The El Paular Valley is home to one of those places that, in summer, seem impossible (and yet so necessary) to have so close to the city: Las Presillas, three large natural pools formed in the Lozoya River’s bed, surrounded by pine trees and grassy meadows, with direct views of the peak of Peñalara. The recreational area is located in the municipality of Rascafría, at kilometer 28.6 of the M-604 highway, and has become one of the favorite ways to spend a day outdoors without having to tackle long mountain hikes.
Las Presillas are, in fact, three pools created by small dams across the river, which transform that stretch into a spacious and relatively quiet swimming area. The water, coming from the mountains and the river, remains cold even on the hottest days, making these pools especially appealing when the thermometer soars in Madrid. Surrounding the pools, the recreational area opens up into large grassy meadows and wooded areas where you can spread out a towel, have a small picnic ( while following the rules), or simply lie down in the shade.
Free access on foot (parking is paid)
One of the great advantages of Las Presillas is that access on foot is unrestricted and completely free: the area is not fenced off nor does it have capacity limits, and swimming is permitted exclusively in the three designated pools. This means that those who arrive on foot—for example, from Rascafría or after parking their car farther away—do not pay an entrance fee to use the pools.
The cost is for parking, located just a few meters from the recreational area. During the swimming season, parking is metered, and the fee for spending the entire day is €20 per car.
Hours and Swimming Season
Las Presillas has extended hours during the swimming season. The recreational area is open every day in the summer, generally from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with slight variations depending on the year. The official swimming season runs approximately from May 15 to September 15, although it may extend into mid- or late September, depending on the weather.
Outside of this period, the area remains open to visitors for walking, but swimming is no longer regulated as such. It is important to note that swimming is only permitted in the three designated pools; swimming in other areas of the river within the municipal boundaries is expressly prohibited.
Amenities at the recreational area
The Las Presillas area is designed for spending the entire day there on summer days. It features picnic tables, trash cans, marked trails, a kiosk, restrooms, and a landscaped area with trees, in addition to its own parking lot. It’s not a typical urban swimming area (there are no lifeguards in the traditional sense or enclosed changing rooms), but it is a well-maintained area where the combination of the river, meadow, and amenities makes it ideal for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for more than just a simple riverbank.
As for basic rules, glass containers and pets are prohibited, which helps keep the area safe and clean. As is always the case in these natural spaces, the recommendation is to leave the place at least as clean as it was when you arrived.
How to get there from Madrid
Getting to Las Presillas by car is relatively easy: from Madrid, take the A-1 (Burgos highway) to approximately km 69, near Lozoyuela. There, take the turnoff toward Rascafría on the M-604, a mountain road that crosses the Lozoya Valley, passing through towns such as Lozoya, Pinilla del Valle, Alameda del Valle, and the area surrounding the Monastery of Santa María de El Paular. The recreational area is located shortly thereafter, marked as “Las Presillas,” at km 28.6.
By public transportation, the best option is to take the bus from the Plaza Castilla transit hub to Rascafría (a route operated by Continental Auto) and then walk from the town to the recreational area.
