Madrid can feel dry and hot and isolated on its plateau - but nature is just a bus ride away !
In almost every direction there are options to hike swim and experience Spain's natural beauty within an hour or two of the city.
Siete Picos (Seven Peaks)
10km (6.2 miles), 3–4 hours, easy
Taking its name from the seven granite peaks that line up along its soaring rocky massif, this simple, relaxed hiking trail is one of Madrid’s most popular routes because of its accessibility, low difficulty level and panoramic views. In the Middle Ages, this famous landmark was known as the "Sierra del Dragon" because its distinguishing summits resemble the serrated backside of a dozing dragon.
The hike starts from the Puerto de Navacerrada ski station and follows the El Telégrafo ski lift up to the ridge, before tracing the lofty spine of the Siete Picos and looping back to Puerto de Navacerrada along the Schmidt Trail. You get a lot of views for your buck along the rocky ridge – bring your camera!
Getting there By bus - There are buses that go to Puerto de Navacerrada every day and you can get them in the Moncloa interchange (Madrid). LARREA Bus Line 691
By trian - From the Chamartín train Station (Madrid) you can take the Cercanías to Cercedilla (C-8b) and then the Cotos train (C-9) to the Puerto de Navacerrada.
Peñalara
Best hike for seeing glacial lakes
14km (8.7 miles), 4 hours, intermediate
For glacial action at its best, the Peñalara circular route is a much-loved, intermediate-level hiking trail that takes you to the slopes of Madrid’s highest summit. The walk around 2428m (7966ft) Peñalara peak slowly unveils the area's breathtaking glacial lakes and cirques – plunging valleys resembling natural amphitheaters, formed by millions of years of glacial erosion.
Around these valleys are a series of crystal clear lakes, including the Laguna Grande (Big Lagoon), Lagunas de los Claveles (Lagoons of the Carnations), and Laguna Chica (Small Lagoon). The entire massif is part of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, ensuring pristine country for walking and well-maintained trails. Access to this route is via the Puerto de Cotos mountain pass in the Madrid municipality of Rascafría, an hour's drive or bus ride from Madrid.
14km (8.7 miles), 4 hours, intermediate
For glacial action at its best, the Peñalara circular route is a much-loved, intermediate-level hiking trail that takes you to the slopes of Madrid’s highest summit. The walk around 2428m (7966ft) Peñalara peak slowly unveils the area's breathtaking glacial lakes and cirques – plunging valleys resembling natural amphitheaters, formed by millions of years of glacial erosion.
Around these valleys are a series of crystal clear lakes, including the Laguna Grande (Big Lagoon), Lagunas de los Claveles (Lagoons of the Carnations), and Laguna Chica (Small Lagoon). The entire massif is part of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, ensuring pristine country for walking and well-maintained trails. Access to this route is via the Puerto de Cotos mountain pass in the Madrid municipality of Rascafría, an hour's drive or bus ride from Madrid.
bus and train times vary between one hour and two hours
Camino de los Campamentos, Cercedilla
9.5km (6 miles), 2 hours, easy
The small mountain town of Cercedilla, just over 50km (31 miles) from Madrid, is a perennially popular hiking getaway thanks to a chain of easily accessible trails of varying levels of difficulty. There’s little chance of getting lost because of clear markers along the way, making it a great trekking destination for active families with kids in tow. The lovely, circular Camino de los Campamentos route takes you through the tranquil countryside of the Sierra, passing gently sloping hills, grazing horses and cattle, pine forests and mountain streams, which look exceptionally alluring during the spring and autumn seasons.
The trail is easily accessible upon arrival at Cercedilla train station; Paseo de Ródenas connects to the Camino Puricelli track, which leads on to the Camino de los Campamentos route. Along the way, you will encounter two mountain camps, La Peñota and Los Helechos, which were abandoned at the end of the Franco era. A small basin and clearing by the La Peñota camp makes for a great place to rest.
Valle de la Barranca - Mirador de las Canchas (Navacerrada)
Best hike for mountain vistas
10.5km (6.5 miles), 4 hours, difficult
The picturesque ski town of Navacerrada on the southern flank of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains is the gateway to the stunning Barranca Valley, another hiker’s haven with trails that open up to majestic views of some of Madrid’s highest summits. During the colder seasons, the peaks are covered with snow, providing a magnificent backdrop for intrepid winter treks, as well as some of Madrid's best skiing. During the warmer months, the forested lower slopes are as beautiful as the higher ground.
The looping Mirador de las Canchas trail begins at the landmark Hotel La Barranca and ascends several steep slopes, leading to the route’s main 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 high above Madrid. For added outdoor entertainment, the de Pino a Pino Adventure Park along the trail offers zip lines, swinging rope bridges, circuits and tree jumps.
10.5km (6.5 miles), 4 hours, difficult
The picturesque ski town of Navacerrada on the southern flank of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains is the gateway to the stunning Barranca Valley, another hiker’s haven with trails that open up to majestic views of some of Madrid’s highest summits. During the colder seasons, the peaks are covered with snow, providing a magnificent backdrop for intrepid winter treks, as well as some of Madrid's best skiing. During the warmer months, the forested lower slopes are as beautiful as the higher ground.
The looping Mirador de las Canchas trail begins at the landmark Hotel La Barranca and ascends several steep slopes, leading to the route’s main 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 high above Madrid. For added outdoor entertainment, the de Pino a Pino Adventure Park along the trail offers zip lines, swinging rope bridges, circuits and tree jumps.
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