Vaciamadrid between lagoons and heritage

Those planning a stay in Vaciamadrid will find a range of things to explore: protected natural areas, trails along rivers and lagoons, archaeological remains, and cultural and environmental activities. Rivas-Vaciamadrid is one of the municipalities whose territory partly lies within the Parque Regional del Sureste. The different destinations give your stay a variety of focuses—from birdwatching to archaeological and cultural visits.

Nature, lagoons and trails

The Parque Regional del Sureste includes cliffs, river floodplains and lagoons. These habitats are home to a rich array of wildlife and bird species. The part of the park in Rivas includes Laguna del Campillo and Laguna de Soto de las Juntas; both are protected wetlands. The park is accessible by metro, including from the Rivas Vaciamadrid station. Check current services before setting out.

The Paseo por el Soto de Las Juntas trail runs parallel to the Jarama and Manzanares rivers. The surrounding lagoons offer opportunities for birdwatching. The Un paseo por El Campillo, el Agua trail offers a different perspective on the landscape and is adapted for accessibility: it is 1.2 km long, runs along the southern shore of the El Campillo lagoon and is near the environmental education centre. Check the current trail conditions before your visit.

For a longer outing, a linear trail just over 12 km long leads to the cliffs of El Piul. There, a natural viewpoint overlooks the Jarama floodplain and the lagoons of El Campillo and Velilla. The trail is not a loop. By comparison, the route along the lagoon’s southern shore is shorter; the stated distances and linear route provide practical guidance for planning your day. The Senda botánica de Mazalmadrit passes through several ecosystems.

Archaeological heritage and cultural sites

The Yacimiento Carpetano Miralrío preserves a settlement from the II Iron Age that is open to visitors and dates to between the 4th and 2nd centuries BC. Visits are available by prior appointment; groups consist of 8 to 20 people. Highlights include covered foundation remains and a scale reconstruction of a Carpetanian hearth. The visit thus combines the settlement’s historical context with tangible structural remains and a reconstruction of everyday life.

A guided circular route to the trenches of the Battle of the Jarama leads to fortifications, observation posts, trenches and breastworks dating from the events of February 1937. The historical route is a 3 km walk through an area of great historical and cultural value. Check the current arrangements for guided tours before travelling.

The Auditorio Miguel Ríos is an amphitheatre built into a hillside for musical and theatrical performances. The Rocódromo de Rivas has a large bouldering area about 4 m high, as well as a 12 m tower with 15 roped climbing routes. The two venues therefore cater to different cultural and recreational interests and do not require the same kind of visit.

Environmental education, local produce and events

The Centro de Recursos Ambientales Chico Mendes offers environmental education and information activities, courses, and programmes for schools and the people of Rivas. Guided group visits may include exhibitions, an ecological garden and community composters. Depending on the group and availability, a workshop or additional activity may also be possible. Check the arrangements for your visit in advance.

The Parque Agroecológico del Soto del Grillo enables direct sales of its produce through a local producers’ market and the Producto Fresco del Soto del Grillo brand. It also hosts open garden days and the annual Fiesta de Agroecología at the Chico Mendes environmental centre. Check the current market arrangements, event dates and participation requirements before your visit.

Most urban art in Rivas was created as part of the Concurso de Arte Urbano, held every September as part of the Festival de Cultura en la Calle. The urban art cycling routes cover two routes: a western route runs mainly through La Luna and Covibar; the eastern and central route starts at the Casco Antiguo. The Fiestas de Rivas programme includes large concerts at the Auditorio Miguel Ríos, as well as association stalls and orchestras. The Casco Antiguo also hosts children’s shows and community meals. If you’re planning to attend future Fiestas, it’s a good idea to check the dates and access requirements before travelling.

Views around the city

The Torre Mirador in Parque Lineal is temporarily closed. The 23 m-high observation tower has 129 steps and offers a 360-degree view from the top over much of the city, the surrounding area of Morata and the Sierra mountains north of Madrid. Check whether it has reopened before your visit. Parque Bellavista has a ziggurat-style viewpoint for watching the evening dusk, as well as cascades, a pond and ornamental fountains.

Discover more destinations: Casarrubuelos, Cenicientos, Los Santos De La Humosa, Meco, Canencia, Cubas De La Sagra, La Estación, El Boalo.

For the broader travel overview: Madrid.