Waterways, pine forests and high-altitude mountain moorlands shape the natural experiences in Santa María de la Alameda. There are also hikes of varying lengths and buildings from different centuries. If you choose the town as your overnight base, keep the various starting points in mind when planning your excursions: trails start, for example, in Las Herreras, at the station or at the Puente de la Aceña car park.
Rivers, Forests and Birdwatching
The Aceña and Cofio rivers have carved out gorges and waterfalls, shaping the landscape. The ZEPA Encinares del río Alberche y río Cofio in Santa María de la Alameda is part of the Natura 2000 network, covers 82,999 hectares and is an important area for birds such as the Spanish imperial eagle, cinereous vulture and black stork. The mountain moorlands also offer good opportunities to observe woodland and high-mountain birds, including golden eagles.
The Senda del Hornillo trail follows the Arroyo Hornillo through riverside vegetation and stands of resin and Scots pines. On the route to the Mirador Peña del Águila viewpoint, you may spot Spanish imperial eagles, black kites, booted eagles and vultures. The Ruta de los Arroyos showcases the broom and juniper of the mountain moorland and offers panoramic views of the Sierra de la Panamera and Gredos.
Hikes of Varying Lengths
The Charco-Mato route starts in Las Herreras and is an easy one-kilometre hike that takes about 30 minutes to reach the pool. Charco-Mato is a wide pool with a stony area where you can cool off in warm weather. Check local conditions and access before visiting. The El Hornillo circular hike takes longer: it starts at the Puente de la Aceña car park, follows the river to the Chorrera del Hornillo waterfall and then climbs between the valleys of the Río Aceña and Arroyo Hornillo. Terrain and water conditions may vary seasonally.
From La Estación, the Bocanegra route leads to a pool surrounded by vegetation and rocks; swimming is possible there, but depends on local conditions. The challenging Itinerario por las Parameras takes longer: this partially signposted circular hike is 17 kilometres long, climbs 525 metres and takes about five hours and 30 minutes. It starts at the Santa María de la Alameda railway station. This makes it easy to distinguish between shorter walks and longer hikes when planning your trip.
Other options include the Ruta de los Fortines, which leads to a recently restored defensive position from the Spanish Civil War on Cerro Manotera, and the Camino de Navalayegua. The latter passes through a forest of Pinus pinaster and takes in the restored forts of El Zorrerón, the upper reaches of the Río Aceña and the Arroyo de El Tobar. The linear Camino de la Cabrera connects La Estación with Las Herreras and can be travelled on foot, on horseback or by bicycle.
Buildings and Historic Trails
The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Alameda dates back to the 16th century. Its late Gothic rib vault and three naves separated by Tuscan granite columns give the building a clearly defined architectural layout. In La Estación, the historic railway station recalls the railway connection: it was built in 1863, and the station building and platform have been preserved.
The history of the trails is also evident in the landscape. The Camino de los Cuatro follows historic paths between Santa María de la Alameda and Las Navas del Marqués, connecting Navalespino with mills on the Río Cofio. Puente Recondo is a seven-arched railway bridge over the Río Cofio. It spans a 50-metre change in elevation between the two banks and forms part of the railway line between Madrid and Ávila.
Getting There and Local Specialties
The Madrid–Ávila regional train is listed as a rail connection to La Estación station, with ten stops a day. Bus route C-665 runs via San Lorenzo de El Escorial and stops at Santa María de la Alameda Pueblo and Santa María de la Alameda Estación. Check the latest train and bus timetables before travelling.
Santa María de la Alameda is known for its mushrooms and holds the Jornadas Micológicas in early November. Check the dates and programme for the year in question. Workshops on making gluten-free bread and gluten-free beer are also offered in Robledondo; check whether dates are available before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Leganés, Humanes De Madrid, El Álamo, Estremera, Madarcos, Villarejo De Salvanés, Loeches, Puebla de la Sierra.
For the general travel overview: Madrid.
