“¡Vaya, vaya! ¡Aquí no hay playa!” – which interprets to “right here, there is no such thing as a seaside!” – is a well-known chorus in Madrid, a good-humored lament to the truth that the Spanish capital lacks its personal metropolis seaside.
However what Madrid lacks in shoreline, it definitely makes up for in spellbinding pure views, because of its proximity to the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain vary and the Manzanares River that flows out into the lowlands.
A dramatic, biodiverse terrain of tough granite rock formations, waterfalls, forests, glacial lakes and lagoons varieties a spectacular backdrop to Madrid’s numerous mountain climbing trails, which hyperlink a string of historic hill cities. A mere hour’s drive from Madrid, the Sierra de Guadarrama provides an amazing getaway for hikers of all ranges who wish to escape the town crush, even for only a day.
So, after you’ve got explored the capital’s prime sights, and caught your breath in its inexperienced metropolis parks, head to the hills. Here is a roundup of the very best mountain climbing trails close to Madrid.
Siete Picos (Seven Peaks)
Greatest straightforward hike
10km (6.2 miles), 3–4 hours, straightforward
Taking its title from the seven granite peaks that line up alongside its hovering rocky massif, this straightforward, relaxed mountain climbing path is considered one of Madrid’s hottest routes due to its accessibility, low issue stage and panoramic views. Within the Center Ages, this well-known landmark was generally known as the “Sierra del Dragon” as a result of its distinguishing summits resemble the serrated bottom of a dozing dragon.
The family-friendly Siete Picos hike begins from the Puerto de Navacerrada ski station and follows the El Telégrafo ski carry as much as the ridge, earlier than tracing the lofty backbone of the Siete Picos and looping again to Puerto de Navacerrada alongside the Schmidt Path. You get quite a lot of views to your buck alongside the rocky ridge – carry your digital camera!
Peñalara
Greatest hike for seeing glacial lakes
14km (8.7 miles), 4 hours, intermediate
For glacial motion at its greatest, the Peñalara round route is a much-loved, intermediate-level mountain climbing path that takes you to the slopes of Madrid’s highest summit. The stroll round 2428m (7966ft) Peñalara peak slowly unveils the realm’s breathtaking glacial lakes and cirques – plunging valleys resembling pure amphitheaters, shaped by thousands and thousands of years of glacial erosion.
Round these valleys are a sequence of crystal clear lakes, together with the Laguna Grande (Massive Lagoon), Lagunas de los Claveles (Lagoons of the Carnations), and Laguna Chica (Small Lagoon). The complete massif is a part of the Sierra de Guadarrama Nationwide Park, guaranteeing pristine nation for strolling and well-maintained trails. Entry to this route is through the Puerto de Cotos mountain go within the Madrid municipality of Rascafría, an hour’s drive or bus trip from Madrid.
La Pedriza
Greatest rocky mountain views
12km (7.5 miles), 3 hours, intermediate
Dramatic, rugged granite rock formations, juxtaposed towards gently trickling streams and churning waterfalls, are the primary draw on this average looping path on the southern fringe of the Sierra de Guadarrama. The La Pedriza monitor begins proper on the city of Manzanares El Actual, about 50km (31 miles) from central Madrid, located near the Manzanares higher river basin. Whilst you’re right here, you possibly can drop by the Castillo de los Mendoza, an virtually too-perfect stone fort from the fifteenth century.
This spectacular path is a part of a Unesco Biosphere Reserve that creates a shocking pure habitat for verdant oak and pine forests and related wildlife. The Manzanares river flows by way of the panorama to kind clear swimming pools and waterfalls, essentially the most well-known of which is the Charca Verde – actually, “inexperienced pool,” named for its deep emerald hue.
La Pedriza’s granitic panorama was shaped by cooling magma thousands and thousands of years in the past. A preferred exercise for contemporary hikers is to play a type of “rock Rorschach take a look at,” discovering acquainted varieties or animal figures within the shapes of the rocky facades. Rising over 1700m (5577ft), the height of El Yelmo (“The Helmet”) is La Pedriza’s highest summit and dominant landmark.
Camino de los Campamentos, Cercedilla
Greatest child-friendly hike
9.5km (6 miles), 2 hours, straightforward
The small mountain city of Cercedilla, simply over 50km (31 miles) from Madrid, is a perennially common mountain climbing getaway because of a sequence of simply accessible trails of various ranges of issue. There’s little likelihood of getting misplaced due to clear markers alongside the way in which, making it an amazing trekking vacation spot for lively households with youngsters in tow. The stunning, round Camino de los Campamentos route takes you thru the tranquil countryside of the Sierra, passing gently sloping hills, grazing horses and cattle, pine forests and mountain streams, which look exceptionally alluring throughout the spring and autumn seasons.
The path is definitely accessible upon arrival at Cercedilla prepare station; Paseo de Ródenas connects to the Camino Puricelli monitor, which leads on to the Camino de los Campamentos route. Alongside the way in which, you’ll encounter two mountain camps, La Peñota and Los Helechos, which have been deserted on the finish of the Franco period. A small basin and clearing by the La Peñota camp makes for an amazing place to relaxation and arrange a picnic of jamón iberico, handmade bread and Manchego cheese, picked up in an area deli earlier than departure.
Valle de la Barranca – Mirador de las Canchas (Navacerrada)
Greatest hike for mountain vistas
10.5km (6.5 miles), 4 hours, tough
The picturesque ski city of Navacerrada on the southern flank of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains is the gateway to the gorgeous Barranca Valley, one other hiker’s haven with trails that speak in confidence to majestic views of a few of Madrid’s highest summits. Throughout the colder seasons, the peaks are coated with snow, offering an impressive backdrop for intrepid winter treks, in addition to a few of Madrid’s greatest snowboarding. Throughout the hotter months, the forested decrease slopes are as lovely as the upper floor.
The looping Mirador de las Canchas path begins on the landmark Lodge La Barranca and ascends a number of steep slopes, resulting in the route’s important viewpoint, the Mirador de las Canchas. This expansive esplanade affords sweeping views of the peaks of La Maliciosa, Bola del Mundo and Cuerda de las Cabrillas towering excessive above Madrid. For added out of doors leisure, the de Pino a Pino Adventure Park alongside the path provides zip traces, swinging rope bridges, circuits and tree jumps.
