Parque de las Presillas

Parque de las Presillas sits in the northeastern part of Alcorcón, on the western edge of the Madrid metropolitan area, and forms one of the most ecologically valuable green spaces in the municipality. Covering roughly 57.5 hectares along the valley of the Fuente del Sapo stream, the park centers on an artificial lake of about 2 hectares, created by channeling the stream's waters before they continue toward the Butarque stream in neighboring Leganés.

How do you get there?

Alcorcón lies in the southwestern part of greater Madrid and connects easily to the capital through the Cercanías commuter rail network and the metro. Since the park occupies the northeastern edge of town, the simplest approach is to reach the nearest Alcorcón transit stop and continue on foot or by bike — the terrain inside the park is flat, with no significant climbs, so the final stretch is easy regardless of how you arrive.

What is there to see inside the park?

The park's standout natural feature is a stand of 32 centuries-old cork oaks (Quercus suber), a surviving fragment of what was once a much larger cork oak grove and now a genuine rarity this close to Madrid. Alongside it grows an extensive pine grove that shades much of the walking network. At the heart of the park lies the artificial lake, a reliable spot for watching waterbirds such as cormorants, coots, ducks, and moorhens — a detail that draws birdwatchers, particularly during the quieter early morning hours.

The land itself has a working past: before becoming a park it was an agricultural estate run by Spain's Ministry of Defense. Alcorcón's city council took it over in the early 1990s, around the time the M-40 motorway was built through the area, and gradually converted the grounds into public parkland while preserving its most valuable natural features, including the old cork oaks.

What can you do there?

Las Presillas functions as a everyday recreation ground for Alcorcón residents. Its network of maintained trails, laid out with minimal elevation change, suits walking, running, and cycling alike, making it equally workable for families and for runners after a longer flat route. Part of the pine grove is set aside as picnic areas equipped with waste bins, which makes the park a solid choice for an outdoor break during the warmer months.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn show the park at its best, with green vegetation and comfortable temperatures for longer walks. Midday heat in summer can be intense, so early mornings or late afternoons are the better windows, when the shade from the pine and oak groves offers real relief. Mornings, year-round, are also when birdlife around the lake tends to be most active, making them the best time for birdwatching.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, Parque de las Presillas is a public municipal park and entry is free.

Can you cycle inside the park? Yes, the trail network has minimal elevation change and works well for both walking and cycling.

Are there picnic spots? Yes, part of the pine grove area is set up with designated picnic zones and waste bins.

What is the park's main natural highlight? The 32 centuries-old cork oaks and the lake, which attracts waterbirds like cormorants, coots, and ducks.