Plan a stay in Ajalvir around three specific themes: birdlife, rural trails and religious architecture. These nature and cultural themes offer different points of interest, depending on whether you are interested in birds, a route through the countryside or church architecture.

Bird Conservation and Landscape

Part of Ajalvir’s municipal area is protected as ZEPA No. 139, “Estepas Cerealistas de los ríos Jarama y Henares.” ZEPA designates a Special Protection Area for birds. The steppe area is of great importance for the conservation of the great bustard, little bustard and lesser kestrel. These species are therefore central to the protected area; potential wildlife sightings are described for the Camino del Calvario.

Trails with Different Highlights

The Camino de La Huelga is a 6.3-kilometre circular route on an unpaved trail, rated easy. It is recommended for mountain biking, families and birdwatching. The details about its length, route type, surface and difficulty make it easy to get a good sense of the trail. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.

The Camino del Calvario passes through grain fields interspersed with areas of olive trees. Visitors may spot rabbits and Montagu’s harriers there; with a little luck, they may also see cinereous vultures. The two trails have different highlights: La Huelga focuses on the specified route characteristics, while the Calvario features the agricultural landscape and possible wildlife sightings.

Churches and Architectural History

The Church of Purísima Concepción dates from the 18th century and was built over an earlier church. The church has three naves; the raised transept is accentuated by a dome, and the chancel is rectangular. Outside, an arcade with eight arches and a four-storey tower define its architecture. Those interested in religious architectural history can consider its origins and spatial layout separately.

The Ermita de San Roque is also part of Ajalvir’s religious architecture. The Ermita de la Soledad is located in the cemetery. These two buildings add further examples of the town’s religious heritage to the Church of Purísima Concepción, without implying any particular visiting order.

Festivals and Reasons to Visit

The San Blas festival includes bullfights as well as traditional festivities and bull runs through the streets. Programs may vary. Separate from these celebrations is the opening of the festivities in honour of the Virgen de la Candelaria, held on the eve of the San Blas festival. It includes the festival proclamation, the blessing of candles for children born that year, and a procession with the Virgin. If you are planning your trip around a festival, check the dates and program in advance.

Finca El Cubilete is a stop on a tourist route to fighting bull ranches in the Madrid region. A regional visitor information source from 2019 listed the planned tour options as visits on foot, in an off-road vehicle or in a trailer, as well as a multimedia introduction to bullfighting. If you are considering a visit, check the current options in advance.

Discover more destinations: Valdilecha, El Gasco, Mejorada Del Campo, Alcobendas, San Fernando De Henares, Tielmes, Rascafría, Navacerrada.

For the regional travel overview: Madrid.