Yes, there are beaches here. And everything else that goes with them. Despite everything that certain pop songs from the end of the 1980s might have said to the contrary. From the Sierra Norte Mountains to the plains of the Jarama and Tagus Rivers. From the Sierra Oeste Mountains to the Guadarrama River basin, the Scots pine has always been the dominant presence on the lower mountain slopes. Natural rivers and major reservoirs make the Region of Madrid an attractive and unknown destination for sailing, hundreds of kilometres from the sea. The north is for the Lozoya River, where the El Atazar Reservoir stretches out, adding plenty of keels, windsurfer boards, sails and oars to the region’s most famous waters. The Tagus River is a good host for small kayaks and canoes on their way through the southeast of the Region. The Alberche River, in the west, has inland Spain’s most prestigious sailing club, the "Real" (Royal), on the San Juan Reservoir. On the way to Guadarrama, the Aulencia River lets you live experiences from distant shores, windsurfing on the waters of the Valmayor Reservoir.
El Atazar Reservoir
Washed by the waters of the Lozoya River, in the Sierra Norte Mountains of the Region of Madrid. It runs through the municipal districts of Puentes Viejas, Robledillo de la Jara, Cervera de Buitrago, El Berrueco, Patones and El Atazar. The reservoir has been functioning since 1972, and is the largest in the network of the Canal Water Authority. This reservoir in the north of the region offers activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, dinghy sailing and yacht sailing. It is 80 kilometres from the city of Madrid and access is on the N-1 road.
The villages of Puentes Viejas and Robledillo de la Jara are an ideal departure point to enjoy the mountain air and countryside activities, whether on land or water. Other noteworthy places in the area are the Cervera de Buitrago oak wood to the east, the Hornillo, Ortigal and Matalobos springs close to El Berrueco, and El Reguerillo Cave, in the municipal district of Patones.
The name given to the reservoir is that of the pretty village of El Atazar, outstanding for its traditional buildings, surrounding countryside and its wealth of fauna. Hare, fox, boar and grey heron all live in the Sierra del Rincón Mountains, and the Carpetanos Mountains that surround them.
Tagus River plain
The Tagus River runs through the southeast of the Region of Madrid for about 70 kilometres. The sailable stretch runs between the municipal districts of Fuentidueña de Tajo and Aranjuez. The calm of the waters of the Iberian Peninsula’s great river as it flows through this area make it the ideal place for river kayaking and canoeing, for both flat water and speed canoes.
San Juan Reservoir
This is one of the Region’s largest, known as the "Madrid Beach". It is in the Region’s Sierra Oeste Mountains, between the municipal districts of Pelayos de la Presa and San Martín de Valdeiglesias. Access is on the M-S07 road, and its waters come from the Alberche River. Sailing and water bikes are ideal for those who want to look out over scenery of holm oaks, pine and chestnut trees from the water. By sail, or motor-powered? The kings of the reservoir roar without having to put themselves in the whimsical hands of the wind.
In the village of Pelayos de la Presa you can visit the small palace of Alfonso VIII and admire the Gothic arch of the reconstructed church. Another interesting visit nearby is to the remains of the Las Bernardas Monastery.
San Martín de Valdeiglesias, situated at the foot of the Sierra de Gredos Mountains, is home to the majority of sailing and tourism-related companies.
Valmayor Reservoir
The Aulencia River has its source in the Abantos Mountains and flows into the Guadarrama River basin. Along its course it forms the Valmayor Reservoir, between the municipal districts of Valdemorillo and Colmenarejo. Access is on the M-510 road, and this is an excellent spot for windsurfing and sailing enthusiasts. At the Valmayor Reservoir, as with those of San Juan and El Atazar, there are beginners’ courses available in sailing and windsurfing, and you can also hire equipment.
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