How Far Are the Mountains From Madrid?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, you might be wondering how far the mountains are from the city. Fortunately, Madrid is surrounded by several mountain ranges that offer breathtaking views and outdoor activities.

Sierra de Guadarrama

One of the closest mountain ranges to Madrid is the Sierra de Guadarrama, located just 50 kilometers northwest of the city. This mountain range is part of the Sistema Central and is known for its rugged terrain, alpine forests, and stunning peaks.

How to Get There

To get to Sierra de Guadarrama from Madrid, you can take a train or bus from Chamartín station. The journey takes about an hour and costs around €7-€10 each way. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive there yourself in about 45 minutes.

Things to Do

Once you arrive at Sierra de Guadarrama, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. You can go hiking on one of the many trails that wind through the mountains or take a scenic drive along the mountain roads. In winter, there are several ski resorts where you can hit the slopes or go snowboarding.

Sierra de Gredos

Another mountain range near Madrid is the Sierra de Gredos, located about 170 kilometers west of the city. This mountain range is part of the Sistema Central as well and features several peaks over 2,000 meters tall.

How to Get There

To get to Sierra de Gredos from Madrid, you can take a bus or train from Estación Sur or Atocha station. The journey takes about 2-3 hours and costs around €20-€30 each way. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive there yourself in about 2 hours.

Things to Do

In Sierra de Gredos, you can go hiking, rock climbing, or horseback riding. There are also several natural pools and waterfalls where you can swim or relax. If you visit in winter, there are several ski resorts in the area.

Sierra Norte de Madrid

If you’re looking for something closer to Madrid, the Sierra Norte de Madrid is a mountain range located just 50 kilometers north of the city. This mountain range is part of the Sistema Central and features several peaks over 1,500 meters tall.

How to Get There

To get to Sierra Norte de Madrid from the city center, you can take a bus or train from Plaza de Castilla station. The journey takes about an hour and costs around €5-€10 each way.

Things to Do

In Sierra Norte de Madrid, you can go hiking on one of the many trails that wind through the mountains or visit one of the several charming towns in the area. There are also several natural parks where you can observe wildlife and enjoy nature.

  • Overall, there are many mountain ranges near Madrid that offer stunning views and outdoor activities.
  • Sierra de Guadarrama is one of the closest mountain ranges to Madrid and offers rugged terrain and alpine forests.
  • Sierra de Gredos is located further west but features several peaks over 2,000 meters tall.
  • The Sierra Norte de Madrid is located just north of the city center and offers charming towns and natural parks.

So if you’re planning a trip to Madrid and want to explore some beautiful mountains nearby, be sure to check out these stunning destinations.