The long weekends in December are exceptional opportunities to enjoy the beginning of the winter landscapes in the Comunidad de Madrid. Close to the capital city, you can find a variety of beautiful places in different municipalities and towns, full of culture, history and beautiful natural sights. These mini-vacations can be a nice break either before or after the rush of the holidays, providing an excellent opportunity to unplug from the bustle for a little bit and enjoy a change in scenery, away from the crowds of people. That is why today in this article from ShMadrid, we’ll be suggesting different getaways close to the Spanish capital that you can travel away to this winter.
Related article: Day Trips From Madrid: Explore the Region
Lose yourself in the Comunidad de Madrid this winter
Photo by AngelCabe via VisualHunt
The Comunidad de Madrid, while a small region in area, is full of wonderful sites to visit and travel to over a weekend or vacation. The vast offering of activities related to culture and relaxation, which includes festivals, museums, outings, music, arts, movies and traditional shows (some a bit controversial, such as bullfighting), are in and of themselves an incentive to visit the capital and the other areas in the region. If you want to see all that the area has to offer for you to enjoy, you can view the official tourism page of the Comunidad de Madrid here.
However, if what you’re looking for is to escape the bustle of the capital city and explore the history of the region, one place you can start without going too far is in Torrejón de Velasco, which holds the historic church, the Iglesia de San Esteban Protomártir, the castle, the Convent of the Nuns of Trinitarios Descalzos, and the ancient hospital, the Hospital de San Esteban. There you can also explore the fascinating paleontological deposits of the area. Another interesting alternative to explore is Alameda del Valle, with its traditional festivals, the parish of the Virgen Santa Marina and Mártir, the hermitage of Santa Ana, the consistory, the urban center and the Shelter of Majada del Cojo. However, the natural sights of the area are, without a doubt, one of the most wonderful features of the Alameda del Valle. For example, there is the Parque Natural de Peñalara, where you can pass through the bird sanctuary and the Gallery Woods.
Related article: 5 Best Day Trips from Madrid
Photo by Sotis via VisualHunt
Next we’ll be talking about Belmonte de Tajo, another beautiful area ideal for a vacation in the Comunidad de Madrid. Wandering through the streets, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to times past. You can visit the 16th century church, the iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Estrella, as well as other points of interest such as the wine tours you can take between different ecological wineries. Or, if you prefer, you can go on beautiful scenic routes on foot or via bicycle that will leave you breathless. One last option is to check out the town of Cadalso de los Vidrios, another ideal alternative for you to lose yourself in the capital. Here, you can admire the Palacio de Villena, the church of Nuestra señora de la Asunción, or one of the many traditional festivals and different forms of exquisite gastronomy.
*Photo by Deniel T via VisualHunt
Have you visited any of these areas? Is there another place you’d recommend to us?
