric of Toledo. Their development followed different paths until their administrative union: in 1845 Alalpardo was incorporated into the municipality of Valdeolmos, and in 1943 the transfer of the capital to Alalpardo was authorized. Exploring both town centers helps to understand this shared history without losing sight of the identity of each.
In Alalpardo, the tower of San Cristóbal preserves the memory of an earlier Gothic-Mudéjar church. It survived the fire of 1879 and still provides access to the church through a pointed arch. In Valdeolmos, the parish church of the Immaculate Conception and the old washhouse offer further clues to the town's past, from religious life to the everyday uses of water.
What to see and what to do
In Alalpardo, visit San Cristóbal to see its 14th-century tower and pointed archway. The entrance beneath the tower is one of the church's most distinctive features. Its preservation stands in stark contrast to the loss of much of the previous church in the fire of July 26, 1879.
In Valdeolmos, it includes the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the old washhouse complex. The latter dates from the beginning of the 20th century and is associated with a 17th-century fountain and drinking trough: a small piece of heritage that allows us to remember how water supply and domestic work were organized.
To enter the churches, check with the parishes regarding opening hours. Complete your visit with a stroll through the streets of both town centers; don't assume that worship times are the same as tourist visiting hours.
Plan for a day or a weekend
Start your day in Alalpardo with a visit to the San Cristóbal area and a stroll through the old town. Afterwards, make time for lunch. In the afternoon, travel to Valdeolmos and spend time at the Immaculate Conception church and the old washhouse.
If you prefer to combine heritage and exercise, replace part of your urban stroll with one of the municipal routes, chosen beforehand according to its distance and elevation gain. Don't turn your journey between towns into a walk without first checking a suitable alternative.
For a weekend getaway, you can dedicate one day to the two villages and another to exploring the countryside. Alalpardo offers a range of well-regarded accommodation options; confirm your reservation and plan your routes before finalizing your itinerary.
Where to eat
Asador El Toril is located at Plaza de la Comunidad de Madrid, 7, in Alalpardo. Its cuisine focuses on traditional dishes and roasts; one of its specialties is cocido madrileño, a traditional Madrid stew prepared in a wood-fired oven. The contact number is 916 202 033.
Check when the stew is served and if it requires pre-ordering, as well as the menu and reservation conditions. If you are traveling with children or have dietary needs, please inform the establishment directly.
Routes and nature
The municipality boasts a network of four circular routes, introduced by the City Council in 2022, totaling approximately 34 kilometers. Information panels display distance, elevation gain, and difficulty rating, allowing hikers to choose their starting point before beginning.
The trails offer a glimpse into the countryside and complement a visit to Valdeolmos and Alalpardo. Check the specific route you wish to take and inquire about any current access issues or changes. The presence of signage does not guarantee that all routes are suitable for every person, bicycle, or weather condition.
Respect crops and property, keep paths clear, and bring water. If you only have an afternoon, choose a route long enough to return before dark.
How to get there and park
Access from Madrid can be made via the A-1 and continuing along the M-100, M-106 and M-123 roads. First, identify the area you are heading to: Valdeolmos, Alalpardo and Miraval have different locations within the same municipality.
Intercity bus line 182 is listed in the Consortium's information as connecting Plaza de Castilla, via Algete, to Alalpardo and Valdeolmos. Line 254 connects this route with Alcalá de Henares; its published timetable is for weekdays and includes departures from various points.
Before setting out, confirm the line, stop, and round-trip service for your date. When parking in the city center, use designated parking spaces and keep access to homes and public buildings clear.
Upcoming parties and plans
In Alalpardo, the feast of Saint Sebastian is traditionally celebrated on the Saturday closest to January 20th, and the festivities for Our Lady of the Rosary take place on the fourth Saturday of August. In Valdeolmos, the feast of Our Lady of Beautiful Love is celebrated on the second Saturday of May, and the feast of Christ of the Column on the second Saturday of August. The specific dates and events are detailed in the programs for each year's celebrations.
The Living Nativity Scene has been part of local traditions since 1997, with community participation. Its next performance requires a specific call for volunteers.
Plan confirmed as of the date of this inquiry: the City Council announces the 1st Terrifying Tapas Route for October 31, 2026. Also scheduled for that day are a children's Glow Party at the Valdeolmos Youth Center from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and a Kids' Gymkhana in Rosario Park in Alalpardo from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Both children's activities require prior registration with the City Council at 916 202 153. Check for any updates before attending.
Where to sleep
Natura Rooms offers rooms and studios in Alalpardo, at 4 Alameda Street. Their contact number is 606 582 060. Among the options advertised by the establishment is the studio with a kitchen.
Before booking, please confirm the room type you require, the room capacity, check-in and check-out conditions, and availability for your dates. If you need specific amenities, please request them specifically for your chosen room.
Practical information
The Town Hall is located at Calle Alcalá, 4, in Alalpardo. Their telephone number is 916 202 153; you can inquire about activities, registration, and municipal information.
To plan your visit, check which town each stop is located in. An event advertised in Valdeolmos and another in Alalpardo may require travel that should be added to your day's plan.
Visits inside churches depend on the parishes' conditions. For routes, consult the information panels and municipal offices; for bus services, check the specific schedule.
The coordinates on this card correspond to Alalpardo, the municipal capital identified by AEMET (the Spanish State Meteorological Agency). They do not indicate the center of Valdeolmos or access to a route.