The ultimate guide to the Community of Madrid: what to see to understand and enjoy the region

• Fascinating Spain

• Community of Madrid

The appeal of the Community ofMadridlies in its Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol, and itsRoyal Palace. The thousands of tourists who visit these emblematic places confirm it.But the beauty of its heritage goes beyond the heart of the capital. Let’s discover the many wonders of the Community of Madrid, like some of its gorgeousvillagesand charming natural corners.

Patones de Arriba. | Shutterstock

The wonders of the Community of Madrid to experience at least once in life

Patones de Arriba and its black slate

The Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. | Shutterstock

There is no doubt thatPatones de Arribais one of the most beautiful villages in this region. Its narrow streets invite us to get lost in them, andthe singular black slate of its roofsis the most emblematic feature of the village. The best way to get here is to walk from Patones de Abajo.

The Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

This is one of the must-sees in the Community of Madrid. This is the Royal Monastery ofSan Lorenzo del Escorial,declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This is not only one of Madrid’s wonders, but Spain’s, since this architectural complex was designed byPhilip II’s architect, Juan de Herrera, in the 16th century. The Royal Crypt sits inside the Basilica, and every monarch since Charles I is buried there.

La Hiruela. | Shutterstock

The tiny houses of La Hiruela

Despite being one of the less populated municipalities in the whole community, this place is still fascinating. La Hiruela, on the Sierra del Rincón, isespecially known for its small stone houses, extremely well-preserved old, tiny houses that conform the town’s heart. This village has been a Biosphere Reserve since 2005.

Chinchón’s main square

Chinchón’s main square. | Shutterstock

For many people,Chinchónhas one of the most beautiful and interesting mainsquaresin Spain. Anirregular-shaped square surrounded by houses with green wooden balconiesto enjoy the view, something particularly common during the bullcorridas, since it is also a bullfighting ring. The clock tower, the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción and the convent of San Agustín, now a Parador Nacional, are some other wonders that bring many tourists to Chinchón.

• The charming squares in Spain nobody will tell you about

Buitrago del Lozoya and its walls

In the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama, Buitrago del Lozoya stands asone of the most beautiful and picturesque villagesin the Community of Madrid. It is surrounded by spectacular walls of Arab origins and, at the same time, by the Lozoya river it gets its name from. The castle, the clock tower and the church of Santa María del Castillo are some of Buitrago’s must-sees.

The Royal Palace of Aranjuez

Aranjuez isa mandatory stop on every route of Madrid. This municipality sits on the southern end of the Community of Madrid. Here await the Royal Palace of Aranjuez and itsspectacular gardens, an idyllic place that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that should be visited.

Buitrago del Lozoya. | Shutterstock

• Absolute musts in Madrid that are not the city centre

Justo’s Cathedral in Mejorada del Campo

This is one of the most interesting buildings in the region. Justo’s Cathedral wasbuilt by a single person, Justo Gallego. He did so until his death, when the building was donated to a foundation that would finish the work. This cathedral, designed as any other Spanish cathedral, was Justo’s life project. After being expelled from a monastery inSoriawhen he was 27 years old, he began building this eye-catching cathedral in Mejorada del Campo by himself, without any training on construction.

The Royal Palace of Aranjuez. | Shutterstock

The natural treasures of the Community of Madrid

San Juan reservoir, Madrid’s beach

Popularly known as ‘Madrid’s beach,’ San Juan reservoir is one of the most popularspots to enjoy a divein the hottest seasons. Besides that, it is also perfect for hiking and to perform aquatic activities such as sailing.

Chorrera de los Litueros, Madrid’s highest waterfall

The highest waterfall in the Community of Madrid sits in Somosierra. The Chorrera de los Litueros isa spectacular cascade of 40 metresthat sits 1440 metres of altitude above sea level. One can get there by completing a 12-kilometre-long route.

Justo’s Cathedral. | Shutterstock

The Finnish Forest of Sierra de Madrid

It looks straight out of a fairy tale, but the Bosque Finlandés (Finnish Forest)sits inRascafría. The bucolic scene of the lake surrounded by trees reminds us of some spot in Finland, which is actually very reasonable, since the trees are native Finnish species. Besides, El Potario, the place’s official name, offers a cabin with a sauna that makes the resemblance even closer. Near this spot, one can visit the Cascadas del Purgatorio (Purgatory Waterfalls), a well-known waterfall that can be accessed by following a simple route beginning in the Monastery of El Paular.

Puerto de Navacerrada

San Juan reservoir. | Shutterstock

SegoviaandMadridare separated by Puerto de Navacerrada,one of the best places to ski in the snow season. It has eight ski slopes of diverse levels, but beyond skiing, this spot is perfect for visiting the mountain, since it has hotels, apartments, and restaurants.

Philip’s II chair

Near El Escorial, in the forest of La Herrería, sits a very interesting spot. This natural area consists of a set ofgranite platforms shaped as chairs. Legend has it that Philip II used to visit the place to watch the building of the San Lorenzo de El Escorial Monastery.

Chorrera de los Litueros. | Shutterstock

The gastronomy of the Community of Madrid, a must to enjoy the province

The gastronomy of the Community of Madrid is very diverse.Its hot dishes are quite popular;cocido,callos a la madrileñaandsopa de ajoare simple and comforting recipes.

Some dishes can be surprising due to the province’s location, like the bocadillo decalamares, which has an interesting history. Some recipes stand out and areusually offered as tapas, such asbravas, mollejas, snails, andgambas al ajillo.

Finnish Forest. | Shutterstock

• Where to eat delicious tapas in Madrid

But Madrid’s traditional recipes are not its only appeal.Madrid’s local products are well known throughout the world. From D.O. Vinos de Madridwines, a denominación de origen that covers the areas of Arganda, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, El Molar, andNavalcarnero, to Villaconejos’ melons,Aranjuez’s strawberries, andChinchón’s anise.

The sweetest spot of Madrid’s gastronomy joins its culture. The rosquillas de San Isidro stand out amongits most popular sweets, including every type of rosquillas: tontas,listas, francesas and de Santa Clara.

Puerto de Navacerrada. | Shutterstock

And, of course, this section cannot conclude without mentioninga classic to warm up in the coldest winter days: ahot chocolate with churros.

More recommendations to enjoy the Community of Madrid

Cocido madrileño. | Shutterstock

Where to sleep in the province of the Community of Madrid

Sleep in Chamberí and la CastellanaSleep in ChinchónSleep in Buitrago del LozoyaSleep in Boadilla del MonteSleep in Alcalá de HenaresSleep in Cadalso de los VidriosSleep in Buitrago del Lozoya

Where to eat in the province of the Community of Madrid

Where to eat delicious tapas in MadridEating in el Madrid de los AustriasEating in the Retiro and Barrio de SalamancaEating in the Paseo del Arte - MadridEating in El Barrio de las Letras - MadridEating in Chueca - MadridEating in Chamberí - MadridEating in El PardoEating in RascafríaEating in Cadalso de los VidriosEating in ChinchónEating in San Lorenzo de El EscorialEating in PatonesEating in NavacerradaEating in AranjuezEating in Boadilla del MonteEating in Alcalá de Henares

Nature and active tourism in the Community of Madrid

The Santillana reservoir, an architectural wonder and nature reserve

The beech forest of Montejo, a russet pause in Madrid

The valley of Fuenfría: she walks in poetry

7 getaways near Madrid to cool off

9 outdoor places in Madrid to enjoy the good weather

You can also read this article in Spanishhere.

Источник: Fascinating Spain