Those wishing to combine nature and local history during their stay will find two distinct perspectives in Navas Del Rey: rivers and protected areas on the one hand, and a church, museum and local traditions on the other. The entire municipal area lies within the Natura 2000 protected area of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) “Cuencas de los ríos Alberche y Cofio”. The dehesa is a natural and historical landmark of the town.

Landscape, Rivers and Birdlife

The Valdezate and Valgranado streams and the Barranco del Fresno stream in the municipal area flow into the Río Alberche. The Río Cofio, by contrast, runs alongside the northwestern municipal boundary for only a short stretch.

The SPA “Encinares del río Alberche y río Cofio” is home to species including the Spanish imperial eagle, golden eagle, peregrine falcon, cinereous vulture and black stork. Lagoons with a birdwatching hide were created at a former rubbish dump. If you plan to visit the lagoons, check the condition of the facilities locally.

According to the local tourist information office, the trails in the municipal area are open to hikers and cyclists. Conditions can change seasonally, so check the conditions for your travel dates. This will help you plan around the time of year.

Church, Museum and Local History

Construction of the Baroque Iglesia de San Eugenio began in 1782, by order of Cardinal Lorenzana, in honour of Saint Eugen, the bishop. The church houses valuable works of art from the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Museo Etnográfico displays a range of agricultural and livestock-farming equipment and tools that have been passed down through generations to the present day. It also explains traditional food processing and preparation. The cultural highlights are therefore quite distinct: the church brings together architectural history and religious art, while the museum focuses on agricultural life and food.

Cuisine, Festivals and Local Traditions

Navas Del Rey’s cuisine includes typical Castilian stews, flavourful meat dishes, including game, and cocido madrileño. Alongside nature and local history, this offers a specific culinary highlight to consider when planning your trip.

The San Antonio de Padua festival includes folk dances, an orchestra performance and fireworks. Navas Del Rey’s Verano Cultural takes place in July and August and features music, theatre, dance, cinema, poetry, sports activities, excursions and folk competitions. Dates and programmes may vary; check the details in advance if your trip depends on an event. Jotas and seguidillas add to the local folk tradition; their origins date back to the 18th century.

Bodegas Cardeña can organise wine tastings for groups of no more than 15 to 20 people. Confirm the specific group size and arrangements before you arrive.

Discover more destinations: Canencia, Vaciamadrid, Manzanares El Real, Robledo De Chavela, Ribatejada, Casarrubuelos, Collado-Villalba, Villamanrique de Tajo

For the main travel overview: Madrid.