Areas
Upper Lozoya Valley
Nestled between peaks and forests, the valley invites you to breathe.
Automatically translated from Spanish. Leer original en español
The Upper Lozoya Valley showcases the high mountain face of the Sierra Norte of Madrid. The peaks of the Guadarrama Mountains, the pine forests, the meadows, and the waterways shape a landscape that changes with the seasons. Its tourist area encompasses Rascafría and Oteruelo del Valle, Alameda del Valle, Pinilla del Valle, Lozoya, Canencia, Garganta de los Montes and El Cuadrón, Gargantilla del Lozoya and Pinilla de Buitrago, and Navarredonda and San Mamés.
Nature offers some of its most spectacular scenery here, from the Peñalara massif and the landscapes of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park to the area around the Pinilla reservoir and the Purgatorio waterfall. The trails allow you to combine walks along the water with hikes through forests and mountain ascents.
The region's heritage adds another dimension to the journey. The Monastery of Santa María de El Paular, in Rascafría, is one of the valley's major cultural landmarks. In Pinilla del Valle, the archaeological sites of the Neanderthal Valley offer a glimpse into a much more distant past and help visitors understand the importance of this area for studying our ancestors.
The charm of the mountains can also be found in smaller places: the historic bridges of Canencia, the horse-shoeing frame of Garganta de los Montes, the streets of Navarredonda, or the views of the reservoir from Lozoya. The Chorrera de San Mamés waterfall offers another remarkable route through rocks and pine forests, while Gargantilla del Lozoya and Pinilla de Buitrago invite you to linger and appreciate their rural surroundings.
It's an area perfect for leisurely walks, exploring villages, and combining culture with outdoor activities. Rural accommodations and restaurants allow you to extend your visit and enjoy the valley beyond a simple day trip.