This town at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama is one of the most typical getaways to do around Madrid, so in this article we’ll tell you things to do in Manzanares el Real in one day.
Manzanares el Real is located next to La Pedriza, in the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama—which from a distance appeared snow-capped—right on the banks of the Santillana Reservoir.
The town is quite small, with only about 7,000 inhabitants, and a medieval castle that has been very well restored. Several hiking trails also start from the village.
It may not be one of the most typical places to do in Madrid on a first trip, but if you’re looking for something different and original, here you’ll find all the details.
📷 Book here the excursion from Madrid to Manzanares El Real and the Sierra de Guadarrama.
Map – Things to do in Manzanares el Real in one day
1) Manzanares el Real Castle
Update 2025: Since the management of the Manzanares El Real Castle has been transferred from the Community of Madrid to its private owners, the castle is currently closed to visitors until the licensing procedures are completed by its owners.
Without a doubt, the main attraction to see in Manzanares el Real is this 15th-century castle that once belonged to a noble family of the time, the Mendozas.
It started out as a military fortress, later becoming a residential palace for the family, until it was abandoned. After many years of neglect, it was rebuilt and today stands in all its splendor.
The castle can be toured inside, starting from the ground floor where you can visit different rooms with historical explanations and the central courtyard.
During the tour of Manzanares Castle, you can see the Santillana Hall, the dais where guests were received, and a model room from the period. The highlight is reaching the top of the wall, where you get spectacular views of both the Santillana Reservoir and La Pedriza.
📌 General admission to Manzanares el Real Castle in 2025: €5 per person (discounts available for children and seniors over 60).
Theatrical visits to Manzanares El Real Castle
If you want to attend the theatrical visits at Manzanares El Real Castle, advance booking is required by calling 91 853 00 08 or 91 852 86 85, Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The price of the theatrical visit is €8 and includes admission to the castle.
These theatrical tours usually take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm.
2) Hiking routes around Manzanares El Real
Hike to the Hermitage of Our Lady of Peña Sacra
A very easy hike that you can do from Manzanares el Real is to the Hermitage of Our Lady of Peña Sacra.
This route is part of the Camino de Santiago from Madrid, and the hermitage is one of the shelters where pilgrims can stay overnight. As we walked, we came across the markers that bring you closer to Santiago, although from here it’s still about 630 km away.
To reach Peña Sacra Hermitage, we crossed the Manzanares River, which flows into the reservoir and then continues towards Madrid. From there we walked through part of the town until reaching the hermitage. The path is easy—I thought it would be all uphill, but it wasn’t. It follows the river and passes the old castle ruins and the Molino del Cura.
The hermitage, built in the 16th century, is named after the Peña Sacra rock where it stands. We already suspected that great views awaited us…
Once at the Peña Sacra Hermitage, the reward is a set of breathtaking views all around: La Pedriza, the snow-capped Sierra de Guadarrama, the village, the reservoir in the distance—an impressive 360º panorama.
Hiking in La Pedriza
When locals in Madrid want a bit of nature without going too far, La Pedriza is an easy choice. Located within the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, it’s easy to access and offers hundreds of hiking trails. It’s perfect for a picnic and some outdoor activity.
La Pedriza gets its name from the rock formations found in the mountains. There are many hiking routes that take you close to the most iconic ones.
The best option is to head to the Canto Cochino parking and information center and from there start your hike.
We recommend downloading the Maps.me app, which has detailed maps of the trails, and also checking with the Tourist Office. The most popular routes are those leading to El Yelmo, Cancho de los Muertos, and Collado de la Dehesilla.
3) Stroll through the town of Manzanares el Real
Another of the places to see in Manzanares el Real is simply walking around the town itself. The center is small, so it can be explored in no time. Be sure to stop by the main square, where the Town Hall is located, and the Church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves.
This is also where most of the restaurants are concentrated.
🔝 Check out these recommendations on things to do around Madrid. Charming towns, mountains, and plenty of nature.
Where to eat in Manzanares el Real
- Restaurante Parra: ideal for tasting traditional Castilian dishes. Specialties include rice dishes, judiones (large beans), Guadarrama meats, and roasted lamb shoulders. Service is also excellent.
- Los Morales: a wide menu with fish, rice dishes, and raciones, although their specialty is grilled meat. Great terrace for summer dining.
Where to stay in Manzanares el Real?
There are different rural houses to stay in Manzanares el Real, some right in the center of town and others further out, surrounded by nature that makes you want to stay longer.
We’ve selected two accommodations to recommend:
- Hotel Rural La Pedriza Original: spacious rooms in warm tones at the foot of La Pedriza. Great value for money for staying in Manzanares el Real.
- Hostel La Pedriza: with shared rooms, it’s ideal for young travelers and backpackers looking to spend the night. Right in the town center and close to the bus stop.
How to get to Manzanares el Real
If you’re coming to Manzanares El Real from Madrid by car, there are two options: one is via Tres Cantos and Colmenar Viejo, the other is to take the A-6 and then the M-608 at Collado Villalba.
In both cases, travel time varies between 45 minutes and one hour, depending on traffic and the day.
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