Places to see Autumn near Madrid

Autumn is one of the most stunning seasons for those who love nature and scenic landscapes. Near Madrid, the season transforms parks, trails, and small towns with a vibrant colour palette, ranging from golden tones to deep reds. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the mild weather and take outdoor trips—whether for relaxation, photography, or simply admiring the seasonal changes. With so many options close to the capital, planning a quick escape to make the most of this time of year is easy.

Below, we have gathered a selection of our favourite places to experience autumn’s colours around Madrid. Each destination offers a unique setting, ideal for those looking to enjoy the season’s beauty and tranquillity.

Segurando uma folha amarelha, outonal, com um fundo de árvores todas amarelas pelo outono.

Aranjuez

Famous for its historic gardens, such as Jardín del Príncipe and Jardín de la Isla, Aranjuez turns into a breathtaking display of colours in autumn. Beyond its natural beauty, it’s an excellent destination for those who enjoy history and leisurely strolls.

Eu observando um canal em Aranjuez, com uma árvore alaranjada e o Palácio Real ao fundo.
Of all the times we’ve visited, this year we managed to catch the peak of autumn at its finest!
Eu caminhando por um caminho cercado por árvores altas com folhas douradas, em um jardim de Aranjuez.
We timed it perfectly! Just look at this stunning view!
Árvores com folhas amarelas emolduram a fachada do Palácio Real de Aranjuez em um dia de outono.
Autumn colours frame the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, adding a special charm.
Eu encostada na mureta ao lado do rio Tajo, cercada por árvores com folhas alaranjadas e amarelas em Aranjuez.
Strolling along the banks of the Tagus River
Eu ao lado de uma fonte coberta por folhas alaranjadas, em meio ao jardim de Aranjuez em pleno outono.
A fountain covered in fallen leaves
Árvores com folhas amarelas emolduram a fachada do Palácio Real de Aranjuez em um dia de outono.

How to Get There

Car:
Located 50 km from Madrid, the drive takes around 45 minutes.

Train:
Take the C3 line from Madrid-Atocha station towards Aranjuez. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.

Puerto de Canencia

A must-visit autumn destination for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers. Puerto de Canencia is filled with pine and oak forests, creating a vibrant palette of autumn colours. It’s an excellent choice for short hikes or a scenic picnic. Here’s a link to a 12 km circular route, but there are plenty of shorter, well-marked trails available.

Eu, vestida com jaqueta roxa, encostada em uma pequena construção de pedras com telhado rústico de galhos, cercada por uma floresta de pinheiros.
Leaning against a rustic stone structure, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the pine forest.
Pequena construção circular de pedras com telhado de galhos em meio a uma floresta de pinheiros, sob um céu azul claro.
A small stone hut with a thatched roof, nestled in untouched nature.
Eu caminhando em uma estrada cercada por altos pinheiros em um bosque iluminado pelo sol, vestindo jaqueta roxa.
Walking along a path lined with towering pine trees, surrounded by the beauty of the forest.
Eu sentada em uma mesa de piquenique parcialmente cercada por água em uma área arborizada, com reflexos das árvores no chão molhado.
Taking a break at a picnic area, with water reflecting the surrounding trees.
Foco em um cogumelo no chão de uma floresta, comigo ao fundo desfocada caminhando entre os pinheiros, vestindo jaqueta roxa.
Mushroom season!
Eu segurando um pequeno cogumelo com raízes em uma floresta de pinheiros, com árvores desfocadas ao fundo.
Holding a mushroom found during a walk through the pine forest.

How to Get There

Car:
Located 70 km from Madrid, the drive takes approximately 1h10min.

Public Transport:
Unfortunately, there are no good public transport options available.

La Hiruela

La Hiruela is a small village surrounded by forests of oak and chestnut trees, offering a well-preserved traditional setting. Its narrow streets, stone houses, and surrounding trails make it a great spot to explore, especially in autumn when the landscape turns golden.

Fachada de uma casa de pedra decorada com flores coloridas em vasos e trepadeiras na varanda, em uma rua da Hiruela.
The picturesque houses of La Hiruela, decorated with flowers and full of charm.
Fachada de uma casa de pedra com janelas e varanda vermelhas, enfeitada com bandeiras coloridas, na Hiruela.
There was a local festivity happening, and the entire village was decorated.
Eu tirando uma selfie em uma rua estreita da Hiruela, cercada por casas de pedra típicas da vila.
Wandering through the quaint streets of La Hiruela.
Eu caminhando por uma trilha rodeada por árvores altas, com a luz do sol atravessando o topo da floresta na Hiruela.
We did this hike at the end of summer, so the leaves were still green.
Eu parada ao lado de um riacho de águas cristalinas, rodeado por árvores verdes e colinas na Hiruela.
But this forest actually turns golden in autumn!
Antigo moinho de pedra restaurado na Hiruela, com placa informativa e um cenário rural ao fundo.
The old stone mill of La Hiruela, a testament to the village’s history.

How to Get There

Car:
Located around 100 km from Madrid, the drive takes approximately 1h30min.

Public Transport:
Public transport options are limited, making it much more convenient to travel by car.

Bosque de la Herrería

Next to the Monastery of El Escorial, Bosque de la Herrería is lined with oak and chestnut trees that turn vibrant shades of yellow and orange in autumn.

Eu observando o Mosteiro de El Escorial ao longe, de uma trilha cercada por árvores.
A privileged view of the Monastery of El Escorial along the trail.
Eu caminhando em com o Mosteiro de El Escorial ao fundo.
Trails offering incredible views.
Mosteiro de El Escorial cercado por casas do vilarejo e colinas verdes sob céu nublado.
The highlight of this trail is the view of the Monastery of El Escorial.
Eu encostada em uma árvore robusta no bosque, rodeada por vegetação densa e trilhas.
Exploring the woods.
Vista de árvores com folhas em tons outonais, com montanhas ao fundo e o vilarejo de San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
We arrived right at the beginning of autumn.
Entrada da Cueva del Oso, uma caverna cercada por árvores e sinalizada com uma placa de madeira.
The mystical Cueva del Oso, an interesting stop along the El Escorial route.

How to Get There

Car:
It is 50 km from Madrid, with a journey time of approximately 45 minutes.

Public Transport:
By train, take the C3 line from Madrid-Príncipe Pío station to El Escorial. From there, you can walk or take a taxi to the forest.

Real Sitio de San Ildefonso

The gardens of La Granja Palace, with their monumental fountains and tree-lined paths, are stunning in autumn. The centuries-old trees take on vibrant hues, making the visit unforgettable.

Alameda sombreada por árvores altas, com pessoas caminhando sob a luz suave filtrada pelas folhas verdes.
We went very early in the season, so the leaves weren’t yellow yet—just imagine!
Arco de entrada em granito marcado com 'Reynando Carlos III', com uma pessoa caminhando ao centro e montanhas ao fundo em San Ildefonso.
The town is beautiful!
Eu com os braços erguidos diante de uma imensa árvore nos jardins de La Granja, com o palácio ao fundo.
Look at the size of these trees!
Fachada da igreja de San Ildefonso iluminada pela luz dourada do entardecer, com a lua ao fundo.
Check out this magical sunset!
Eu tirando uma foto dos jardins do Palácio Real de La Granja, com esculturas e o palácio ao fundo.
This place is definitely photo-worthy!
Detalhe de um arco decorado com colunas e uma estátua de figura mitológica em mármore nos jardins de La Granja.
One of the many fountains in the garden.

How to Get There

Car:
Located about 80 km from Madrid, the drive takes approximately 1h15min.

Public Transport:
By bus from Moncloa station, the journey to La Granja takes around 1h30min.

Castañar de Rozas de Puerto Real

One of the largest chestnut forests in the Madrid region, perfect for a peaceful walk in nature. In autumn, the golden and brown leaves of the chestnut trees create a striking landscape. The 9 km circular trail leads to the Embalse de los Morales, a great spot for walking or photography.

How to Get There

Car:
Located 85 km from Madrid, with a drive of approximately 1h15min.

Public Transport
Bus 545/546 from Príncipe Pío (around 2h).

Patones de Arriba

This charming village, with its slate and stone houses, becomes even more picturesque in autumn. The surrounding trails offer stunning views of the region’s natural landscapes.

How to Get There

Car:
Located 60 km from Madrid, with a drive of approximately 1 hour.

Public Transport:
Public transport is limited.

Autumn around Madrid is the perfect opportunity to step away from routine and enjoy nature at its best. With destinations that combine stunning landscapes, history, and a peaceful atmosphere, every place on this list is great for a weekend getaway or a day trip. Whether it's walking through chestnut forests, exploring charming villages, or visiting historic gardens, the options are diverse and easily accessible. Just pick a destination, plan your trip, and take in the crisp air and vibrant autumn colours.

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