Manzanares el Real is one of the most popular Madrid day trips. Manzanares is a village in the north of Madrid that has something for everyone. Do you like cultural trips? Visit its impressive castle. Are you a nature-lover? Check out the National Park of La Pedriza with its beautiful walking trails.
Hungry for more? Check out these other Madrid posts
Without further ado, let's take a look at the best things to do in Manzanares el Real.
Best Day Trips from Madrid: Manzanares el Real
MANZANARES EL REAL: THE CASTLE
Castillo de los Mendoza is one of the top 3 most visited sites in the region of Madrid together with the Palace of Aranjuez and Monastery of El Escorial (we are not counting Madrid city here). It's easy to see why. The imposing castle is one of the best conserved in the area and is surrounded be the even more imposing mountains of Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.There are 3 ways to visit this 15th century castle: on your own, as part of the guided tour or on a 45-minute dramatized tour with actors representing Don Iñigo Lopez de Mendoza and his daughter Brianda that guide you through the rooms.
MANZANARES EL REAL: HIKING TRAILS
La Pedriza is one of Madrid's most popular hiking trails. The rocks have been sculpted over centuries by water and wind which gives the mountains unique and interesting shapes. La Pedriza is part of the Guadarrama National Park where you can also see amazing fauna like vultures and the Spanish ibex.On the other side, the town is surrounded by the Santillana Lake, around which you can take a very pleasant walk.
MANZANARES EL REAL: FOOD
Being near the mountains, the most typical food is meat. I highly recommend trying their traditional Castilian style roasts. We made reservations at La Parra because of its raking and opinions on TripAdvisor. The food was good but overpriced in my opinion. The prices of the dishes are similar to those you can find in a luxury restaurant in Madrid city. Normally, villages have lower priced menus.We haven't tried any other restaurants but after being in Manzanares a friend suggested trying La Charca Verde and we just loved what Casa Goyo looked like. All three restaurants mentioned are walking distance from the castle.
MANZANARES EL REAL: GETTING THERE
Manzanares is a short drive from Madrid, just around 30 minutes. You can also take bus 724 from Plaza Castilla which takes about 1 hour to get there.Read more about best day trips from Madrid without leaving the area:
ChinchonPatones de Arriba
Aranjuez
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The castle looks incredible! Such beautiful architecture too. Awesome photos!
ReplyDeleteAnika | chaptersofmay.com
The castle is specially impressive. Wow.
ReplyDeleteWorth a Thousand Words
That castle is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThis place is breathtaking! What a fun trip dear!
ReplyDeleteJessica | notjessfashion.com
That village is right uo my alley, I love it. Another visit to Madrid is LONG overdue (ah, I love that city) and next time I am SO visiting this village. Good to know there's also a bus going (for us that hate driving, hehe). I am going to pin this!
ReplyDelete#OurWorldTuesday
Thanks for sharing this- it's always helpful when I travel to be aware of interesting places to see. That castle is awesome!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great series of the great area! That castle is just wonderful to see.
ReplyDeleteYour post on 'My Corner of the World' is great to see this week!
My Corner of the World
I like the photo of you in the castle window! And for me, the nature trails would be my choice.
ReplyDeleteI miss Spain: we really enjoyed our time this past summer!
ReplyDeletewww.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Hi, Cristina! Hope you've been well :) Glad to have stopped by your blog and caught up a bit!
ReplyDeleteYou always lead me on a wonderful journey on your trips Maria! I have never been to Spain, but this area is gorgeou. The castle looks amazing and I love the architecture and that it is surrounded by mountains. Too bad the food in the area was more expensive. Beautiful outfit for travel!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely place to visit! i really like your pink and grey outfit too, that coat is such a nice topper! :)
ReplyDeleteHope that you had a great weekend! Thank you so much for joining the #weekdayWearLinkUp :) I just posted this week's linkup, I'd love you to join again! :)
Away From Blue
I've not yet been to Madrid but great suggestions for when I do! The castle looks very impressive! #KCACOLS
ReplyDeleteWow! These look fabulous! #KCACOLS
ReplyDeleteI've never been to this region of Spain but Manzanares El Real certainly looks like the sort of place I'd love to visit. The Castillo de los Mendoza looks stunning - very impressive! Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anika
ReplyDeleteI agree, the architecture is amazing
ReplyDeleteIsn't it dreamy?
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by, Jess!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Esther! I'm so glad you liked the guide
ReplyDeletethank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Betty!
ReplyDeleteThanks! So glad you like it :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you can come back soon!
ReplyDeleteHi Lor! Long time no see. How are you?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jess. You are always so kind
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mica! I'm so glad you like the outfit :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to visit Madrid some day!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for dropping by!
ReplyDeleteWhat stunning pictures! I have never been to Madrid but it is definitely on my list of places to visit! #KCACOLS
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