One of the most populous towns in Madrid on the southern slope of the Sierra de Guadarrama, just 42 kilometers from Madrid, will be accessible via the Cercanías commuter rail system from the city center. The town is Soto del Real, which will be connected by train following the extension of Line C-4b.
This rail connection will make it a destination worth considering for day trips near the capital via public transportation, especially for those who enjoy outings that combine nature and history.
Its history dates back to the so-called “Reconquista, ” after which shepherds from Segovia settled there in the 13th century. At that time, it was known as Villa de Chozas de la Sierra, a name it retained until 1959.
The current name, however, maintains its connection to its history: “‘Soto’ refers to the trees and groves surrounding the town, and ‘del Real’ recalls its historical affiliation with the Real de Manzanares,” explain officials from the Soto del Real City Council.
What to see in Soto del Real?
Soto del Real’s heritage, as we’ve mentioned, is extensive, and what to visit will depend largely on each visitor’s preferences and interests. However, the town council has put together a guide featuring some of the must-see spots for first-time visitors.
The first stop is the area around Plaza de la Villa —the heart of the town’s life, where City Hall is located and unique events such as the Noche en Velaare held.
From there, you can access three other points along the route: the medieval bridge —with a single “donkey’s back”-shaped arch— the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, patron saint of the town—built in 1954 and offering one of the best views of the Soto del Real landscape—and the River Park, which is considered to have “high natural and scenic value” due to its centuries-old ash trees.
The possibilities, however, also include nature trails, traditional architecture, scenic overlooks, and livestock trails. As they themselves say: “Soto del Real is a destination to visit at a leisurely pace: to stroll, gaze at the mountains, discover its history, and enjoy nature just a few kilometers from Madrid.”