El Álamo: Churches, Festivals and Trails by the Guadarrama

The Gran Feria Medieval de El Álamo began in 1996 and has been recognised as a Feria de Interés Turístico de la Comunidad de Madrid since 2016. It stretches for almost two kilometres and features around 200 craftspeople. The programme includes jousting tournaments, birds of prey demonstrations, activities for children, medieval weddings and concerts.

Culture

The annual calendar also includes the patron saint festivities from 31 August to 5 September in honour of the Santísimo Cristo de la Salud. Corpus Christi has been celebrated in El Álamo since 1582 and includes a procession with the Santísimo Cristo de la Salud through the town's streets. The San Isidro festival takes place every year from 9 to 15 May and includes, among other things, sporting events and San Isidrock.

The present-day Parroquia Santiago Apóstol stands on the foundations of an earlier church founded in 1474. The replacement Santiago Apóstol church was planned between 1964 and 1965 and completed in 1974. The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is the oldest surviving building in El Álamo and was probably built around the middle of the 16th century. It stands at the centre of an avenue that follows the route of the former Camino Real de Extremadura; according to tradition, it housed the body of Saint Isidore for one night.

Trails and Landscape

El Álamo lies on the second section of the Camino de Guadalupe between Móstoles and El Álamo; this section is 19 kilometres long. On its route between Madrid and Toledo, the Camino de Guadalupe passes through El Álamo and can be travelled on foot or by bicycle. The outskirts of the town feature a variety of natural landscapes, including an 8-kilometre route through Las Dehesillas and along the Guadarrama River.

The municipality describes various cycling routes around El Álamo; one road route provides access to the town via the M-404. El Álamo also has riding centres offering activities both for experienced riders and for people looking for a leisurely ride through the countryside.

Food and Wine

As part of the San Isidro celebrations, a communal cocido madrileño has been prepared in El Coto and served to those present for many years. The Nuestra Señora de la Soledad cooperative was founded in 1964; its products include the rosé wine “Valfrío”. Historically, winegrowing was the most important form of agricultural cultivation in El Álamo.

Holiday Apartment and Travel Planning

When comparing holiday apartments in El Álamo, you can check travel dates, room category and cancellation policies side by side on the respective offer pages.

Other Places

Other place pages: Miraflores De La Sierra, Cadalso, Cenicientos, Boadilla Del Monte, Peralejo, Villalbilla, Torrejón De Velasco, Titulcia.

Getting Around

Bus route N505 connects Madrid (Príncipe Pío), Navalcarnero and El Álamo.

To the main travel overview: Madrid.