Top 9 Natural Monuments around Sur Occidental
Best natural monuments around Sur Occidental offer diverse natural landscapes and geological features. This region encompasses areas known for deep canyons, unique rock formations, and significant water bodies. The natural monuments provide opportunities to observe varied ecosystems and historical sites. The area features a mix of natural and man-made structures that blend into the landscape.
Best natural monuments around Sur Occidental
- The most popular natural monuments is La Teja Spring and the Hermitage of San Isidro, a religious building and natural monument that offers a place to replenish water from its fountain. It provides a photo opportunity and a climb to the pines.
- Another must-see spot is View of Madrid, a viewpoint offering distant views of the city. This location provides good views of the capital's skyline, particularly at sunset.
- Visitors also love Stone slab above the Valmayor reservoir, a high granite slab found when surrounding the Valmayor reservoir. This natural monument can be challenging to navigate depending on the water level.
- Sur Occidental is known for viewpoints, lakes, and unique rock formations. The region offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, from water features to geological wonders.
- The natural monuments around Sur Occidental are appreciated by the komoot community. These 8 highlights have received 311 upvotes and feature 53 photos from visitors.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
La Teja Spring and the Hermitage of San Isidro
Highlight • Religious Site
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Picadas Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
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Stone slab above the Valmayor reservoir
Highlight • Natural Monument
If you do the route counterclockwise it will be more complicated to climb it. The slab is very smooth and has few grip points.
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Aulencia Dam
Highlight • Monument
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View of Madrid
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Juniper of Cerro Alarcón
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Peñarrubia Viewpoint (View of Valmayor Reservoir and Sierra de Guadarrama)
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Peña Escrita de Cenicientos
Highlight • Monument
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Valdeserrano Fountain
Highlight • Structure
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Duck Lake, El Restón Park
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
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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On November 26, 2025, the water covered many areas that are normally passable. You had to "climb" several rocks to get around the reservoir. This section was especially tricky when descending, and even more so if you were alone.
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Crossroads to reach Villanueva del Pardillo or Colmenarejo, with beautiful views.
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Today, February 9, after the rains, the reservoir is higher, although you can still cross without climbing the rock, with a little care you won't get wet.
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As of January 1, 2025, the water will no longer cover the path that runs under the granite stone and it can be passed through without any complications.
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great views of the reservoir
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of natural monuments can I explore in the Sur Occidental region?
The Sur Occidental region offers a diverse range of natural monuments, including significant water features like the Stone slab above the Valmayor reservoir and Duck Lake, El Restón Park. You'll also find unique geological formations and various viewpoints such as the View of Madrid and Peñarrubia Viewpoint, offering expansive vistas.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments in Sur Occidental?
Yes, several natural monuments in the Sur Occidental region are suitable for families. The La Teja Spring and the Hermitage of San Isidro is a great spot with a fountain for water and a climb to the pines. The Valdeserrano Fountain and Duck Lake, El Restón Park are also noted as family-friendly, offering pleasant natural settings.
What historical or cultural sites are integrated with the natural monuments?
The region blends natural beauty with historical elements. You can visit the La Teja Spring and the Hermitage of San Isidro, which is a religious building and natural monument. The Aulencia Dam, built in 1945, is another man-made structure that has become part of the natural landscape. Additionally, Peña Escrita de Cenicientos is a historical site within a natural monument.
What kind of views can I expect from the natural monuments?
Many natural monuments in Sur Occidental offer stunning views. From the View of Madrid, you can see the capital's skyline, especially beautiful at sunset. The Peñarrubia Viewpoint provides splendid views of the Valmayor reservoir and the Sierra de Guadarrama.
Are there challenging trails or natural features to explore?
Yes, some natural monuments present intermediate challenges. The Stone slab above the Valmayor reservoir can be particularly challenging to navigate, especially when the water level is high, requiring careful movement or even unclimbing. The Aulencia Dam and View of Madrid are also categorized as intermediate difficulty.
What outdoor activities can I do near the natural monuments in Sur Occidental?
The Sur Occidental region offers various outdoor activities near its natural monuments. You can find numerous options for hiking, including routes like 'From Pelayos de la Presa to the Embalse de Picadas' or the 'Route of the Mills of the Perales River'. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes such as the 'Griñón, Móstoles, Brunete, Navalcarnero – circular route', and gravel biking trails like 'The Seven Gates – Valmayor Reservoir loop'.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments in Sur Occidental?
Visitors frequently appreciate the scenic beauty and tranquility. Many enjoy the photo opportunities and the chance to replenish water at the fantastic fountain at La Teja Spring and the Hermitage of San Isidro. The distant views of Madrid, especially at sunset from the View of Madrid, are also highly praised. The splendid views of the Valmayor reservoir and Sierra de Guadarrama from the Peñarrubia Viewpoint are also a highlight for many.
Are there any natural monuments that are less crowded or considered hidden gems?
While specific crowd levels can vary, exploring areas like the Stone slab above the Valmayor reservoir, especially when water levels are high, can offer a more secluded experience due to its challenging nature. The Peña Escrita de Cenicientos, being a historical site, might also offer a quieter visit compared to more popular viewpoints.
Can I find natural monuments with water features like lakes or rivers?
Yes, the Sur Occidental region is known for its water features. You can explore the area around the Valmayor reservoir, which features a unique granite slab. The Aulencia Dam is another significant water-related monument, and Duck Lake, El Restón Park offers a tranquil lake setting.
What geological features are prominent among the natural monuments?
The region showcases interesting geological formations, such as the high granite slab found at the Stone slab above the Valmayor reservoir. This smooth granite formation presents a unique natural challenge depending on water levels. The overall landscape includes diverse natural formations that contribute to the region's distinct character.
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