Guadalix de la Sierra: Trails, Water and Festivals

Guadalix de la Sierra lies in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama and is surrounded by small mountain formations. The Río Guadalix crosses the municipality from east to west. Between mountain landscapes, waterways, historic buildings and a packed calendar of festivals, the town reveals many different facets.

Nature and Trails

The Camino del Río runs along the banks of the Río Guadalix through Guadalix de la Sierra and is suitable for the whole family. The Paseo a Peñarrubia begins at the Guadalix de la Sierra Tourist Office and is a 4.4-kilometre route with a low level of difficulty.

The walking route to Peña Rubia runs along the shore of the Embalse de Pedrezuela and ends at the Abrigo de Peña Rubia. Another route is the Camino Mendocino to Santiago de Compostela, which connects Guadalajara with Manzanares el Real. The Camino Mendocino stage from Guadalix de la Sierra to Soto del Real follows the yellow arrows of the Camino de Santiago.

Water and Activities

At Entrerríos, the Río Guadalix joins streams and then flows into the Embalse de Pedrezuela. At the Puerto Deportivo de Guadalix, visitors can learn light sailing and windsurfing. Kayaking and paddle surfing are also offered there as activities.

Culture and History

The Iglesia Parroquial de San Juan Bautista preserves several remarkable elements. Its tower was built in the first third of the 16th century by the Campero family, father and son. The church is of the columnarias type and is associated with the style of Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón. It also contains the 17th-century Retablo de San Antonio, made of plaster and finished with a marble effect.

Nuestra Señora la Virgen del Espinar is the patron saint of Guadalix de la Sierra. During Holy Week, the Virgen del Espinar leaves her chapel for the so-called Procesión del Encuentro. After the celebrations, she is returned to her chapel; this is marked by a traditional Romería.

Festivals and Local Traditions

El Mayo is an annual tradition that continues to be maintained in Guadalix de la Sierra and is celebrated every year on 30 April. A tree is symbolically erected, followed by a festival in the Plaza Consistorial. The Semana Cultural takes place every year during the week around 23 April and includes storytelling events, theatre, exhibitions and lectures, among other activities.

San Isidro is celebrated every year on 15 May with a procession of tractors, horses and music. The annual procession in honour of San Juan Bautista leads to the river, where anyone who wishes can renew their baptism in a ceremony combining religious and festive elements.

The annual Fiestas Patronales in honour of the Virgen del Espinar take place from 7 to 12 September and offer music, Verbena, bull-related events, sports and religious ceremonies for locals and visitors. Día de la Tortilla is a local festival held for many years on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, traditionally involving eating tortilla outdoors.

Established children’s attractions in Guadalix de la Sierra include the encierros chicos, with six runs behind bull figures mounted on carts.

More destinations

Moralzarzal, Colmenarejo, San Martín De Valdeiglesias, Villamanrique de Tajo, Pinto, San Agustín Del Guadalix, Las Herreras and Ribatejada.

For the higher-level travel overview: Madrid.