Velilla de San Antonio: Lagoons, Trails and Culture

Velilla de San Antonio brings together wetlands, trails alongside lagoons and local culture. If you are looking for a hotel in Velilla de San Antonio, these themes can shape your travel plans: would you mainly like to explore the lagoons and their seasonal birdlife, or are you interested in cultural sites and festivals? The highlights below offer specific points to help you decide.

The lagoon landscape and how it was formed

The Lagunas de Velilla are among the protected wetlands of the Parque Regional del Sureste. The lagoon area includes open water, marsh vegetation and riverside woodland; the Lagunas de Miralrío are also home to an interesting community of plants and animals. The lagoons were formed by gravel extraction that reached the water table. The resulting excavations subsequently filled with water.

The 2021 municipal environmental guide describes Laguna de El Sotillo as the oldest lagoon. It gives its area as approximately 12 hectares and its depth as 2 to 3.5 metres. For Laguna del Picón de los Conejos, it gives an area of around 27 hectares; the lagoon is surrounded by a bend in the Río Jarama. The figures refer to two separate bodies of water, rather than suggesting a single, uniform size or depth for all the lagoons.

Trails, birdwatching and the seasons

The lagoon trails described in the 2021 municipal environmental guide start at Laguna de El Raso, the lagoon closest to the town centre, and follow its eastern side. The trails at the Lagunas de Miralrío start beside the wastewater treatment plant and the municipal cemetery. There are two options: you can walk each one as an out-and-back route, or combine them into a loop. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

The bodies of water offer different opportunities for observing nature. Ducks, various diving ducks and great crested grebes can be seen on the extensive, deep waters of Laguna de El Raso. More waterbirds can be found there in winter. In the northern lagoon area, cormorants can be spotted at Laguna del Picón de los Conejos, particularly in winter, when they roost there in groups. Communal roosts of hundreds of cattle egrets sometimes form along the Miralrío route; these sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed.

The municipal environmental guide lists birdwatching and guided routes among the activities for all ages. Another section of the route along the Río Jarama passes through riverside woodland with reeds, poplars and tamarisks. For planning purposes, the trails can be distinguished as follows: El Raso is described in terms of its proximity to the town centre and its eastern route, while Miralrío has two connecting trail options and the starting points mentioned above.

Traces of work and culture

The historic Tren de la Azucarera transported sugar beet from the fields and properties along its route to the Azucarera de Madrid S.A. factory in the neighbouring town of La Poveda. A 1,500-metre section of the former track runs from Laguna El Raso towards Mejorada del Campo, ending at the junction with Camino del Sotillo. A notice published in February 2023 names pedestrians, cyclists and agricultural machinery as permitted users; other motorised vehicles are not allowed on this section. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

The cultural venues also offer a range of different experiences. At the Centro de Tapices, you can learn about the history of traditional tapestry-making and learn traditional production techniques. The Sala de Exposiciones Adolfo Suárez in the Antiguas Escuelas hosts art exhibitions and artistic activities. Dance, music, theatre and cinema are part of the cultural programme at the Auditorio Municipal Mariana Pineda. The Iglesia de San Sebastián is one of the few notable buildings in Velilla de San Antonio. The former Baños de Peralta survive as ruins alongside the road.

Festivals throughout the year

The festival in honour of the Santísimo Cristo de la Paciencia, the patron saint of Velilla de San Antonio, takes place every year in late September. It includes a procession through the town, during which members of the brotherhood carry the statue of Christ on their shoulders. Two other traditions connect local festival days with special themes. The Fiesta Solidaria de la Pitanza combines gastronomy and solidarity; the Día de la Tortilla is celebrated on Jueves Lardero, the Thursday before Lent.

Whether you plan your stay around a lagoon trail, seasonal birdwatching or a cultural or festival theme, Velilla de San Antonio offers specific distinctions to help you choose a focus. You can use these interests as a starting point when searching for a hotel in Velilla de San Antonio.

Discover more destinations: Paracuellos De Jarama, Arganda Del Rey, Belmonte De Tajo, Rozas De Puerto Real, Griñón, Becerril De La Sierra, Casarrubuelos, San Sebastián De Los Reyes.

For the overview of the wider area: Madrid.