Free walking tours in Manzanares el Real and what to see

Must-sees

Manzanares el Real lies at the foot of La Pedriza, in the Sierra de Guadarrama. Its great monument is the 15th-century Mendoza castle, one of the best preserved in the Madrid region, with its Gothic gallery and towers. You can visit inside, where rooms hold tapestries and period furniture. Nearby are the remains of the old castle.

In the village, the church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves and the walk along the Santillana reservoir, with mountain views, stand out. But most people come for La Pedriza, a granite landscape of curious shapes within the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. Well-known trails there include the Charca Verde and the climb to El Yelmo.

Free tours and guided visits

There are usually no free walking tours in Manzanares el Real. The usual format is the guided visit to the Mendoza castle, sometimes with costumed actors, which tours its rooms and explains the history of the family and the building. Some visits also cover the village and the old castle, and it's best to book ahead.

For nature, guided hikes in La Pedriza, adapted to different levels, and climbing outings for those with experience are worthwhile. There are also bike routes in the Cuenca Alta del Manzanares and trips to other mountain villages such as Cercedilla or Rascafría.

How long to spend

If you only want to see the castle and the village, half a day is enough. To see La Pedriza too, allow a full day: the morning for a hike and the afternoon for the castle and a walk by the reservoir. At weekends, access to La Pedriza fills up early and is sometimes restricted, so start early or go on a weekday.

Where to stay

Stay in Manzanares el Real itself, in the centre or near the castle, so the sights are on foot and La Pedriza is a few minutes away. There are rural hotels, houses and apartments. For more choice, nearby villages such as Soto del Real or Miraflores de la Sierra are a good alternative. You can also come on a day trip from Madrid.