The distinctive El Sabinar forest differs in character from the surrounding oak and pine areas: juniper grows there alongside holm oak. Lozoya also offers historic buildings from different periods, from the medieval Puente del Congosto to the 16th-century parish church. If you are looking for a hotel, the natural surroundings, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities give your stay three specific points of focus.

Landscape and protected areas

1,266 hectares of Lozoya’s municipal area lie within Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. Lozoya is also part of the Cuenca del río Lozoya y Sierra Norte Special Area of Conservation (ZEC) within the Natura 2000 network. The 443-hectare Pinilla Reservoir lies in Lozoya and Pinilla del Valle. Several overlapping protection designations apply to it: the Cuenca del río Lozoya y Sierra Norte Site of Community Importance/Special Area of Conservation (LIC/ZEC), the peripheral protection zone of Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, and the Sierra de Guadarrama Natural Resources Management Plan. The area figures describe different units: 1,266 hectares refers to the part of Lozoya within the national park, while 443 hectares is the size of the reservoir. For current regulations on protected areas, it is worth checking official information before your visit.

El Sabinar is a distinctive forest in Lozoya, where juniper grows alongside holm oak. It differs in character from the surrounding oak and pine areas.

Architectural history across several periods

Puente del Congosto is a medieval bridge in Lozoya. It has a single opening spanned by a semicircular arch. The bridge rests directly on the rock; it was built from unworked stones and masonry.

Palacete Suárez de la Concha, also known as Antiguo Convento, was originally built in the 16th century and converted into a convent in the 19th century. The El Salvador parish church also dates from the 16th century and features Gothic and Plateresque elements, including a ribbed vault and a Plateresque portal. The buildings have different features: the bridge is defined by its opening, arch, and materials, while the church stands out for its Gothic and Plateresque forms.

A fountain in Lozoya is dated 1791; it has four spouts and a large rectangular stone basin.

Activities and travel planning

The pilgrimage to Nuestra Señora de La Fuensanta takes place every year on the last weekend in May. If you are planning to attend, check the relevant program before your trip.

Outdoor activities include fishing areas along the river and at Pinilla Reservoir. There are also opportunities for canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering, and horseback riding. Check the specific options and operators before your trip.

Bus route 194 between Madrid and Rascafría stops in Lozoya. Check the current timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Aravaca, Algete, Estremera, Griñón, Parla, Majadahonda, Santorcaz, Jardín De Serracines

For the main travel overview: Madrid.