Tired of the city buzz? Why not swap the city streets for nature and discover the peace that hiking trails near Madrid can offer?
Exploring nature and hiking is a revitalising activity that promotes both physical and mental well-being. Just a short drive or public transport journey from Madrid, you’ll find a variety of trails offering stunning landscapes, fresh air, and a perfect escape from the city’s fast pace. Within a short trip, you can find yourself surrounded by forests, mountains, and rivers, enjoying a unique experience of connecting with nature.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed family walk, a challenging hike, or just a quick getaway to breathe in the fresh air, Madrid has plenty of options to suit all preferences.
Top Hiking Regions
Madrid is blessed with its proximity to stunning natural areas, making it a paradise for hiking lovers. The region boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from majestic mountains to tranquil valleys and protected nature reserves.
Guadarrama Mountains (Sierra de Guadarrama)
The Guadarrama Mountains are one of the most popular and accessible mountain ranges near Madrid, offering a vast network of trails suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. With peaks exceeding 2,000 metres, such as Peñalara, the range is renowned for its panoramic views, diverse flora and fauna, and striking rock formations.
Northern Madrid Mountains (Sierra Norte de Madrid)
The Northern Madrid Mountains are a lesser-known but equally impressive area located north of the capital. This region is characterised by quaint villages, lush valleys, and rolling hills. The trails offer a peaceful hiking experience, with opportunities to explore historic villages, rivers, and oak and pine forests.
Lozoya Valley (Valle de Lozoya)
Situated in the heart of the Guadarrama Mountains, the Lozoya Valley is an area of outstanding natural beauty, featuring mountain landscapes, dense forests, and crystal-clear rivers. The region boasts a variety of trails that pass through meadows, woodlands, and along the Lozoya River, offering a fully immersive nature experience. It’s an ideal spot for hiking, picnicking, and relaxation.
Hoces del Duratón Natural Park (Parque Natural de las Hoces del Río Duratón)
Located about two hours from Madrid, this natural park is famous for its dramatic gorges and towering cliffs along the Duratón River. The trails allow visitors to walk along the riverbanks, offering spectacular views of the rock formations and the chance to spot birds of prey, such as vultures. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking a combination of adventure and natural beauty.
Upper Manzanares Basin Regional Park (Parque Regional de la Cuenca Alta del Manzanares)
Located north of Madrid, this park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offering a mix of mountain landscapes, valleys, and rivers. The area is particularly famous for La Pedriza, a maze of striking rock formations, and the scenic beauty of the Manzanares River. The park is an excellent spot for hiking, with a variety of routes ranging in difficulty and length.
5 Trilhas Imperdíveis Perto de Madrid
1 – Buitrago de Lozoya:
Palacio de Osuna and Spanish Civil War Remains via Cerro del Alemán
Northern Madrid Mountains (Sierra Norte de Madrid): Wikiloc
This Buitrago de Lozoya trail, passing by Palacio de Osuna and the Spanish Civil War remains at Cerro del Alemán, is perfect for those looking to combine history and nature. Covering a total distance of 12.7 km, this circular route is considered technically easy.
Distance
12.7 km
Route Type
Circular
Duration
4 to 5 hours
Elevation Gain
322 m
Maximum Altitude
1.103 m
Minimum Altitude
805 m
Trail Description: The trail begins in the village of Buitrago de Lozoya, known for its medieval walls and rich historical heritage. From there, hikers head towards the Palacio de Osuna, an old palace now in ruins, which still retains traces of its past grandeur.
Continuing along the path, the trail leads to the Spanish Civil War remains at Cerro del Alemán, where visitors can see trenches and bunkers from the conflict. The landscape along the way is diverse, featuring wooded areas, open fields, and panoramic views of the surrounding region.
Despite its historical and scenic value, the trail maintains an easy difficulty level, with a moderate elevation gain, making it accessible to most hikers.
2 – Navacerrada
Circular Route via La Barranca-Tubería-Senda Ortiz
Guadarrama Mountains (Sierra de Guadarrama): Wikiloc
The Circular Route via La Barranca-Tubería-Senda Ortiz is an ideal trail for those looking for a moderate hike with stunning landscapes in the Guadarrama Mountains. This circular route, spanning 11.71 km, offers a combination of moderate challenges and spectacular views of mountains and valleys.
Distance
11,71 km
Route Type
Circular
Duration
4 to 5 hours
Elevation Gain
510 m
Maximum Altitude
1.892 m
Minimum Altitude
1.381 m
Trail Description: The hike starts in the La Barranca Valley, a popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities. From here, hikers follow the Tubería Route, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. As the trail progresses, it ascends towards Senda Ortiz, where the highest elevation reaches 1,892 metres, providing breathtaking views of the Guadarrama landscape.
The route is varied, passing through dense forests, rocky areas, and open meadows. It is classified as moderate difficulty, making it suitable for hikers with some experience who are looking for an enjoyable but accessible challenge. The incredible scenery along the way and the sense of immersion in nature make this an excellent choice for a day of adventure.
3 – Cercedilla
Poets’ Viewpoint – Germans’ Waterfall (Mirador los Poetas – Ducha los Alemanes)
Guadarrama Mountains (Sierra de Guadarrama): Wikiloc
This trail offers panoramic views and a dive into the rich history of the Guadarrama Mountains. It’s a circular route, spanning 10.72 km, and is classified as easy, making it perfect for hikers of all experience levels.
Distance
10,72 km
Route Type
Circular
Duration
4 hours
Elevation Gain
393 m
Maximum Altitude
1.679 m
Minimum Altitude
1.335 m
Trail Description: The trail begins in the Dehesas de Cercedilla and heads towards the Poets’ Viewpoint. Hikers pass through historic paths, such as the Bourbon Path, built in the early 1700s to facilitate royal travel between Madrid and the La Granja de San Ildefonso Palace.
Along the route, the trail leads to the small waterfall at Germans’ Waterfall, a historical spot once frequented by German mountaineers in the early 20th century. This is a perfect spot to take a break and refresh before continuing.
The highlight of the trail is the Poets’ Viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of Madrid. The viewpoint honours poets Vicente Aleixandre and Luis Rosales, and the location is adorned with fragments of their poetry.
The trail finishes by returning through the meadows of Dehesas de Cercedilla, with a final stop at Casa Cirilo before concluding the route at the Majavilán car park.
4 – Seven Peaks (Siete Picos)
Starting from Puerto de Navacerrada – Loop via Smith Path
Guadarrama Mountains (Sierra de Guadarrama): Wikiloc
A challenging yet rewarding route located in the Guadarrama Mountains, this circular trail offers panoramic views and a varied terrain. Ideal for intermediate hikers seeking a more difficult experience with plenty of natural landscapes.
Distance
10,54 km
Route Type
Circular
Duration
4 to 5 hours
Elevation Gain
419 m
Maximum Altitude
2.083 m
Minimum Altitude
1.734 m
Trail Description: Starting from Puerto de Navacerrada, the trail begins with a steep ascent, requiring physical effort and preparation. As hikers progress, they have the chance to summit nearly all of the Seven Peaks, provided they take the necessary precautions and don’t suffer from vertigo. The trail offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the valleys below, making each step a visual reward.
The route includes a return via Smith Path, a less demanding but equally beautiful trail that provides a pleasant finish to the hike. The variety of terrains, from rocky paths to forested trails, ensures a diverse and immersive experience.
5 – Torrelodones
Castle, Gasco Reservoir, Guadarrama Canal
Guadarrama Mountains (Sierra de Guadarrama): Wikiloc
A scenic and relatively easy route, located just outside Madrid in the Guadarrama Basin. This circular trail of 14.71 km combines history, nature, and panoramic views, offering a diverse experience for hikers.
Distance
14,71 km
Route Type
Circular
Duration
5 to 6 hours
Elevation Gain
409 m
Maximum Altitude
873 m
Minimum Altitude
641 m
Trail Description: The trail begins in the town of Torrelodones, heading towards a small watchtower of Arabic origin. From here, the trail leads to the Mirador de las Tres Marías, offering impressive views of Monte Abantos, Cerro de San Benito, and the Machotas mountains.
The hike continues along Camino del Pardillo, passing the Casas del Pararrás, a Basque-style manor house built in the 20th century, and Alto del Gurugú. After a right-hand detour, the trail takes you to the Gasco Reservoir, an unfinished project from the time of King Charles III, where hikers can admire the imposing structure of the reservoir.
After crossing the reservoir, the trail continues along the Guadarrama Canal, another ambitious project from the reign of Charles III. Though the original plan was to connect Madrid to the Atlantic Ocean, today only parts of the canal remain. The trail follows a small path along the canal until reaching Camino de la Isabela.
As you ascend Camino de la Isabela, the trail offers wide views of the Guadarrama Mountains, including peaks like Cabezas de Hierro, La Maliciosa, Bola del Mundo, Siete Picos, Montón de Trigo, La Peñota, and others. The trail concludes by returning to the starting point, completing a route full of history and natural beauty.
Practical Tips
Exploring the trails near Madrid is a fantastic way to connect with nature and discover the beauty of the region. However, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it’s important to follow some basic recommendations. Here are some essential tips for your next adventure:
Proper Equipment
- Footwear: Wear comfortable hiking boots that are suitable for the terrain. They should provide ankle support and have good traction.
- Clothing: Dress in layers to easily adjust to changing temperatures. Breathable, quick-drying fabrics are ideal.
- Backpack: Carry a lightweight yet spacious backpack that can hold water, food, a first aid kit, a map, and a rain cover.
Hydration and Food
- Water: Carry at least 2 litres of water per person. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially on hot days.
- Snacks: Choose energy-dense, easy-to-carry foods, such as dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, and sandwiches.
Apps
- Apps: Use apps like Wikiloc, AllTrails, or Komoot to plan your routes and get real-time updates from other hikers.
Looking After the Environment
- Leave No Trace: Take all your rubbish back with you. Keep the trails clean and respect the local fauna and flora.
- Marked Trails: Always follow marked trails to avoid damaging the environment and ensure your safety.
Safety
- Planning: Research the trail before heading out. Check the weather forecast and trail conditions.
- Communication: Let someone know your itinerary and the expected return time.
The regions surrounding the Spanish capital offer a diverse range of landscapes, from the majestic mountains of the Guadarrama Mountains to historic and picturesque trails in areas like Torrelodones. Each trail has its own charm and challenges, providing unique experiences for hikers of all levels. Whether you’re admiring panoramic views, discovering historic ruins, or simply enjoying the fresh air and tranquillity, there’s something for everyone.
Always remember to prepare properly for your outdoor adventures. Wear the right gear, stay hydrated and safe, and respect the environment. Using hiking apps and considering the help of local guides can also enrich your experience.
So, lace up your hiking boots, pack your bag, and venture onto the spectacular trails that Madrid has to offer. Nature is waiting to be explored, and the trails are the perfect path for that discovery. Happy hiking, and enjoy every moment!