The Sierra de Guadarrama

Tailor-made Travel
Accommodation
A COUPLE
expand_more
expand_more

The routes from Madrid and El Escorial to Segovia strike through the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama (sierranorte.com), and it is a beautiful journey. The road is occasionally marred by suburban development, especially around Navacerrada, Madrid’s main ski station, but from the train it’s almost entirely unspoilt. There are plenty of opportunities for walking, but make sure you buy the appropriate maps in Madrid.

If you want to base yourself in the mountains for a while you’d do best to head for Cercedilla. Alternatively, over to the east, there is Manzanares el Real, with its odd medieval castle and reservoir-side setting.

In the shadow of the mountains to the north lies the Valle de Lozoya. At the western end are the village of Rascafría and the nearby Benedictine monastery of El Paular, and to the east the old fortified town of Buitrago with a medieval core and small Picasso museum.

The Rough Guide to Spain and related travel guides

Find even more inspiration for Spain here

Planning on your own? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

author photo
updated 4/27/2021
Share
fb tw mail_outline
attach_file
Ready to travel and discover Spain?
Get support from our local experts for
stress-free planning & worry-free travels