Geographically, it sits on a large plain, in which there are several promontories, on one of which is found the castle of Aulencia [es], its main landmark.

Villafranca del Castillo [es], a well-off urban area detached from the main nucleus, is located within the municipal bounds.

Villanueva de la Cañada hosts the main campus of the Alfonso X El Sabio University as well as the Aquópolis waterpark.

Geologically, its limits form part of the depression of the Tajo and it is defined by the existence of many alluvial fields, with an average elevation of 652 metres.

The municipal limits of Villanueva de la Cañada are crossed by the following major roads: Villanueva de la Cañada is connected by several coach lines: The Lycée Français International Molière, a French international school, is in the city.