San Sebastián de los Reyes combines protected landscapes, historic architecture and motorsport. A Cercanías rail line also connects the town with Madrid and the rest of the Community of Madrid. When planning your stay, first consider which of these aspects matters most: nature trails, local history, an event date or rail connections.
Nature and signposted routes
The Dehesa Boyal is part of the Parque Regional de la Cuenca Alta del Manzanares and the “Cuencas altas de los ríos Manzanares, Lozoya y Guadarrama” Biosphere Reserve. Its Mediterranean woodland offers space for walks, sporting activities and nature watching. The Jarama runs for more than 11 kilometres from north to south along much of the eastern municipal boundary. Its diverse vegetation and abundant amphibian and birdlife characterise this natural area. The stretches of the Jarama and Guadalix rivers within the municipality are part of the “Cuenca de los ríos Jarama y Henares” Site of Community Importance, and therefore of the Natura 2000 network.
Three signposted nature routes connect municipal natural areas via paths and livestock tracks. They are designed for walking, cycling or horse riding. Route 2 passes through Parque de los Arroyos, Dehesa Boyal and Tempranales. Route 3 follows the Colada del Camino de Barajas a Torrelaguna through residential areas. The two routes therefore differ in their described itineraries. Signposting and access conditions may change; check them before setting out.
Local history and architecture
El Caserón stands in Plaza de la Constitución. This large agricultural residence and farm building dates back to the 17th century. It was remodelled and extended, while retaining key architectural features. It houses a museum of art and popular traditions. The museum explores the area’s agricultural and livestock-raising past, as well as its economic and social development over the centuries. If you would like to visit the museum, check the access arrangements.
A church in the historic centre dates from the 15th and early 16th centuries. Its origins are Mudéjar; following later works, Baroque features predominate inside. A bronze monument in Plaza de Andrés Caballero “El Calavera” depicts three bulls and three runners at life size. The architecture of a theatre adds another distinctive touch: its design is inspired by the Spanish corral de comedias, combining this model with modern approaches to the performing arts.
Festivals, gastronomy and motorsport
The festivities in honour of the Santísimo Cristo de los Remedios take place from 24 August to 1 September and are designated a Fiesta de Interés Turístico. The programme includes more than 230 activities: religious events, traditional bull-running events, food, family entertainment and music. Dates and individual programme items change every year. So check the information for your travel dates before visiting for the festivities.
Another food-related occasion is a festive culinary competition organised by the municipality, where Calderetas de carne de toro are sampled. The venue and programme may change. The Circuito del Jarama hosts national championship races and its own RACE competitions, including the Trofeo Race de Turismos and the Trofeo Race de Motociclismo. The venue also offers driving courses, dynamic vehicle tests, promotional shoots and other events for motorsport enthusiasts. Here too, it is worth checking the dates if a particular event is to shape your stay.
Plan your journey and hotel search
The Cercanías rail line connects San Sebastián de los Reyes with Madrid and the rest of the Community of Madrid. Timetables may change; check the connection for your travel date. This lets you factor rail travel into your plans without assuming a fixed schedule for your stay.
Tailor your search to your travel dates and the reason for your visit. If you are staying for a festival or race, check the event dates first; if you plan to visit the nature routes, check the latest signposting and access conditions.
Discover more destinations: Chinchon, Boadilla Del Monte, Campo Real, Miraflores De La Sierra, Serranillos del Valle, Madarcos, Loeches, Aranjuez.
Go to the main travel overview: Madrid.
