There are many sights to see in and around the Community of Madrid, and they can be very interesting for tourists. If you know you will be staying in the capital, read this blog article from ShMadrid, as we will show you several trips within 100 km from the capital of Spain. If you would like to see more than just the capital, these excursions might be right up your alley.
If you are staying in Madrid for a few months or more, you can also enjoy a day or weekend by visiting Madrid’s surroundings.
Related article: Ideas for an Extra Long Weekend in August in Madrid
Index
Enjoy day trips near the capital
Barrancas del Burujón (Toledo)
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Located at about 30 kilometres from the city of Toledo and about 100 kilometres from the city of Madrid, the Barrancas de Burujón (canyons) are one of the most interesting natural sites to visit in the province.
They have been declared a Natural Monument by the Junta de Castilla La Mancha in 2010 and a Place of Community Interest. The canyons also serve as a Special Protection Area for Birds (Zona de Especial Protección de Aves or ZEPA).
The canyons were formed by water from the Castrejón Reservoir and gorges of reddish clayey stone. They resemble the Grand Canyon in Colorado.
At dusk, the reddish colour of the steep walls is particularly beautiful, and this time of day will be the perfect moment for taking some photographs.
El Castañar del Tiemblo (Ávila)
At about 100 kilometres you will find Castañar del Tiemblo, a place that will remind you of forests from fairytales. They still exist, and they have the ability to stimulate your imagination and make you think of a thousand and one love stories, with one being even more fantastic and creative than the other.
You can visit this forest any time of the year, but as you may expect, autumn with all its beauty and splendour is the best time to enjoy a long walk in this forest. The colour contrasts between the chestnut, oak, evergreen oak and pine trees in this area are amazing.
We can recommend following the route taking you to refugio Majalavilla (a refuge). Although it is uphill, the trail can also be done by inexperienced walkers. The surroundings of the refuge are one of the most beautiful sceneries in this area. Its chestnut trees are mighty high, and you will see both young chestnut trees, as older specimens.
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El Escorial (Madrid)
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El Real Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial (The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo of El Escorial) is an architectural complex consisting of a royal palace, basilica, pantheon, library, school and monastery. It is located in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial in Madrid, and it was built between 1563 and 1584.
The palace was home to the Spanish Royal Family, and the kings of Spain are buried in the basilica. The monastery, which was initially run by monks of the Order of St. Jerome, is currently inhabited by friars of the Order of St. Augustine.
The complex is in Renaissance style, and the area comprises of 33,327 m² at an altitude of 1028 metres. It is located in the Sierra de Guadarrama, and it is being managed by the National Heritage. You will find the monastery at about 50 kilometres from the city of Madrid.
Have you taken a trip and visited any of these locations?
