Attractions and Places To See around Chapinería - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Chapinería offer a blend of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural beauty within the Sierra Oeste of Madrid. The municipality is characterized by its tranquil setting, surrounded by oak groves and featuring the Alberche river area. Visitors can explore a variety of sites ranging from ancient buildings to significant natural features. This area provides opportunities for both cultural exploration and outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
Best attractions and places to see around Chapinería
- The most popular attractions is Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex, a man-made monument that features large antennas and radio telescopes. Built in 1964, this center is owned by NASA and uses 6 antennas for tracking vehicles and space probes.
- Another must-see spot is Navahonda Hermitage, a religious building. This modest stone church dates from the 16th and 17th centuries, and legend states it was visited by King Philip II.
- Visitors also love Alberche Greenway, a cycle way built on the old route of a railway. It offers a cycling experience through the canyon of the Alberche river, which is dammed by the Picadas reservoir.
- Chapinería is known for its historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore ancient churches, palaces, environmental centers, and numerous hiking and cycling routes.
- The attractions around Chapinería are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 30 upvotes and 17 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Picadas Reservoir
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Navahonda Hermitage
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Alberche Greenway
Highlight • Cycleway
The railway was planned in 1930 as a secondary branch of the main Madrid-Almorox line. The plan was to create a railway communication route between Aldea del Fresno and Arenas de San Pedro, passing through Pelayos de la Presa, San Martín de Valdeiglesias and the Tiétar valley. The works began very lively, bridges were built and remains of the track bed remain in several sections, but the arrival of the Civil War cut off the works and they were never resumed. Now, the sections built almost a century ago are a wonderful greenway in the Sierra Oeste.
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Picadas Reservoir
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Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex
Highlight • Monument
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Beautiful and easy path along the Alberche river.
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La Presa de Picadas is a hydraulic infrastructure located on the Alberche River, which gives rise to the reservoir of the same name. Surrounded by a natural environment of great beauty, it stands out for its rugged landscapes, pine forests, and calm waters, making it an ideal point of interest to enjoy nature in the Sierra Oeste of Madrid.
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The Embalse de Picadas is a natural enclave located on the course of the Alberche river, surrounded by pine forests and steep slopes that create a landscape of great beauty. Its calm waters and uncrowded environment make it an ideal place to enjoy nature in the Sierra Oeste of Madrid.
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Impressive antenna installation. Beautiful road with little traffic.
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The section between San Martín de Valdeiglesias and Aldea del Fresno is very comforting due to the route of the old Alberche train. The path is favorable and you simply have to maintain your inertia through the pine forests of Pelayos de la Presa and the shore of the Picadas reservoir to the dam wall, a delightful cycling ride. At the dam you have to cross a small slope and go down to the Alberche River bridge in Aldea del Fresno, which due to recent floods was under repair the day we passed. The route continues along the entertaining and sandy Camino de Navayuncosa, passing by the Palace of the Count of Caralt and following a section of the old railway to Villamanta, where we once again find damage to the road due to flooding. In the municipality of Navalcarnero we follow the milestones of CiclaMadrid along the rural roads marked with carved and sculpted granite posts with the names of the paths and roads of the municipality, on the map it says Camino de Madrid and on the stone post Camino from Valdeyeso. Navalcarnero has a stop in the square, it is monumental and a good place to have the last snack before the final push. In the Dehesa de Marimartín we reconnect with the route of the old Alberche railway, we pass over the iron bridge of the Guadarrama River and along the greenway we immediately arrive at the lonely streets of Mostoles Tecnológico. In this section, the CiclaMadrid milestones follow a rather uncomfortable livestock route through industrial estates and urban areas, until they cross the peripheral urbanizations of Villaviciosa de Odón and through the old military camps of Venta de la Rubia and the Meaques stream, they enter the Cottage.
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The Navahonda hermitage exists as a result of an appearance of the Virgin of Navahonda in an oak tree, to a rancher from Robledo de Chavela, indicating the place of her burial. To get to the Ermita from Robledo de Chavela you must first climb the demanding peak of Navahonda and then descend its mountaineering technique.
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This hermitage, with a date of construction, houses the image of the Virgin of Navahonda. This image was hidden in these mountains by the Segovians to protect it from the Muslims during their stay on the peninsula. Hidden for 400 years until 1113, the death of a count causes the disappearance of the Virgin in Oak lands. A farmer found her, and the town of Robledo then decided to worship her and build a hermitage with her name. The Segovians find out about this and leave for the town of Madrid with mules to recover their virgin. Legend has it that, however, when going to begin the path, the mules refuse to advance through the intercession of the virgin to stay in that place. Its year of construction is unknown, although it must be before the 19th century. XVI, since there is evidence of a visit to the temple of King Felipe II.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in Chapinería?
Chapinería offers several historical landmarks. You can visit the 17th-century Iglesia Parroquial de la Purísima Concepción, known for its Herrerian style and Churrigueresque altarpiece. Another significant site is the Palacio del Marquesado de Villanueva de la Sagra, also from the 17th century, which served as a hunting residence and now functions as a civic center. Don't miss the ancient refuge for travelers, El Bombo, dating back to 1750, and the 18th-century Vía Crucis. Additionally, the Navahonda Hermitage is a modest stone church from the 16th and 17th centuries with a rich history.
Where can I experience nature and outdoor activities in Chapinería?
Chapinería is surrounded by natural beauty, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can explore the tranquil Encinares de Chapinería, oak groves offering a natural refuge. The Centro de Educación Ambiental «El Águila» provides insights into the local ecosystem and serves as a starting point for numerous hiking routes. For cycling, the Alberche Greenway offers a delightful experience along the Alberche river canyon. The Cárcavas del Río Perales are unique eroded ravines worth seeing, and the Parque de la Laguna del Pozairón is a pleasant recreational area with a natural lagoon.
What kind of hiking trails are available around Chapinería?
Chapinería is an excellent base for hiking. You'll find numerous routes such as the Senda de las Lagunillas, Oncalada, Prado de la Lancha, Fuente de la Zarza, and trails through the Dehesa and Valquigoso. There are also routes around the Picadas Reservoir. For more detailed information and specific routes, you can explore the Running Trails around Chapinería guide, which also includes walking paths.
Can I go cycling near Chapinería?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity in the area. The Alberche Greenway is a highlight, built on an old railway line, offering a scenic ride along the Alberche river. The area around the Picadas Reservoir also provides great cycling opportunities. For a variety of routes, including touring and road cycling, check out the Cycling around Chapinería guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Chapinería guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the area?
Yes, Chapinería offers several family-friendly options. The Alberche Greenway is suitable for family cycling. The Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex, with its impressive antennas, can be an engaging visit for all ages. The Centro de Educación Ambiental «El Águila» provides exhibitions, workshops, and activities focused on the local ecosystem, which can be educational and fun for families.
What is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/3886809" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex</a>?
The Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex is a significant man-made monument featuring large antennas and radio telescopes. Built in 1964 and owned by NASA, it uses six antennas for tracking vehicles and space probes. It's one of only three such centers worldwide, making it a unique and impressive site to visit.
Are there any viewpoints offering panoramic scenery?
Yes, for panoramic views, you can visit the Ermita del Santo Ángel de la Guarda, situated atop a hill, which offers sweeping vistas of the town and its natural surroundings. The Picadas Reservoir also provides scenic viewpoints, especially along its shores and dam wall.
What do visitors enjoy most about Chapinería's attractions?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical and natural beauty. The impressive size and work of the antennas at the Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex are often highlighted. The Alberche Greenway is loved for its delightful cycling experience through the river canyon. Many also enjoy the tranquility and natural landscapes found on the numerous hiking and cycling routes, as well as the historical significance of sites like the Navahonda Hermitage and the El Pasadero Medieval Bridge.
What is the best time of year to visit Chapinería for outdoor activities?
Chapinería is enjoyable for outdoor activities throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with blooming landscapes or vibrant fall colors. Summer can be warm, but activities along the Alberche river or in shaded oak groves are still popular. Winter provides a different, tranquil experience, though some routes might be less accessible depending on weather conditions.
Are there any accessible facilities or attractions in Chapinería?
The Casa de la Cultura, located on Avenida Polideportivo, 2, is a multidisciplinary building with renovated, accessible, and energy-efficient facilities for leisure, education, and work. While specific accessibility details for all outdoor attractions vary, the Alberche Greenway, being a former railway line, generally offers a relatively flat and wide path, which can be more accessible than rugged hiking trails.
Where can I find ancient structures or historical remnants?
Beyond the main landmarks, you can discover more ancient structures. The El Bombo is an ancient refuge for travelers from 1750. The Vía Crucis is an 18th-century 'Way of the Cross' with historical significance. Additionally, the El Pasadero Medieval Bridge and Stone Cross in nearby Navalagamella is another historical remnant worth exploring, located along the Río Perales.
Most popular attractions around Chapinería
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