Best attractions and places to see around Aldea Del Fresno include a blend of natural landscapes and historical sites in the Sierra Oeste of Madrid. The town is situated at the confluence of the Alberche and Perales rivers, offering riverine environments and low mountains. Visitors can explore areas with holm oak groves, pine forests, and poplar groves. The region features ancient irrigation systems, 16th-century churches, and remnants from the Civil War.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
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Beautiful and easy path along the Alberche river.
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La Presa de Picadas is a hydraulic infrastructure located on the Alberche River, which gives rise to the reservoir of the same name. Surrounded by a natural environment of great beauty, it stands out for its rugged landscapes, pine forests, and calm waters, making it an ideal point of interest to enjoy nature in the Sierra Oeste of Madrid.
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The Embalse de Picadas is a natural enclave located on the course of the Alberche river, surrounded by pine forests and steep slopes that create a landscape of great beauty. Its calm waters and uncrowded environment make it an ideal place to enjoy nature in the Sierra Oeste of Madrid.
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The section between San Martín de Valdeiglesias and Aldea del Fresno is very comforting due to the route of the old Alberche train. The path is favorable and you simply have to maintain your inertia through the pine forests of Pelayos de la Presa and the shore of the Picadas reservoir to the dam wall, a delightful cycling ride. At the dam you have to cross a small slope and go down to the Alberche River bridge in Aldea del Fresno, which due to recent floods was under repair the day we passed. The route continues along the entertaining and sandy Camino de Navayuncosa, passing by the Palace of the Count of Caralt and following a section of the old railway to Villamanta, where we once again find damage to the road due to flooding. In the municipality of Navalcarnero we follow the milestones of CiclaMadrid along the rural roads marked with carved and sculpted granite posts with the names of the paths and roads of the municipality, on the map it says Camino de Madrid and on the stone post Camino from Valdeyeso. Navalcarnero has a stop in the square, it is monumental and a good place to have the last snack before the final push. In the Dehesa de Marimartín we reconnect with the route of the old Alberche railway, we pass over the iron bridge of the Guadarrama River and along the greenway we immediately arrive at the lonely streets of Mostoles Tecnológico. In this section, the CiclaMadrid milestones follow a rather uncomfortable livestock route through industrial estates and urban areas, until they cross the peripheral urbanizations of Villaviciosa de Odón and through the old military camps of Venta de la Rubia and the Meaques stream, they enter the Cottage.
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The Picadas reservoir is located between the municipalities of Pelayos de la Presa and Aldea del Fresno, about 60 km from Madrid, in the Sierra de Gredos. This reservoir collects the waters of the Alberche River and has a recreational area that the whole family will enjoy.
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Nice place I made the route from Toledo to the San Juan reservoir
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The disturbing descent from the Santa Ana urbanization ends at the Vía Verde del Alberche, built on the old route of a railway that was intended to connect Aldea del Fresno and Pelayos de la Presa, but was never inaugurated. In this section the Alberche River is dammed by the Picadas dam and it is delicious to pedal through the canyon to a recreational area before exiting onto the M-501 highway. The railway was planned in 1930 as a secondary branch of the main Madrid-Almorox line. The plan was to create a railway communication route between Aldea del Fresno and Arenas de San Pedro, passing through Pelayos de la Presa, San Martín de Valdeiglesias and the Tiétar valley. The works began very lively, bridges were built and remains of the track bed remain in several sections, but the arrival of the Civil War cut off the works and they were never resumed. Now, the sections built almost a century ago are a wonderful greenway in the Sierra Oeste.
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Aldea Del Fresno is rich in natural beauty, situated at the confluence of the Alberche and Perales rivers. You can explore the riverbanks, enjoy the Alberche Greenway which follows an old railway line through pine forests, or visit the tranquil Picadas Reservoir. The area also features diverse landscapes including holm oak groves and poplar groves.
Yes, the Picadas Reservoir offers a scenic cycling ride through a canyon with beautiful views. Additionally, the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, perched on a steep hill, provides impressive panoramic views of the town and surrounding valley.
The Alberche Greenway is an excellent choice for both walking and cycling. It follows the Alberche River, offering a delightful path through pine forests, especially the section between San Martín de Valdeiglesias and Aldea del Fresno. The banks of the Alberche River also provide opportunities for pleasant strolls.
Aldea Del Fresno has several historical landmarks. You can see the ruins of the Noria Árabe (Arab Waterwheel), an ancient irrigation system. The 16th-century Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol with its 18th-century bell tower, and the 17th-century Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad are also notable. The town also features Fortines de la Guerra Civil, including Blockhaus No. 13, and two Romanesque granite bridges on the Corralizo stream.
Yes, the nearby town of Colmenar del Arroyo is known for its unique cultural expression. Many street facades are adorned with phrases, poems, and thoughts, creating an inspiring 'book of outdoor poetry' to explore.
For a family-friendly experience, Safari Madrid, located within the municipality, allows visitors to observe animals in large, natural spaces from their cars. The Alberche Greenway and the 'beaches' along the Alberche River also offer enjoyable outdoor activities for families.
There are various hiking opportunities around Aldea Del Fresno. You can find routes like 'From Pelayos de la Presa to the Embalse de Picadas via the Vía Verde de Alberche' (moderate) or 'Calalberche — circular along the banks of the Río Alberche' (easy). For more options, explore the Hiking around Aldea Del Fresno guide.
Yes, the area offers several mountain biking trails. Examples include 'Picadas Reservoir – Embalse de Picadas loop from Ctra. M507 - Embalse Picadas' (difficult) and 'Geodetic Point – Bridge Over the Perales River loop from Aldea del Fresno' (moderate). For a comprehensive list, check the MTB Trails around Aldea Del Fresno guide.
Road cyclists will find the area around Aldea Del Fresno very appealing. Villamantilla Town Center is known as a quiet area popular for road cycling. The Alberche Greenway also provides a delightful cycling path through scenic landscapes.
The summer months are popular for enjoying the 'beaches' along the Alberche River for swimming. For hiking and cycling, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, avoiding the peak heat of summer.
Visitors appreciate the blend of natural landscapes and historical sites. The Alberche Greenway is particularly loved for its comfortable cycling through pine forests and along the reservoir. The quiet, scenic routes for cycling and the unique cultural atmosphere of nearby towns like Colmenar del Arroyo are also highly valued.
Yes, the Alberche River offers popular 'beaches' during the summer months, which are great for swimming. The San Juan Reservoir Marina, though a bit further, is another popular spot for water activities and enjoying the lake.


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