Things To Do
in Velilla de San Antonio

A classic Madrid stew with chickpeas, meats and vegetables — rich and filling. Look for it in traditional restaurants and on special menu del día days.

Must-Try!

Spanish omelette with potatoes and onion — a staple at tapas bars and bakeries throughout town.

Fried calamari sandwich, popular across Madrid and available at tapas places for a quick, tasty bite.

A spicy tripe stew typical of Madrid; hearty and best tried in traditional taverns if you enjoy offal dishes.

Small weekly market selling fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats and household goods — a good place to taste local fruit and buy picnic supplies.

Street-level cafés offering pastries, bocadillos and coffee — ideal for breakfast or a mid-morning snack.

A brief handshake is common for first meetings; friends often exchange two cheek kisses (left then right) — follow the local lead. Use formal titles (Señor/Señora) in formal contexts.

For social gatherings, a small delay is normal; however, business appointments should start on time or with a short grace period.

Lunch is typically later than in many countries (around 14:00) and dinner often begins after 21:00 in summer; tapas culture encourages sharing plates.

Keep noise moderate in residential areas, especially after 22:00. Respect local religious and cultural festivities and dress modestly when visiting churches.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In bars and for casual tapas, people often round up the bill or leave small change; in restaurants a 5-10% tip for good service is common. Taxi drivers, hotel porters and hairdressers appreciate small tips.

Cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops, but small bars and market stalls may prefer cash. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are common in larger outlets; always carry a few euros in cash for small purchases.

Mild temperatures, blooming vegetation and good birdwatching; unpredictable showers are possible, so bring a light jacket and waterproof layer.

Hot and dry, with daytime highs often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, stay hydrated and seek shade during peak heat.

Comfortable temperatures and crisp evenings; a pleasant time for walking and photography as foliage changes and humidity remains low.

Cool to cold, especially at night, with occasional frosts and rare snowfall; daytime can be sunny but bring layers and a warm coat for evenings.

The main international airport serving Madrid, about a 15–25 minute drive depending on traffic; offers extensive national and international connections and is the most convenient airport for Velilla.

A smaller airport near Torrejón de Ardoz with limited civil and business flights; closer for some private flights but fewer commercial options than Barajas.

Many people who work in Madrid live in Velilla for more affordable housing and a quieter lifestyle; they commute daily to the capital.

Established residents and multi-generation families who form the social backbone of community life and local traditions.

A mix of immigrant families from Latin America, North Africa and Eastern Europe who contribute to the town's cultural diversity and local businesses.

Older residents who enjoy the tranquil pace, local services and green spaces.

Vegetarian options are limited but available: order tortilla, grilled vegetables, salads, patatas bravas and cheese plates. Larger grocery stores stock plant-based products; call ahead for vegetarian options at mid-size restaurants.

Vegan choices are more restricted in small towns; seek vegetarian salads, fresh fruit, vegetable sides and breads. Nearby Madrid offers many vegan restaurants if you need more variety.

Ask staff about cross-contamination at bakeries and tapas bars. Many basic dishes (grilled meat, salads) are naturally gluten-free, but traditional breads, pastries and some sauces contain gluten.

Specialty halal or kosher restaurants are limited in Velilla — Madrid has many options. Supermarkets may carry halal meats; for kosher needs plan ahead and visit larger nearby towns or Madrid.