Water sports on the Embalse de El Atazar, circular routes of varying lengths and historic landmarks give Cervera de Buitrago a varied character. When planning your visit, it is worth noting the differences: activities on the water take centre stage at the Área Náutica, while the trails lead to viewpoints, down to the shore and through changing landscapes. There is also the Church of Santa María de los Remedios and local traditions.

Water sports on the Embalse de El Atazar

The Área Náutica de Cervera de Buitrago offers sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding year-round. The range of activities is not limited to just one type: you can choose between sailing, paddling and wind sports. Facilities include a slipway and jetties. There is also a rescue and navigation assistance service. The Área Náutica is the only nautical area that provides access to the Embalse de El Atazar.

You can also explore the lakeshore on foot. The Senda de los Prados crosses an old sediment-retention dam and continues along the hillside to the shore of the reservoir. The route passes through the Prados de Jimena to an arm of the reservoir; it also runs alongside an old traditional apiary.

Circular routes and different distances

The Camino del Atazar is an easy, six-kilometre circular route that starts at Plaza de las Arcas. It follows a gravel track along the old road between Cervera de Buitrago and El Atazar and is also suitable for bicycles. The Senda de los Prados is shorter, at 2.3 kilometres; it starts on Calle de la Iglesia and has an ascent of 84 metres. Its sections along the old dam and reservoir shore give the route a different character from the Camino del Atazar.

La Dehesa del Soto is a 5.4-kilometre circular route starting in Cervera de Buitrago. The vegetation changes with altitude: holm oaks and ash trees grow in the lower areas, while higher up there is a stand of rockrose with rosemary. La Dehesa del Soto is listed as a Monte de Utilidad Pública. For a much longer option, the Senda del Genaro circular route, which is more than 70 kilometres long, offers a greater challenge: it connects towns around the Embalse de El Atazar and passes through Cervera de Buitrago.

The easy Camino del Molino starts and ends in the town centre. It used to lead to an old mill site, which is now submerged beneath the reservoir. The local Carpetania trail network also includes three waymarked routes along the Embalse de El Atazar.

Views and local history

The Mirador de Cervera de Buitrago is located on the shore of the Embalse de El Atazar. From there, you can enjoy views of the Sierra de la Cabrera, the Peña Negra massif and El Regajo. The viewpoint is part of the Camino del Molino and belongs to the Miradores network of the Mancomunidad del Embalse del Atazar; the viewpoints in this network are equipped with information panels.

The Church of Santa María de los Remedios was built in 1538 and retains its original apse. It is the only 16th-century building preserved in the town. Inside, surviving features include a Moorish wooden ceiling and a 19th-century bronze crucifix. The Museo de los Sentidos adds to the cultural offering with an interactive, nature-focused sensory trail that engages smell, touch, hearing and sight. Group visits are available by arrangement; as the museum may be closed at times, check access before your visit.

Festivals and traditions

Cervera de Buitrago’s main festival was traditionally celebrated on 18 and 19 December. Today, it takes place on the weekend closest to those dates. Festivals and traditions also include a large chorizo feast. For the Luminaria, a bonfire is prepared behind the Albergue in the Las Eras area and lit at midnight. These customs add insight into local festive traditions to your exploration of the trails and historic buildings.

Discover more destinations: Villalbilla, San Fernando De Henares, Pinto, San Agustín Del Guadalix, Húmera, Lozoya, Santo Domingo, Piñuécar.

For the main travel overview: Madrid.