Madrid's tourist attractions are renowned worldwide. However, the Spanish capital also offers the chance to escape the urban hustle and bustle and discover magical hidden gems. Rent a car to take a route through the Sierra Norte of Madrid with one of our rental cars It's the perfect option to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of Madrid's streets and enjoy attractive places that fill you with energy. Ready to travel?

Start your car and discover a different side of Madrid

The villages north of Madrid are ideal for planning a road trip through the Sierra Norte de Madrid. They represent the most natural part of the Spanish capital and can be reached in less than an hour's drive from Madrid. There are rural areas and natural landscapes of breathtaking beauty, as well as villages with a unique charm that no one wants to miss.

Since there's so much to see, in this post we'll tell you which are the must-see places on the road trip through the Sierra Norte of Madrid. Let's get started!

San Lorenzo de El Escorial

We began our road trip through the Sierra Norte of Madrid, heading towards San Lorenzo de El Escorial. The fastest way to reach this destination is via the A6, connecting to the M-600 at exit 47 (57 km). Just a 50-minute drive from Madrid, this town, considered the eighth Wonder of the World, is a true Renaissance gem.

The main attraction is the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a World Heritage Site. This architectural complex includes several palaces, magnificent gardens, a basilica, the royal pantheon, a college, and a monastery. A true architectural gem.

Chinchón

This medieval town is one of the most beautiful in Spain, so don't hesitate to take a road trip through the Sierra Norte of Madrid to get there. You absolutely must see Chinchón's famous Plaza Mayor; the route starts on the A3 and continues on the M-311 (44 km). This square is the heart of the town, the ideal place to meet up and celebrate local festivals, when it transforms into a bullring.

Other interesting places to visit in Chinchón include the local castle, the Church of the Assumption, and the Clock Tower. Don't miss the opportunity to stroll through its streets to admire the traditional architecture and some unique buildings.

La Hiruela

The route to La Hiruela combines the A1 with the M-137 (96 km). A driving route towards the Sierra Norte of Madrid where, after an hour and a half, you will arrive at one of the examples of Madrid's black architecture, so named for the use of slate, which is very abundant in the area.

In contrast to the dark buildings, the Church of San Miguel Arcángel stands prominently in the main square as one of its principal attractions. The Ethnographic Museum also offers an interesting option: exploring a 17th-century rural house. And for nature lovers, we suggest exploring one of the hiking trails that wind through the Sierra del Rincón, a designated Biosphere Reserve.

Patones de Arriba

This village is a prime example of black architecture and a must-see on your road trip through the Sierra Norte of Madrid. To get there, take the A1 and then the M-102. Next, take the M-912 (66 km), and in less than an hour, you'll arrive at this charming village.

Once you arrive in Patones de Arriba, the Church of San José, the Fuente Nueva (New Fountain), and the Lavadero (Washhouse) or Fuente de la Gorda (Fat Fountain) are must-sees. But that's not all; you can also visit nearby points of interest such as the Reguerillo Cave, the Pontón de la Olivia (Olivia Bridge), and the Atazar Reservoir.

Torrelaguna

If you continue your route by car through the Sierra Norte of Madrid via the A1 and the N-320 you can reach Torrelaguna (59 km) in just under an hour.

The picturesque Plaza Mayor, the Gothic church of Santa María de la Magdalena, the Town Hall and the Alhóndiga or Alfolí de la Sal, now converted into a restaurant, are the main points of interest that you will not want to miss.

It is also attractive to visit religious buildings such as the Franciscan Discalced Conceptionist convents, the Carmelites of Charity and some civil constructions such as the Salinas Palace and the Old Wall.

Buitrago del Lozoya

The A1 motorway also leads to one of Spain's best-preserved walled towns: Buitrago del Lozoya. Just 75 km from Madrid (an hour's drive), you can discover this charming town on your road trip through the Sierra Norte region of Madrid.

The town's walls date back to the 11th-century Muslim era. Within their enclosure are the Church of Santa María del Castillo and the local castle. Outside, you'll find the Picasso Museum and the Old Bridge, also known as the Arrabal Bridge.

Rascafría

If you start driving on the A1 and end on the M-611 (80 km), the road trip through the Sierra Norte of Madrid will take you to Rascafría. The main attraction of this town is located 2 km from the center. We are referring to the Monastery of Santa María del Paular, the first Carthusian monastery in the Kingdom of Castile.

In the historic center, you can visit the Church of St. Andrew the Apostle, the Rascafría Town Hall, and the Casa de Postas (or La Casona). Opposite the Monastery, you'll find the Bridge of Forgiveness, a structure well worth seeing. And if you enjoy nature, don't miss the Finnish Forest and, a little further on, the Purgatory Waterfall.

Manzanares el Real

Another town about 50 km from Madrid that you shouldn't miss is Manzanares el Real. Take the A1 and the M-608 to reach this town, which boasts one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval castles in Spain: the Mendoza Castle.

Regarding religious architecture, the Church of Our Lady of the Snows and the Hermitage of Our Lady of Peña Sacra stand out. For nature lovers, La Pedriza is the perfect place for hiking.

Don't miss the wonders of the Sierra Norte of Madrid

Exploring the routes of the Sierra Norte de Madrid by car allows you to discover magical places full of charm. If you already know which route you're going to take through the Sierra Norte de Madrid, all you need to do is choose your rental car. our fleet that best suits your needs.

Don't think twice! And for any questions or clarifications, don't hesitate to contact us. contact us.

Driving routes through the Sierra Norte of Madrid