Is there such a thing as a tiny reservoir steeped in underwater history and a Michelin-recognised restaurant serving Alicante-style rice dishes in the mountains? There is, and you can find it in the Sierra de Guadarrama: it's La Jarosa. Just half an hour from Madrid, this destination offers an easy escape with meadows, pine forests and walking trails that encourage visitors to slow down and enjoy the surroundings. To complete the experience, there is a waterside restaurant serving high-quality ingredients and grilled specialities with a Mediterranean influence. It's a compact and accessible getaway that appeals as much to nature lovers as it does to food enthusiasts.
- Where is La Jarosa and why is it attracting attention?
- A landscape of pine trees and meadows for leisurely walks
- Hiking in La Jarosa: trails that connect history and water
- The waterside restaurant recognised by the Michelin Guide
- How to get there from Madrid
- Practical tips for making the most of your visit
Where is La Jarosa and why is it attracting attention?
The La Jarosa reservoir is located in Guadarrama, in the Community of Madrid, and is considered the smallest reservoir in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range. Built in 1968, it has an approximate capacity of 7.2 hm³ and covers 55 hectares. The basin is surrounded by extensive pine forests and is included in the Catalogue of Reservoirs and Wetlands of the Community of Madrid. Its surroundings are also closely linked to the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.
Beneath its waters lie the remains of the former village of La Herrería. When water levels drop significantly, some of them can reappear, surprising visitors walking along the shoreline.
A landscape of pine trees and meadows for leisurely walks
The area around the reservoir combines meadows, recreational spaces and woodlands where maritime pine, Scots pine and Corsican pine grow side by side. It is an ideal setting for gentle walks, with tracks and paths winding through shady woodland and open areas beside the water.
The trails require little planning and offer plenty of opportunities to pause at viewpoints, picnic areas and scenic spots overlooking the reservoir. The atmosphere is that of a nearby mountain retreat: fresh air, easy walking and a striking contrast between the green of the pines and the blue of the water.
Hiking in La Jarosa: trails that connect history and water
The best-known route is the Water Trail, which leads to the entrance of an underground tunnel that carries water from the La Aceña reservoir. This approximately 8 km-long tunnel forms part of the hydraulic infrastructure supplying La Jarosa and adds an unusual point of interest to the walk.
From here, the route can be extended to the Felipe II Wall, a historic stone wall associated with the grounds of El Escorial, adding a further historical dimension to the outing. No technical equipment is required, and the distance can be adapted to suit different fitness levels, making it easy to combine with lunch by the reservoir.
What you can (and can't) do at the reservoir
It is worth being aware of the regulations before visiting. Swimming and water sports are prohibited. However, fishing is permitted with the appropriate licence, which must be valid and carried at all times while fishing.
Otherwise, the area is well suited to walking, relaxing in designated meadows and quietly enjoying the natural surroundings while respecting protected areas.
The waterside restaurant recognised by the Michelin Guide
The shoreline is also home to an impressive culinary attraction. Here you will find RUGE, the project created by Rubén Iborra and Jennifer Ini, recognised by the Michelin Guide in 2025 and 2026.
Its concept brings Mediterranean flavours to the mountains through two defining elements: Alicante-style rice dishes and grilled cuisine. The menu focuses on high-quality ingredients, precise cooking techniques and a careful use of fire to highlight natural flavours.
Rice dishes, grilled specialities and menus designed for sharing
The rice selection includes classics such as arroz a banda with cuttlefish and Santa Pola red prawns, arroz negro with baby cuttlefish and red prawn carpaccio, and creamy duck rice with foie gras and mushrooms.
Grilled specialities range from seafood, including Garrucha red prawns and Galician clams, to favourites such as Joselito ham croquettes with Iberian pork jowl and dry-aged beef cuts. Desserts include apple tart, grilled French toast and a mille-feuille created by master pastry chef Torreblanca.
A seasonal four-course sharing menu is available for €59.90 per person on weekdays and selected Saturday evenings, while six- and eight-course tasting menus can be booked in advance.
How to get there from Madrid
Access is straightforward. From Madrid, take the AP-6 motorway and leave at junction 47, continuing along the M-614 towards Guadarrama. From there, local signs direct visitors to the La Jarosa reservoir.
Under normal traffic conditions, the journey takes around 30 minutes, making it an easy day trip that combines hiking and dining without requiring an early start. Its proximity also means that plans can be adapted to the weather and local conditions.
Practical tips for making the most of your visit
A little preparation can make the experience even more enjoyable. It is worth checking trail conditions if there has been recent rainfall and wearing comfortable footwear suitable for dirt paths.
Anyone planning to fish should obtain the relevant licence in advance and check seasonal restrictions and permitted species. If you intend to dine at RUGE, booking ahead is recommended, particularly for tasting menus and busy weekends.
When water levels are low, a leisurely walk along the shoreline is especially worthwhile. You may spot traces of the former village of La Herrería, a reminder of the area's hidden history and one of the details that makes La Jarosa such an intriguing destination.
Article seen in Spanish on elconfidencial.com: This is the smallest reservoir in the Sierra de Guadarrama: surrounded by pine trees and a restaurant recognised by the Michelin Guide
