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Alcorcón

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City
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Alcorcón (Spain)
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Practical info — Alcorcón

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The San José de Valderas Castles are the city's landmark; visit in the late afternoon for the best photography lighting.
  • Avoid the A-5 highway during morning and late afternoon rush hours as traffic jams towards Madrid are common.
  • MetroSur (Line 12) connects Alcorcón perfectly with other suburbs, but to reach Madrid quickly, use the Cercanías train (C-5).
  • Many traditional tapas bars serve a generous free tapa with every drink, which can often substitute for a light dinner.

🍽 Food

🍽
Oreja a la Plancha

Grilled pork ear is a local favorite; try it in the traditional bars in the historic center.

🍽
Bocadillo de Calamares

Fried squid sandwiches can be found in the small cafes around the train stations.

🍽
Churros

Grab fresh churros from the local churrerías near Calle Mayor.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Calle Mayor

A busy pedestrian street lined with many independent local shops and boutiques.

🛍
Mercadillo de Alcorcón

The traditional street market takes place on Tuesdays at the fairgrounds (Recinto Ferial).

🧘
Parque de Los Castillos

A beautiful parkland area surrounding the city's famous castles.

🧘
Parque de las Comunidades

A peaceful green area with walking paths away from the traffic.

Highlights of 2026

1

Alcorcón is a significant city within the Madrid metropolitan area that has transitioned from a small rural settlement into a modern industrial and service hub. Historically, the town was well known for its pottery tradition, an craft that defined its local economy for centuries. A key landmark of the city is 'Los Castillos de Valderas,' a complex of neo-Gothic palaces built in the early 20th century which now houses a unique glass art museum. During Spain's economic boom in the 1960s and 1970s, Alcorcón experienced explosive demographic growth, fundamentally altering its urban landscape. Today, the city is characterized by excellent transport links, modern residential areas, and a strong presence in the healthcare sector, anchored by the Alcorcón University Hospital. The city also hosts major campuses of the Rey Juan Carlos University, making it a key educational destination. With its numerous shopping centers and leisure complexes, Alcorcón acts as a major regional commercial pole while maintaining extensive parks and public spaces for its residents.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C4581116222525201484
Rain mm38394852432291424665440

Live webcam – Alcorcón

See what it looks like near Alcorcón right now.

Madrid: Bº DE LA FORTUNA - PINAR SAN JOSE · 4.5 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
172,384
Coordinates
40.34580, -3.82480

Facts

  • Alcorcón's name likely originates from the Arabic word for 'the little fortress.'
  • The Valderas Castles were built in 1917 in a Saxon Gothic architectural style.
  • The city is home to the MAVA Museum, featuring contemporary glass art.
  • The population grew from roughly 700 residents in 1900 to over 170,000 today.
  • The 16th-century Church of Santa María la Blanca is a key historic site.
  • Alcorcón became a major satellite city during the industrialization of the 1960s.

Explore nearby

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Sights in the town Alcorcón (9)

Museo de Aeronáutica y Astronáutica - Museo del Aire🏛 museum

A major aviation museum in Alcorcón featuring a collection of over 150 historic aircraft and helicopters.

Museo Municipal de Arte en Vidrio (MAVA)🏛 museum

A municipal museum in Alcorcón presenting an important collection of contemporary glass art from around the world.

🕒 Mo-Fr 10:00-14:00, 17:00-20:00; Sa, Su 10:30-14:30

The Robot Museum🏛 museum

A museum in Alcorcón exhibiting pieces related to the history and evolution of robotics.

🕒 Fr 16:00+,17:00+,18:00+ "Visitas guiadas regulares (entrada

Honna Surf Hub - Citywave Madrid👨‍👩‍👧 family

An indoor sports center in Alcorcón featuring artificial waves for city surfing.

Parque Las Comunidades🌳 park

A public urban park in Alcorcón with green spaces and paths for local recreation.

Parque de La Paz🌳 park

An urban park area in Alcorcón serving as a quiet spot for outdoor walks.

Parque la República🌳 park

A smaller urban park in Alcorcón with lawns and seating for local residents.

BIG JUMP Alcorcón👨‍👩‍👧 family

A large trampoline park in Alcorcon offering active fun for the whole family.

Factoria Retro👨‍👩‍👧 family

An entertainment center in Alcorcon focused on retro games and family fun.

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Alcorcón?
The 'Los Castillos', two neo-Gothic castles that today house museums.
Is there a glass museum?
Yes, the MAVA (Glass Art Museum of Alcorcón) is located in one of the castles.
How to get from Madrid to Alcorcón?
By metro line 10 or 12 and Cercanías train line C5.
Are there leisure centers?
X-Madrid is a unique center for action sports and alternative leisure.
When are the city festivals?
The festivals in honor of the Virgen de los Remedios take place in early September.
Alcorcón: where is it located?
Alcorcón is located in Galicia, Spain.
Alcorcón: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museo de Aeronáutica y Astronáutica - Museo del Aire, Museo Municipal de Arte en Vidrio (MAVA), The Robot Museum.
Alcorcón: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Alcorcón: why is it worth visiting?
Alcorcón is a significant city within the Madrid metropolitan area that has transitioned from a small rural settlement into a modern industrial and service hub.
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