Free walking tours in Tres Cantos and what to see

Must-sees

Tres Cantos is a young town north of Madrid, planned with large green spaces and wide avenues. Its Parque Central is the main place for a stroll, with lakes, sculptures and children's areas. The town is calm and comfortable, with a good choice of restaurants and a family feel, and makes a practical base for seeing Madrid without staying in the centre.

Nature is a few minutes away. To the west lies the Cuenca Alta del Manzanares Regional Park, with walking and cycling routes, and to the north the Monte de Viñuelas, a large estate of holm oaks. From Tres Cantos you can also quickly reach the Sierra de Guadarrama and villages such as Manzanares el Real.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Tres Cantos itself, but the town is linked to Madrid by Cercanías train, which gets you to the centre quickly. There you'll find free walking tours of Habsburg Madrid, the Puerta del Sol, the Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace area, as well as routes through the Barrio de las Letras.

In Madrid, paid guided visits to the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace and the Reina Sofía are worthwhile, as are tours of El Retiro. Day trips leave the capital for Toledo, Segovia, El Escorial and Ávila. From Tres Cantos you can also take guided nature walks in the Cuenca Alta del Manzanares.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for Tres Cantos itself: a walk in the Parque Central and something to eat. If you use it as a base for Madrid, allow at least three days: one for the historic centre and the Royal Palace, another for the Prado and El Retiro, and another for a trip to Toledo or Segovia. Add another day if you want nature in the mountains.

Where to stay

The most practical option is to stay near one of the Cercanías stations, to get to and from Madrid without a car. The areas near the town centre and the Parque Central have restaurants and services to hand. Hotels tend to be somewhat cheaper and quieter than in Madrid, and many have parking, useful if you'll be exploring the mountains.