Valdemanco brings together a small mountain valley, five major hiking trails, art studios and recurring local customs. The seasonal Laguna de Valdemanco adds a special natural setting. This makes it possible to plan a stay from different perspectives: landscape and hiking, art or local traditions.
Landscape and Laguna de Valdemanco
Valdemanco lies in a small mountain valley enclosed by the Sierra de la Cabrera and the summit of Mondalindo. The peaks reach an altitude of 1,838 metres. The Arroyo Albalá is the village’s most important stream. These distinctive names help orient you to the landscape around Valdemanco.
Laguna de Valdemanco, also known as El Carrizal, is a seasonal wetland in a semi-endoreic depression formed by the erosion of weathered granite. The lagoon is known for the diversity of amphibians that live there. Access is via a footpath from kilometre 3 of the M-610 to the water. The lagoon’s distinctive geological formation and directions for reaching it are different aspects of a visit: the lagoon is seasonal, and access is described via a footpath.
Hiking trails and art studios
There are five major hiking trails around Valdemanco. A signposted route leads from the village to Navalafuente; precise route details may vary seasonally. Check this information before setting out if you choose this route.
The Cañada Real Segoviana also offers a clear point of reference within the municipality: it crosses Valdemanco from east to west along the slopes of Mondalindo as far as Puerto del Medio Celemín. Parts of the Huellas de la Historia and El Camino de los Pastores routes follow the Cañada. The route and the named trails show how different hiking themes connect with this track, without implying that every route follows the same course.
The Fundación Berrutti offers tours of its painting, sculpture, ceramics and engraving workshops. The techniques used are also explained. Contact the Fundación directly to arrange access. The art on offer is connected with nature: visitors can observe the landscape as well as the native flora and fauna of the Sierra Norte.
Local customs throughout the year
El Mayo takes place from the night of 30 April through 1 May. For this custom, a tall tree, usually a poplar, is chosen, felled and set up in the village square. It remains there throughout May. The timing is therefore clearly defined; the tree marks the village square beyond the start of the festivities, for the entire month.
The tradition of La Vaquilla takes centre stage at Carnival. The Quintos of the year organise it, including a costumed procession through the village. Unlike El Mayo, whose tree remains in the village square throughout May, the procession is the defining feature here. Both customs provide a distinctive cultural focal point in Valdemanco’s annual calendar.
Getting there and planning your stay
The 725 intercity bus line connects Madrid’s Plaza de Castilla with Valdemanco via Miraflores and Bustarviejo. Plaza de Castilla is also an interchange station for Madrid’s metro and city bus network. Check the line’s timetable before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Puebla de la Sierra, Alameda del Valle, La Cabrera, Villaviciosa De Odón, Titulcia, Colmenar Del Arroyo, El Berrueco, El Escorial.
For the main travel overview: Madrid.
