Day hikes near Madrid
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🥾 Day Hikes Near Madrid – By Public Transport
Madrid isn’t just about museums and plazas — it’s surrounded by natural beauty perfect for day hikes. Even better, you can reach many of these trails using just public transport.
Whether you’re a tourist, expat, or local looking for a weekend escape, these hiking trails near Madrid by train or bus make it easy to explore without a car.
🚆 Top Day Hikes Near Madrid by Public Transport
1. La Pedriza (Manzanares el Real)
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How to get there:
Bus 724 from Plaza de Castilla (direct to Manzanares el Real) -
Highlights:
Dramatic rock formations, natural pools, great for summer hikes - Routes: Collado de la Dehesilla, Canto Cochino loop
2. Cercedilla – Fuenfría Valley Trails
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How to get there:
Cercanías Line C-8 to Cercedilla -
Highlights:
Ancient Roman road, forest paths, family-friendly trails - Routes: Calzada Romana, Camino Schmidt
3. Peñalara (Sierra de Guadarrama National Park)
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How to get there:
Cercanías Line C-9 to Cotos (via Cercedilla) -
Highlights:
Peñalara Lagoon, central Spain’s highest peak - Routes: Laguna de los Pájaros, Peñalara summit
4. Cascada del Purgatorio (Rascafría)
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How to get there:
Bus 194 or 194A from Plaza de Castilla to Rascafría -
Highlights:
Waterfall, shaded paths, Monasterio de El Paular nearby - Route: Monastery to waterfall and back (~10 km)
5. Siete Picos (Navacerrada)
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How to get there:
Cercanías Line C-9 to Puerto de Navacerrada -
Highlights:
Ridge trail with stunning panoramic views - Route: Puerto de Navacerrada → Siete Picos → Circular loop
6. Valle del Lozoya / El Paular
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How to get there:
Bus 194 or 194A to Rascafría -
Highlights:
Gentle riverside paths, monastery, picnic areas - Route: Rascafría to Presillas Natural Pools
7. Monte Abantos (San Lorenzo de El Escorial)
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How to get there:
Cercanías Line C-3 to El Escorial -
Highlights:
Views of the monastery, pine forests, civil war trenches - Route: El Escorial → Monte Abantos loop (~10 km)
8. Embalse de Santillana (Manzanares el Real)
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How to get there:
Bus 724 from Plaza de Castilla -
Highlights:
Easy flat trails with views of the reservoir and La Pedriza - Route: Town → Reservoir → Castle → Return
9. Boca del Asno (Valsaín)
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How to get there:
Train to Segovia + local bus or taxi to Valsaín -
Highlights:
Family-friendly riverside walk with picnic areas - Route: Circular trails around the Eresma river
✅ Why These Hikes Are Perfect for a Day Trip
- No car? No problem! All these trails are reachable by train or bus.
- Routes range from easy nature walks to challenging mountain climbs.
- Ideal for solo hikers, groups, and expats living in Madrid.
📍Plan Your Day Hike with MadridHiking.com
We help you explore the best hiking trails near Madrid — all accessible via public transport. Whether you're here for a weekend or live in the city, these day hikes offer a perfect break from urban life. please contact us if you need a guide for any hike from Madrid.
🌲 Let nature recharge you — without needing a car.