Hotels in Manzanares el Real

Centre and castle

The village core, between the town hall square, the Mendoza castle and the parish church of Las Nieves, holds most of the bars and restaurants. If you stay here, you can visit the castle first thing and have dinner without relying on the car. The intercity buses from Plaza de Castilla in Madrid stop here, which is useful if you don't drive.

Road to La Pedriza

The houses and apartments in the upper streets, towards the road up to the La Pedriza visitor centre and Canto Cochino, are the choice for climbers and hikers. You reach the car parks before they fill up, which matters a lot at weekends, when access is regulated. Trails such as El Yelmo and the Charca Verde start from here.

Santillana reservoir shore

In the lower part of the village, near the reservoir, the landscape opens out and you face the mountains. It's quiet and flat, easy for walks with children or by bike and for watching birds on the water. Accommodation with gardens and reservoir views suits those looking for rest rather than demanding hikes.

Soto del Real and Cerceda

If you can't find a room in Manzanares, Soto del Real is next door, with more residential areas and larger places to stay. On the other side, Cerceda and Mataelpino, in the municipality of El Boalo, offer rural houses at the foot of the mountains, with less going on but lots of calm. All three are a few kilometres from La Pedriza and the castle, so you only need the car for short trips.

Bear in mind that in summer and on long weekends the area gets very busy with visitors from Madrid, so book ahead.