Villas de Madrid: eleven charming destinations that will make you fall in love
07/06/2026
The growing interest in discovering the most authentic corners of the Community of Madrid has turned the Villas of Madrid into undisputed protagonists of rural tourism. This programme, promoted by the regional government, brings together eleven towns recognised for the richness of their cultural heritage, their gastronomic, wine tourism and natural resources, and their ability to offer unique experiences that connect travellers with the purest essence of Madrid’s traditions. From walled medieval towns to enclaves where history, art and nature come together, he Villas of Madrid are an invitation to discover a different Madrid, where time seems to stand still and every corner has a story to tell.
MadRural includes ten of these Villas of Madrid, spread across its four territories. Buitrago del Lozoya, Chinchón, Colmenar de Oreja, Manzanares El Real, Nuevo Baztán, Patones, Rascafría, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Torrelaguna and Villarejo de Salvanés make up this select group of destinations that have managed to preserve their rural authenticity while developing high-quality tourism infrastructure. Each of these villas offers visitors its own world of sensations, from contemplating centuries-old walls to tasting wines with designation of origin, exploring enchanted forests or immersing themselves in surprising museums. What they all have in common is their ability to turn a simple getaway into a memorable experience, full of nuances and discoveries.
A journey through history and heritage
The Villas of Madrid are true guardians of the region’s historical and cultural heritage. Buitrago del Lozoya, with its perfectly preserved medieval walled enclosure, transports visitors back to the times of the Christian conquest. Its walls, declared a National Monument in 1931, are reflected in the waters of the Lozoya River, creating a scene of incomparable beauty. In addition, this town is home to Museo Picasso-Colección Eugenio Arias, a unique space that holds more than sixty works that the brilliant Malaga-born artist gave to his barber, turning the visit into a double cultural experience that brings together medieval grandeur and 20th-century art.
Chinchón stands out for its unmistakable oval-shaped Plaza Mayor, a unique setting in Spain that has witnessed festivities, bullfighting events and markets since the 15th century. Wandering through its cobbled streets, admiring the wooden balconies that surround the square and tasting the famous Chinchón anise in one of its traditional bars means immersing yourself in the essence of Castilian popular architecture. The Parador and the 15th-century castle complete a heritage ensemble that invites visitors to pause and enjoy every detail.
Nuevo Baztán represents an exceptional example of 18th-century Enlightenment urban planning. Designed by the architect José de Churriguera at the request of the entrepreneur Juan de Goyeneche, this Baroque historic-artistic complex includes the imposing Goyeneche Palace and the Church of San Francisco Javier. The town was conceived as an advanced industrial complex that contributed to the modernisation of Bourbon Spain, and today it stands as a fascinating testimony to that era of innovation and ambition. Visiting its historic wineries, also designed by Churriguera, and enjoying wine tastings paired with local products adds a gastronomic touch to the cultural experience.
Torrelaguna, birthplace of Cardinal Cisneros, preserves an impressive heritage that includes the Church of Santa María Magdalena, a masterpiece of Madrid Gothic architecture, the former Hospital of the Santísima Trinidad and the Pósito, as well as its well-kept historic centre. Overlooking the Jarama River, this noble town invites visitors to stroll through its streets while discovering the legends surrounding its centuries-old buildings. The 14th-century grain exchange, now converted into the Alfolí de la Sal restaurant, offers the chance to enjoy traditional Castilian cuisine in an incomparable historic setting.
Nature, gastronomy and unique experiences
The natural richness of the Villas of Madrid is another of their great attractions. Rascafría, located in the beautiful Lozoya Valley and at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, combines nature and spirituality. The Monastery of Santa María del Paular, a jewel of monastic art that houses works by Vicente Carducho, is surrounded by lush forests that invite visitors to hike and contemplate. The natural pools of Las Presillas are a refreshing destination in summer, while in winter the snow-covered landscapes offer a spectacle of serene beauty. As a curiosity, Rascafría hides the Chocolate Natural San Lázaro factory in its town centre, a small paradise for lovers of artisan chocolate.
Manzanares El Real, dominated by the imposing Castle of the Mendoza family, is the gateway to La Pedriza, one of the most spectacular rock formations in the Sierra de Guadarrama. This castle, the best preserved in the Community of Madrid, offers guided tours that tell the story of Madrid’s nobility. On the first weekend of every month, the municipality holds its Artisan Market, where more than forty stalls display local products made by artisans from the area: cheeses, beers, chocolates, basketry and pictorial works that guarantee the quality and tradition of ancestral crafts.
in the Sierra Oeste, is synonymous with excellent wine tourism. Its wines, with their own sub-designation within the D.O. Vinos de Madrid, stand out for the quality of their Garnacha and Albillo Real vines. The Castle of La Coracera and its proximity to the San Juan Reservoir make this villa a perfect destination for combining history, wine and water sports. An essential visit is the Enchanted Forest, a magical space where more than three hundred plant sculptures, the result of topiary art, are displayed among labyrinths, cacti and a natural waterfall, creating a uniquely fantastical atmosphere.
Colmenar de Oreja, the epicentre of wine production in Las Vegas & Alcarria Madrileña, celebrates its Wine Fair every May, an event that brings together more than twenty wineries from the region to offer tastings, olive oil samplings and typical products such as artisan cheeses and traditional sweets. Its arcaded Plaza Mayor and the Ulpiano Checa Museum complete the cultural offering of this villa, which also stands out for its pottery tradition.
Patones de Arriba, with its unusual black slate architecture, is one of the most photogenic villages in Madrid. Its narrow, cobbled streets invite visitors to enjoy peaceful walks leading to corners full of charm. Innovation has also reached this village with the opening of La Cata Gastromarket, the first gastronomic market in the Sierra of Madrid, where visitors can enjoy local, healthy and sustainable products in a welcoming atmosphere with spectacular views.
Villarejo de Salvanés, the former capital of the Encomienda Mayor de Castilla, offers panoramic views over Alcarria Madrileña from its watchtower. Its Cinema Museum, the first professional cinema museum in Spain, houses one of the most important projector collections in Europe, with pieces by Edison and the Lumière Brothers, turning the visit into a fascinating journey through the history of the seventh art.
Very close to the Sierra Oeste of Madrid, you also shouldn’t miss a visit to Navalcarnero, which surprises visitors with its network of underground caves and tunnels, once used as cool storage spaces to preserve food and wine. Today, it is possible to explore some sections of these galleries and eat in cave-wineries such as Cuevas del Príncipe, which offer Castilian cuisine in a unique setting. Above ground, Plaza de Segovia is the heart of local life, where visitors can taste wines with the D.O. Vinos de Madrid and immerse themselves in the municipality’s winemaking tradition.
Authentic places, unique settings
The Villas of Madrid are, in short, a collection of destinations that invite visitors to discover the authenticity of the Madrid region. Each one offers different yet equally enriching experiences: from kayaking at the foot of medieval walls to tasting cocido de taba in Chinchón, exploring enchanted forests or enjoying musical sessions in centuries-old grain exchanges. The combination of historical heritage, natural richness, quality gastronomy and a carefully curated tourism offering makes these eleven towns the perfect destination for those seeking to connect with Madrid’s deepest roots, while enjoying memorable experiences in settings that have preserved their essence over the centuries.