Navas Del Rey: Nature, Culture and Hotels

Navas Del Rey combines a townscape closely connected to nature with history, regional cuisine and cultural events. The entire municipality lies within the Natura 2000 Special Area of Conservation (ZEC) “Cuencas de los ríos Alberche y Cofio”. During your stay, you can focus on nature, local history or the events on offer. When choosing a hotel, it helps to consider which of these interests you most.

Rivers, protected area and birdlife

The Valdezate and Valgranado streams and the Barranco del Fresno flow into the Río Alberche within the municipality. By contrast, the Río Cofio runs along the municipality’s northwestern boundary for only a short stretch. This distinguishes the waterways: three streams flow into the Alberche, while the Cofio runs along the municipality’s northwestern edge.

The ZEPA “Encinares del río Alberche y río Cofio” is home to, among other species, the Spanish imperial eagle, golden eagle, peregrine falcon, cinereous vulture and black stork. The dehesa is a natural and historical landmark of Navas Del Rey. The lagoons add another dimension to the area’s natural heritage: they were created on a former landfill site and include a birdwatching hide. If you plan to visit it, check the current situation locally.

Trails and outdoor activities

According to the local tourism information, trails in the municipality can be used by both walkers and cyclists. Conditions may vary by season. So take the time of year into account and check the condition of your chosen trail before setting out. Walking and cycling offer additional ways to explore the surroundings and complement wildlife watching; however, the information about trail use is not a guarantee that conditions will remain the same.

Church and ethnographic museum

The Iglesia de San Eugenio is a Baroque building whose construction began in 1782, on the orders of Cardinal Lorenzana, in honour of Saint Eugenio, the bishop. The church contains valuable works of art from the 16th and 17th centuries. Its architectural history and artworks offer a different focus for a visit than the river landscape and birdlife.

The Museo Etnográfico focuses on agriculture, livestock farming and the traditional processing of food. It displays a variety of implements and tools that have been passed down through generations to the present day, and explains how food was traditionally processed and prepared. This brings into focus not only the finished dish, but also the way the ingredients used to make it were handled.

Festivals, folklore and the seasons

The festival of San Antonio de Padua features folk dances, an orchestra performance and a fireworks display. Dates and programme may vary, so check the latest details before your trip. The Verano Cultural takes place in July and August. Its programme includes music, theatre, dance, cinema, poetry, sports activities, excursions and popular competitions. The annual programme may also vary, so it is worth checking the dates when planning your trip.

The Jotas and Seguidillas of Navas Del Rey date back to the 18th century. This historical context adds another perspective on local folklore alongside today’s events, without conflating it with the changing programme of individual festivals.

Cuisine and group wine tastings

Navas Del Rey’s cuisine includes typical Castilian stews, meat dishes including game, and cocido madrileño. These dishes are a distinctive part of a stay, alongside nature, architectural history and events. Group wine tastings can be arranged at Bodegas Cardeña; the stated maximum capacity is 15 to 20 people. If you are planning a tasting, confirm the arrangements before you arrive.

Discover more destinations: Patones, San Agustín Del Guadalix, Moralzarzal, Moraleja De Enmedio, El Gasco, Belmonte De Tajo, Cenicientos, Arroyomolinos.

For the main travel overview: Madrid.