Manzanares el Real

A small town dominated by a beautifully preserved 15th-century castle set against the dramatic La Pedriza rock formations. It's a favorite spot for combining history with outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing.

Things to do

• Tour the Castillo de los Mendoza — Explore this remarkably intact 15th-century castle with its Gothic-Mudejar towers and small museum on noble life.
• Hike into La Pedriza — Enter Spain's largest granite rock formation from the Canto Cochino access point for trails winding through boulders and pines.
• Rock climb the granite domes — La Pedriza is one of Spain's premier climbing areas, with routes for all levels on weathered granite towers.
• Photograph the castle from Embalse de Santillana — Walk along the reservoir shoreline for the classic postcard view of the castle reflected in the water.
• Visit Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves — Stop by this modest parish church in the town center that anchors the historic plaza.
• Bird-watch near the reservoir — Embalse de Santillana attracts herons and other waterfowl, making it a quiet spot for birders.

Food to try

• Cordero asado — Slow-roasted lamb from the Sierra de Guadarrama, a signature dish of the region's traditional asadores.
• Judiones estofados — Large stewed beans cooked with chorizo and pork, a hearty mountain-style dish common in local restaurants.
• Sopa castellana — A warming garlic and bread soup with paprika and jamón, popular on cooler days after a hike.
• Queso de la sierra — Local sheep's or goat's milk cheese from small Guadarrama producers, often served as a tapa.
• Torreznos — Crispy fried pork belly strips, a classic Castilian bar snack found in Manzanares' tapas bars.

Local customs & good to know

• Wear sturdy footwear for La Pedriza — The granite terrain is uneven and can be slippery, so proper hiking boots are essential even for short walks.
• Book castle visits ahead on weekends — The Castillo de los Mendoza can have timed entry limits during high season and popular weekend hours.
• Respect the natural park rules — La Pedriza is part of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, so camping, fires, and off-trail driving are prohibited.
• Expect crowds from Madrid on weekends — As a popular day-trip destination for madrileños, the town and trails are busiest on Saturdays and Sundays.