Villas of Madrid: eleven charming destinations in the Community of Madrid
07/06/2026
The Villas of Madrid are eleven municipalities selected for their cultural heritage, enviable natural wealth and outstanding historical value. This initiative promotes rural tourism in the Community of Madrid and has been specially developed for travellers looking to disconnect and discover the history and traditions of these destinations in depth. In all of them, visitors can find everything from medieval historic centres to natural surroundings of incomparable beauty. Everything you need to enjoy Madrid in a very different way.
What are the Villas of Madrid?
Travellers will find a selection of eleven towns that stand out for their special interest and tourist appeal. This project seeks to revitalise rural tourism in the Community of Madrid, inviting visitors to discover the history, culture and landscapes of these towns. These villas offer unique and authentic experiences rooted in the deepest traditions of each municipality, perfect for weekend getaways or family visits. You can view all the experiences in the Villas of Madrid at this link.
Las once Villas de Madrid y sus encantos
Buitrago del Lozoya (Sierra Norte de Madrid)
Buitrago del Lozoya is one of the medieval gems of the Community of Madrid. Its walled enclosure, one of the best preserved in the region, stands out as the town’s main attraction. It was declared a national monument in 1931, and its construction dates back to the time of the Christian conquest, between the 11th and 12th centuries. As if that were not enough, Buitrago del Lozoya is also home to the Picasso Museum–Eugenio Arias Collection, which features a collection of works by the Malaga-born artist with a very unique story behind it. Its medieval festivals are also well known, when the town comes alive with period costumes, markets and performances that recreate the atmosphere of those times.
Chinchón (Las Vegas y Alcarria Madrileña)
The town of Chinchón is known for its Plaza Mayor and for the architecture of its surroundings, dating back to the 15th century. Its iconic oval-shaped structure is unique and truly worth admiring. It provides the perfect setting for local festivities and bullfighting events. Chinchón is also known for its production of wine and anise, an artisanal liqueur that has been made since the 17th century and currently holds a Geographical Designation. Its exceptional gastronomy and the chance to wander through streets that transport you to another era are charms in themselves. Its Parador, built by the first Lords of Chinchón, is today one of the most visited historic buildings in the town. Together with the castle, also dating from the 15th century, Chinchón stands out as an essential stop in the region.
Colmenar de Oreja (Las Vegas y Alcarria Madrileña)
Colmenar de Oreja is one of the most attractive municipalities in Las Vegas and Alcarria Madrileña, with points of interest such as its Plaza Mayor and the Ulpiano Checa Museum. This town is also an epicentre of wine production in the region, and many of its wineries offer all kinds of guided tours and tastings of some of the best wines in the area. Colmenar de Oreja is also a town with a deep-rooted pottery tradition and ancient artisan processes that visitors can still enjoy today through routes that guide them through its traditional crafts.
Manzanares El Real (Sierra de Guadarrama)
Manzanares El Real is located at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. Without a doubt, it is one of the most suitable towns for those looking to be carried away by nature and history. The Castle of the Mendoza family, an impressive medieval fortress that dominates the town’s iconic silhouette, offers guided tours that tell the story of Madrid’s nobility. Over the years, Manzanares El Real has also become an important starting point for hiking routes leading to places of great beauty such as La Pedriza.
Nuevo Baztán (Las Vegas y Alcarria Madrileña)
Nuevo Baztán is a municipality that stands out above all for its impressive historic-artistic complex, headed by the Goyeneche Palace and the Church of San Francisco Javier. The town was founded between 1709 and 1713 by the politician and entrepreneur Juan de Goyeneche. For years, it was home to the most advanced industrial complex of its time, a pillar of the modernization and industrialization of Bourbon Spain. Declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1941, the town of Nuevo Baztán is today one of the most spectacular destinations in the Community of Madrid for admiring examples of Madrid Baroque architecture.
Rascafría (Sierra Norte de Madrid)
Rascafría, in the Sierra Norte of Madrid, is a destination that has become firmly established as perfect for nature lovers. It is located in the Lozoya Valley and, among its greatest attractions, is home to the Monastery of Santa María de El Paular, a building that blends Gothic and Renaissance architecture and is surrounded by lush forests. Nearby, the natural pools of Las Presillas are the place of choice for those looking to enjoy summer in the Community of Madrid. Its hiking routes have become an ideal option for anyone wishing to enjoy stunning natural surroundings at any time of year.
San Martín de Valdeiglesias (Sierra Oeste de Madrid)
San Martín de Valdeiglesias is one of the most visited towns in the Sierra Oeste of Madrid. Its Coracera Castle stands imposingly over the town’s skyline. Its proximity to the San Juan Reservoir makes it a perfect destination for water sports. Wine tourism lovers have also turned this town into an ideal place to enjoy wines with Protected Designation of Origin. In San Martín de Valdeiglesias, there is also time to experience its history, traditions and all kinds of outdoor activities in a single getaway.
Torrelaguna (Sierra Norte de Madrid)
Torrelaguna is one of the municipalities with the richest historical heritage in the Community of Madrid. Among all its monuments, the Gothic-style Church of Santa María Magdalena and its Plaza Mayor particularly stand out, offering a perfect place to pause and admire its medieval architecture. It was the birthplace of Cardinal Cisneros, a key historical figure in Renaissance Spain, and still preserves historic buildings that tell numerous legends about this impressive noble town. Overlooking the Jarama River, it is one of the most visited towns in the Sierra Norte of Madrid. In Torrelaguna, visitors can trace the passage of history.
Villarejo de Salvanés (Las Vegas y Alcarria Madrileña)
This municipality is well known for its medieval castle and the Church of San Andrés Apóstol, built by the Military Order of Santiago in the style of a fortress. Villarejo de Salvanés also has a long-standing agricultural tradition, and its festivals are a wonderful opportunity to explore rural life in the Community of Madrid. Places such as the Casa de la Tercia, the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Victoria and its truly unique Cinema Museum make any experience in the town unforgettable.
Patones (Sierra Norte de Madrid)
Patones de Arriba is one of the most beautiful villages in the Community of Madrid. Among its streets, visitors can find fine examples of its traditional architecture: dark stone houses and slate roofs. Wandering through its corners, connected by narrow cobbled streets, makes Patones de Arriba an ideal place for a getaway in search of rest and relaxation. Patones has also become an excellent starting point for hiking routes through the mountains and the surrounding area. Its civil heritage and gastronomy are just some of the reasons to explore this unforgettable village.
Navalcarnero
In the streets of Navalcarnero, history, tradition and wine tourism come together. The heart of life in this town, located in Plaza de Segovia, is a magnificent starting point from which to take a closer look at its traditional Madrid-style architecture and begin a route through its underground wineries, each of which tells dozens of stories about its long winemaking tradition. One of the municipality’s great strengths is its gastronomy, rich in traditional dishes, as well as having become an ideal destination for those seeking to discover an authentic and traditional side of Madrid.
