Who said that you can’t enjoy nature and take shelter from the heat in the vicinity of the capital of Spain? We are used to the fact that, when we think of Madrid, only images of traffic jams, noise, crowding of people and a lot of stress come to mind. But this province is much more. Do you want to visit the best river areas for bathing in Madrid ? Keep reading.
Warning
After a notification by the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, we rectify the information previously provided: in Madrid, the only natural area where bathing is allowed is the Virgen de la Nueva Beach of the San Juan reservoir, as can be seen in the website of the Community of Madrid, July 19, 2021.
The rest of the areas that we list in the following article are still suitable for spending the day with the family outdoors in the middle of nature, but we reiterate that bathing is not allowed in them because it can be dangerous .
The best river areas to spend the day in Madrid
Knowing how to locate the best river areas in Madrid is essential if you live in this area. The reason? Escape from high temperatures, stress and saturation of people to enjoy calm and harmony. Nature transforms us, water relaxes us and the smell of trees and other plants invites us to feel alive. Therefore, knowing those places on the planet that help us to find ourselves, with that part that needs fresh air and that is essential.
We want to be part of your trip and of that organization. In this way, in this section we are going to make it easy for you, describing those areas where you can escape from the routine and immerse yourself in a multitude of positive sensations that will make you a new person.
Alberche beach
In the municipality of Aldea del Fresno , between the Perales, Alberche and Berciana rivers, there is a well-equipped beach with picnic areas and kiosks, among other services. Moreover, if you want to read or rest without feeling that your skin can suffer from sunburn, it must be said that there is a lot of shade in the place.
The reason is that it is surrounded by lush trees , such as poplars, pines or oaks that live in a bucolic forest that invites you to dream of fairy tales. If you are one of those who have a passion for eating outdoors, Alberche beach is perfect for organizing a family picnic. On the other hand, the little ones will be able to bathe without danger , since its waters do not cover.
If after a few hours you want to do something different that is not so related to nature, you have the possibility of visiting the historic center of Aldea del Fresno . In this municipality you can see the Puente de la Pedrera . It is a construction that is more than 300 years old and offers beautiful views of the fresneda. You can also witness an Arab Ferris wheel that is more than 700 years old.
The Berceas
There are many possibilities that you will find in the Fuenfría Valley . One of them is to make numerous trails that will reveal dream landscapes. Among them are La Calzada, Los Miradores, Senda Victory or Camino Puricelli . Also, in this space are Las Berceas . It is a recreational park that exceeds thirty hectares in size and that will invite you to enjoy the gifts that nature offers. In this way, you can spend hours surrounded by wild pines. Enjoying a good dip will also be possible in this place. So much so that in Cercedilla there are natural pools. Although they are currently treated with chlorine, they were built in the 1970s with the water from Arroyo de la Venta before it reached the Guadarrama River .
Canencia Clip
If you want to enjoy nature and natural, refreshing and crystalline waters, this is the perfect place for you. What’s more, if you are one of those who first enjoy long routes and then want to rest and take a break surrounded by calm, bet on this corner of Madrid. In it you can also taste a good meal or snack thanks to the fact that it is equipped with tables and benches. If you travel with children, they can have fun in the playground. Has it all.
It should be noted that parking is free and that the place is surrounded by yew and birch trees that will surprise you with their appearance. If you like waterfalls, you will have the opportunity to witness the Chorrera de Rovellanos , which boasts being nine meters high. It will impress you.
San Juan Swamp
In the Pantano de San Juan you will find fourteen kilometers of beach in front of large amounts of fresh water seventy kilometers from the capital. For all the above, this place is called “the beach of Madrid”. It is built in the following municipalities: El Tiemblo, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Pelayos de la Presa and Cebreros. Its waters come from a tributary of the Tagus river, called Alberche .
The clips
The Presillas de Rascafría are located in the El Paular Valley . If you decide to visit this area, there you will find three natural pools. All of them are located in the channel of the Lozoya river . This fact causes the water to boast a refreshing temperature. Not only does it draw attention to these constructions, but it also offers all visitors incredible views of Pico Peñalara . It is a perfect corner to enjoy a picnic in good weather. Not only that, but you can also carry out a multitude of activities in it. For example, routes by bicycle and on horseback . You will also have the possibility to visit the Bridge of Forgiveness, the Monastery of El Paular and the site of the Valley of the Neanderthals .
Riosequillo recreational area
It is located in Buitrago del Lozoya and it is a leisure and sports complex that houses one of the largest swimming pools in the entire Community of Madrid. So much so that it has an area of 4,500 square meters. It is located next to the Riosequillo reservoir . This was built by Canal de Isabel II in 1993. The place is very well equipped. For this reason, you will find toilets, changing rooms, green spaces, basketball and soccer fields and even an infirmary. Likewise, you can also use bio-healthy devices to get in shape and the little ones can play in an area specially created for them.
If all of the above seems not enough, we will also tell you that there is another recreational area in Buitrago de Lozoya , specifically that of El Tomillar . It is a beautiful pine forest located next to the river to breathe fresh air and feel the sound of the water next to your ear.
Hoya Encavera
It is located on the outskirts of the Sierra de Guadarrama , specifically in Lozoya, and is ideal to visit in any season of the year thanks to the views it offers. In winter, you will enjoy the place dyed in white; and, in summer, you will have the opportunity to walk along the river where you can swim in its refreshing waters. Also, the pure air will comfort you.
It has a convenient parking and the area is equipped for those with reduced mobility . There are many perfect places to spread out the towel and sunbathe, or enjoy a delicious meal prepared at home. There are also routes that invite you to visit two of the most important medieval bridges in the province: that of Congosto , which dates from Roman times according to experts; and Matafrailes , which is located on the Canencia stream.
Pools of Puebla de la Sierra
They are found in Puebla de la Sierra , but some local residents know them as the Berrueco pools . The Puebla River is formed by the water of many streams that form small pools in its path. In them, all hikers can enjoy a good dip. Also, it is an idyllic corner to enjoy the beautiful landscapes that are near Torrelaguna , in the fall of Somosierra, at the foot of the Cerros de la Mujer Muerta .
The Villares of Estremera
Another of the best river areas for bathing in Madrid is the Estremera beach. It has several services such as litter bins, a beach bar, a picnic area or a children’s area. In the place you can perform a multitude of sports activities and you can see beautiful landscapes, such as a forest formed by pine trees.
Picadas Reservoir Recreational Area
Very close to the San Juan reservoir is the Picadas reservoir . It was built in the 50s and since then it has given days of calm to all its visitors. It is located in the Sierra de Gredos , between the municipalities of Pelayos de la Presa and Aldea del Fresno .
