Hiking in Madrid: explore the nature of the capital

Having grapes in Puerta del Sol is very good, but anyone who visits Madrid only on New Year's Eve cannot say that they know the city. Likewise, those who only stay in the capital are far from knowing the province. To understand a territory you have to explore it. You're in luck, because there are many routes hiking in Madrid that tour the most interesting places in its geography.

Nature in Madrid is rich and varied. There is the Guadarrama National Park, one of the 15 national parks in Spain. In addition, there are many regional parks, reserves and other places worth spending a day walking. Forget thinking that Madrid is just lights and asphalt; Even near the city there are incredible places to enjoy activities in the nature.

So grab your backpack, prepare the squid sandwich and set out to discover the 5 places we suggest you do. hiking in Madrid.

The Port of Fuenfría

One of the places that offers the most possibilities to practice hiking in Madrid It is the Sierra de Guadarrama. With more than 80 kilometers in length, this mountain range is home to a number of trails that, today, make up a wide network of hiking routes.

Among all of them, the paths that cross Puerto de la Fuenfría are among the most striking because, in addition, they are full of history. This mountain pass was created by the ancient Romans to connect the two slopes of the mountain range. Today, it joins the provinces of Madrid and Segovia.

So, if in addition to nature you like history, you will enjoy it. The port crosses the old Roman road, the so-called Republic Highway, and crosses other paths that lead to the top of nearby mountains.

Doing hiking through Puerto de la Fuenfría You will enjoy the peaceful nature of Guadarrama, walking among pine forests and ancient forests.

The Purgatory Waterfall

The Purgatory Waterfall route is one of the easiest to do in the company of the whole family. It is a short route (about 12 kilometers between going and returning) and with little gradient, so it is affordable even for going with children. In addition, it offers attractions for all tastes: beautiful nature, bathing areas and history, since the beginning is located right in front of the Paular Monastery.

The path is very well signposted, so you won't get lost. It runs parallel to Arroyo del Aguilón and passes next to the Las Presillas recreation area, and between pine forests where, in the past, wolves lived.

Nowadays you don't have to worry about it, but the whole family will surely be amazed listening to the stories from the local guides who accompany this route to the Purgatory Waterfall.

At the end, a wooden platform welcomes you with an impressive panoramic view of the waterfall and the possibility of taking a bath in the clear (although cold) waters of its pool.

The Blacksmith Forest

The environment of San Lorenzo del Escorial It also has numerous and attractive routes for hikers. The one that leads from the Hermitage of the Virgen de Gracia to Zarzalejo, passing through the Herrerías forest, is short and with a moderate slope. Therefore, as in Purgatory Waterfall, it can be done with the family.

The most impressive thing about this area hiking in Madrid They are the views. Along the route, gaining altitude little by little, you will pass by various natural viewpoints that will leave you breathless. One of the best known is La Silla de Felipe II. From there, legend says, the monarch sat down to monitor how the monastery's work was going. In addition, you will have views of Mount Abantos, the Seven Peaks and the foothills of Gredos.

The route of hiking between El Escorial and Zarzalejo It ends near the Castrejón lagoons, where, with luck, you may be able to spot a migratory bird.

The Abantos Ridges

Also near the Escorial Monastery, the surroundings of Mount Abantos offer routes of different levels and altitudes.

The simplest ones will take you through curious places in search of hidden treasures in nature, such as snow wells, or archaeological remains from the 16th century. Even with a low slope, you can enjoy beautiful views over the monastery.

If, on the other hand, you prefer something a little more hardcore, you can sign up for a extreme hiking through the Abantos Ridges, in which you will test your physical and mental abilities.

In this type of adventure, you will have to use your whole body to advance through the rocks and reach Mount Abantos. You don't miss it if you are one of those who think that hiking is too gentle an activity. You may change your mind.

The Lozoya Valley

We leave the Sierra de Guadarrama for a moment to head to the Sierra Norte de Madrid. There, 75 kilometers from the capital, nestled in a beautiful natural environment of pine forests, oaks and undergrowth, is the Lozoya Valley.

There are many trails to explore this valley, most of them quite accessible. You will be able to visit the Riosequillo and Puentes Viejas reservoirs, discover hermitages hidden among ancient forests or look for the Graellsia at dusk, a butterfly unique in the world.

To have a first contact with the valley, you can take a simple 10 kilometer hiking route that combines nature and history in Buitrago del Lozoya. You will walk parallel to the bed of the Lozoya River, enjoying peaceful nature and the freshness of the waters coming from the thaw.

When Rome was the center of the world, it was said that all roads led to it. Madrid is the center of Spain and, as it could not be otherwise, it is not free of roads that run through it. A cup of coffee in the Plaza Mayor tastes better if you have earned it after a good hiking route in Guadarrama.