In the summer, when the temperature rises to the 80 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), Madrid seeks salvation from the heat in the coniferous forests of the mountains. Being only an hour away from the city by train, you can relax in the lush forest of Cercedilla. To promote physical fitness and health, the Ministry of Tourism specially designed and provided free maps of trails of various levels of difficulty.
The most popular trails in Cercedilla include Mirador Luis Rosales and Mirador De La Reina. Mirador de Luis Rosales–Puerto de la Fuenfría Loop is a difficult 11-mile (17-km) hike that takes 5 hours to complete. Mirador de Luis Rosales–Calzada romana Loop is an 8-mile (12-km) hike of an intermediate level. Both trails are accessible, however, a good fitness level is required.
In Cercedilla, you can choose your distance, the angle of ascent, and calculate the time for your trip. Remain within marked trails, and you will get real pleasure from a walk. The beautiful scenery of Cercedilla features hills, forests, and small rivers. It's unlikely that you will see a bear or a wolf, but squirrels or wild hares can be found in abundance. The best time to explore the terrain is summer or spring.
Las Berceas Natural Pools
Las Berceas Natural Pools is another reason to visit Cercedilla in the summer. What can be better than soaking in chilly waters after a long hike with the beautiful views of the Sierra de Guadarrama and green fields all around you? The admission to the pool is just a few euros, and there are plenty of places for a picnic in the nearby park.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Cercedilla and hike its trails?
Cercedilla's hiking trails are best explored from March to August, with temperatures of up to 80°F (30°C). Even though hiking is possible throughout the year, winters are a less appealing choice when snow-covered trails can make the trek difficult. The summer offers a comfortable retreat from the intense heat of the cities below. Show more
Where can I find maps of hiking trails in Cercedilla?
Maps of hiking trails in Cercedilla are conveniently available from the Ministry of Tourism, free of charge. The maps can be downloaded from the official website or acquired from the tourist center. Stick to the marked trails to avoid the risk of getting lost in the woods as each trail has appropriate signage. Show more
What are the most popular hiking trails in Cercedilla?
The top two hiking trails in Cercedilla are Mirador de Luis Rosales - Puerto de la Fuenfria Loop, with an intermediate difficulty level, and Mirador de Luis Rosales - Calzada Romana Loop of difficult complexity. Both treks offer picturesque viewpoints and mesmerizing scenery; they measure 8-11 miles (12-17km) each, great for those with good fitness levels. Show more
Are the hiking trails in Cercedilla accessible for beginner hikers?
With such varied topography, Cercedilla offers hiking trails suitable for both novices and seasoned hikers. Novice hikers can keep to the easy trails that are less than 2 miles long, while experienced hikers can opt for the difficult routes that may take multiple days to complete. Stick to the marked trails and follow prescribed safety protocols regardless of skill level. Show more
Where can I find natural pools in Cercedilla and what is the admission fee?
Las Berceas Natural Pools are the best-known natural pool in Cercedilla, located just a short drive from the town center. For admission of a few euros, people can enjoy the pools and picnic at several nearby parks' locations. The natural pools are open to the public from June to September ad serve as a refreshing break for hikers after a long trail walk. Show more
