Sierra de Guadarrama Cercedilla

Pine-forested mountains just an hour from Madrid by train.

  • All year
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
SegoviaSpain · Popular townSegovia23 kmMadridSpain · CityMadrid47 kmToledoSpain · CityToledo98 kmSalamancaSpain · CitySalamanca137 kmCuencaSpain · Hidden townCuenca179 kmBurgosSpain · CityBurgos181 kmCiudad EncantadaSpain · Nature spotCiudad Encantada185 kmAlbarracínSpain · Hidden townAlbarracín224 km

Things to do

2 days in Sierra de Guadarrama

Day 1

  1. MorningHike the old Roman road from Cercedilla up into the pine forest of the Fuenfría valley.
  2. AfternoonRide the little mountain train up to Puerto de Navacerrada or Cotos for high meadows and views.
  3. EveningReturn to Madrid by train for dinner, about an hour away.

Day 2

Hike from Cotos to the glacial Peñalara lake.

What to eat

Judiones de La Granja, a big white bean stew.

Local tips

Make the most of Sierra de Guadarrama

Beat the crowds

Weekends are busy with people from Madrid. Weekdays are quiet on the trails.

Best photo spot

The old Roman road climbing through the pine forest of the Fuenfría valley.

Getting there

Local trains from Madrid take about an hour. Trails start a short walk from the station.

Don't miss nearby

Segovia, on the other side of the mountains, and the Navacerrada pass.

Good to know

It's much cooler here than in Madrid in summer. In winter, the higher trails can have snow and ice.

Secret spots

2 secret spots near Sierra de Guadarrama

Our most hidden places around Sierra de Guadarrama: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Sierra de Guadarrama to take with you.

54 km away
88 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Sierra de Guadarrama

Getting there

  • Madrid Airport (MAD)50 km away
  • Madrid45 km away
  • Toledo100 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeNature spot
Good forNature
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountrySpain

Questions

Sierra de Guadarrama: good to know

Is Sierra de Guadarrama worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature. Pine-forested mountains just an hour from Madrid by train.

How many days do you need in Sierra de Guadarrama?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Sierra de Guadarrama?

You can visit all year. Weekends are busy with people from Madrid. Weekdays are quiet on the trails.

How do you get to Sierra de Guadarrama?

The nearest airport is Madrid Airport (MAD), about 50 km away. Local trains from Madrid take about an hour. Trails start a short walk from the station.

What is there to see near Sierra de Guadarrama?

Nearby hidden places include Segovia (23 km), Madrid (47 km) and Toledo (98 km).

More hidden places in Spain (76)