Discover Becerril de la Sierra: Nature, Trails and Culture

Becerril de la Sierra is located in the Sierra de Guadarrama. Between wooded hillsides, historic paths and lively festivals, the town reveals very different sides: hikes lead to viewpoints and mountain peaks, while the Paseo Urbano por Becerril de la Sierra is an urban heritage trail covering six of the town’s most representative historic buildings.

Hiking and Nature

The Ruta de los Almorchones is a moderately difficult route that runs around Cerro de Las Cabezas, Almorchón de Abajo, Almorchón de Arriba, Collado de Majespino and Peña Retuerta. Along the way, it offers views of the Navacerrada Reservoir and passes through oak forests and Mediterranean vegetation. Near the Presa del Baño, there is a recreation area along the route.

The Ruta de Becerril al Telégrafo leads via Cabeza Mediana at an altitude of 1,331 m to the Torre del Telégrafo. Its path runs through a shady pine forest and offers panoramic views of the Sierra de Guadarrama. The Torre del Telégrafo belonged to the Madrid–Irún telegraph line, which opened in 1846.

A more challenging ascent is the Ruta desde Becerril a la Maliciosa to the 2,227 m-high summit of La Maliciosa. The route leads into the high-mountain vegetation of the Sierra de Guadarrama. The Ruta desde Becerril al Alto del Hilo reaches the 1,267 m-high summit of Alto del Hilo; at the end, a 360-degree panorama over Becerril de la Sierra and Navacerrada awaits. Within Becerril de la Sierra, this route connects with the Madrid section of the Camino de Santiago.

The Ruta de la Romería is a short, easy circular route to Raso de los Enebros, which can also be travelled by bicycle. It crosses the Zalailla and Angostura streams, whose riverside vegetation provides a habitat for amphibians such as frogs and toads. At Raso de los Enebros, tables and benches are provided along the route for resting. Paragliding and hang-gliding activities are also available in Becerril de la Sierra.

Culture and History

The Paseo Urbano por Becerril de la Sierra is an urban heritage trail covering six of the town’s most representative historic buildings. Information panels are installed at each monument. The original town centre preserves small squares from its former structure as a cattle-breeding village.

The traditional rural houses preserved in Becerril de la Sierra include single-storey buildings with masonry walls and Arabic-tile roofs on wooden structures. The Embalse secreto de Majalespino is considered a natural attraction in Becerril de la Sierra.

Festivals and Gastronomy

La Noche en Vela is a cultural event held annually on the second Saturday of July. Its programme includes music, dance, cinema, poetry, handicrafts and books. On 1 May, the Romería de la Cruz de Mayo takes place at Raso de los Enebros.

A guided visit to the Gabarrera brewery includes a tasting of three craft beers. The third stage of the Camino de Madrid between Manzanares El Real and Cercedilla may include a tasting of craft beers at the Gabarrera brewery in Becerril de la Sierra.

Other Places

Other places at a glance: Robledo De Chavela, Leganés, Majadahonda, Mejorada Del Campo, Valdemaqueda, Pelayos De La Presa, Collado-Villalba, Rascafría.

The small museum of Becerril de la Sierra opened at the end of 2012 and displays photographs, household items, everyday objects and tools from the past two centuries. It is not permanently open to the public, but it can be visited virtually by video.

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