Free walking tours in Pozuelo de Alarcón and what to see

Must-sees

Pozuelo de Alarcón is a residential town right next to Madrid, with tree-lined streets and lots of green space. In the centre are the church of the Asunción de Nuestra Señora and the Plaza del Padre Vallet, with terraces and shops. The Colonia de la Estación keeps the feel of the old summer villas of Madrid families.

To get out into nature there is the Monte del Pilar, a pine and holm-oak forest shared with Majadahonda, with paths for walking or cycling. Very close is the Casa de Campo, Madrid's great park. The town is also home to the Ciudad de la Imagen, where TV programmes are filmed. Its main advantage is how close it is to central Madrid.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Pozuelo, but central Madrid is a step away. There you have free walking tours of Habsburg Madrid, Sol, the Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace, and routes around La Latina and the Barrio de las Letras. Among paid visits, the Prado or the Royal Palace with a guide and trips to Toledo, Segovia or El Escorial are worthwhile.

How long to spend

Pozuelo can be explored in half a day, between the centre and a walk in the Monte del Pilar. If you use it as a base for Madrid, allow three or four days. Spend two in the city centre, with a free walking tour on the first to get your bearings, and one or two more on day trips to Toledo, Segovia or El Escorial.

Where to stay

Look for somewhere near the Cercanías station or the light rail, which link with Madrid without a car. The village centre and the Colonia de la Estación have restaurants and a quiet atmosphere. If you are driving, the areas near the M-503 and the A-6 make heading out to the sierra easy.