The Community of Madrid is far more than its capital. Home to some 7 million people in the very centre of Spain, the region combines the museums and nightlife of Madrid with royal palaces, Renaissance university towns, medieval villages and the granite peaks of the Sierra de Guadarrama – all within an hour of the city.
Why visit the Community of Madrid
Few regions have so many UNESCO World Heritage sites so close together: the monastery of El Escorial, the university town of Alcalá de Henares, the royal landscape of Aranjuez and, in the capital, the Paseo del Prado and the Retiro. Add excellent trains and the region is perfect for a city break with easy day trips.
Top places in the Community of Madrid
Madrid
The capital has three world-class art museums – the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza – plus the Royal Palace, the Retiro park and lively neighbourhoods for tapas.
San Lorenzo de El Escorial
King Philip II built this colossal monastery and palace in the 16th century at the foot of the mountains. Don’t miss the library and the royal pantheon.
Alcalá de Henares
The birthplace of Cervantes has a historic university and an arcaded main street. It was the world’s first planned university city.
Aranjuez
A royal palace with gardens along the Tagus, once the spring residence of the Spanish kings. Try the local strawberries and asparagus.
Chinchón
A village built around one of Spain’s most photogenic plazas mayores, with wooden balconies and taverns serving roast lamb.
The Sierra de Guadarrama
A national park for hiking in summer and snow in winter, with mountain villages such as Rascafría, the castle of Manzanares el Real and the walled village of Buitrago del Lozoya.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are ideal, with mild days and clear skies. Summer is very hot in the city but pleasant in the mountains. Winter is cold and dry, with snow in the sierra.
Getting to and around the Community of Madrid
Madrid–Barajas airport is one of Europe’s largest, linked to the city by metro and commuter train. The Cercanías commuter trains reach El Escorial, Alcalá de Henares and Aranjuez in under an hour, and buses serve Chinchón and the mountain villages. High-speed trains connect Madrid with most of Spain.
What to eat in the Community of Madrid
Cocido madrileño (a chickpea and meat stew), callos (tripe), bocadillo de calamares (squid sandwich), churros with chocolate, roast lamb in the villages and Vinos de Madrid wines.
Community of Madrid FAQ
What are the best day trips from Madrid?
El Escorial, Alcalá de Henares, Aranjuez and Chinchón are all in the region and easy to reach by train or bus. Toledo and Segovia are just outside it.
Can you go hiking near Madrid?
Yes: the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park is about an hour from the city, with trails, lakes and mountain villages.
