What to see in Manzanares el Real: the Mendoza castle, La Pedriza and Santillana

The main sights in Manzanares el Real are the Mendoza castle, a fifteenth-century fortress considered one of the best-preserved castles in the Madrid region; La Pedriza, the great granite landscape of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park; and the Santillana reservoir, which reflects the castle and the mountains. The ruins of the old castle, the church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves and the Peña Sacra hermitage complete the visit. It is the perfect day trip for combining history and mountains on the same day.

The village lies on the southern slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama, at the head of the river Manzanares and within the Cuenca Alta del Manzanares Regional Park. Its centre, with stone houses and steep streets, is dominated by the silhouette of the castle, and all around are mountains, wooded pastureland and water.

Also known as the new castle, it was built in the fifteenth century by the powerful Mendoza family and combines the defensive look of its towers with palatial touches, such as the Gothic gallery on its façade. Its good state of preservation makes it one of the most recognisable images of the region. The visit takes you round the courtyard, halls, wall walks and towers, with views of La Pedriza and the reservoir. Check visiting conditions before you go, as it hosts events and cultural activities.

Near the reservoir you can also see the ruins of the old castle, the earlier fortress, a short and peaceful walk away from the bustle.

La Pedriza

A maze of granite boulders and rock faces in whimsical shapes, one of the most distinctive landscapes in the Madrid mountains and a legendary spot for hikers and climbers. The best-known routes start from the Canto Cochino area: towards the Charca Verde, beside the stream, or towards El Yelmo, the huge rock you can make out from far away. There are routes for every level, but the terrain is mountainous: proper footwear, water and respect for the National Park rules (swimming is not allowed on many stretches, nor is leaving the marked paths in protected areas).

Santillana reservoir

At the entrance to the village, the reservoir offers one of the most photographed views in the mountains: the castle with the sierra behind it, reflected in the water. Its shores are good for walking and birdwatching, especially in winter and spring.

The church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, of medieval origin, stands in the village centre with a Renaissance portico. On the outskirts, the Peña Sacra hermitage sits on a great granite outcrop overlooking the village and the reservoir, and hosts a pilgrimage much loved by local people. After your walk, the bars and restaurants in the centre serve mountain cooking: chargrilled meats, lamb and hearty stews.

Manzanares el Real shares the mountains with Soto del Real and El Boalo, and towards Madrid lie Hoyo de Manzanares and Colmenar Viejo. If you like mountain trips with heritage, the other big visit in the sierra is the one we explain in what to see in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, and in the western sierra Valdemorillo awaits.

From Madrid you get there by road via Colmenar Viejo, by car or by intercity bus; there is no train. From Barajas, public transport involves several changes, which are impractical with luggage or mountain gear. The taxi between Manzanares el Real and the airport takes you directly at a fixed fare, in both directions and at any time. From Colmenar, there is also the taxi to the airport from Colmenar Viejo.