The pine forests of the Sierra de Guadarrama offer a wonderful escape from the bustle of Madrid, which is just a short drive away. Seen from the city itself, these marvellous mountains are a spectacular destination for keen adventurers, with summer and winter sports galore. This is also a superb region for those looking to retreat, and our pick of the best places to stay in the Sierra de Guadarrama is a charming farmhouse promising a real sense of calm.

Crossing the centre of the Iberian Peninsula, the rugged foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama are already around 1,000 metres above sea level. Peñalara, their highest peak, rises to an impressive 2,428 metres. Man-made monuments, on the other hand, include General Franco's final resting place, the Santa Cruz del Valle de los Caidos — the 'Holy Cross of the Valley of the Fallen' —and the Castle of Manzanares. Culture aficionados will be fascinated by the art collections of the monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, and the grandeur of the Palacio Real de la Granja de San Ildefonso, which is one of the summer residences of the Spanish Royal Family.

Try hiking, horse riding and mountain biking in the Peñalara Natural Park, marvel at the unusual La Pedriza rock formations, and go skiing or snowboarding at Puerto de Navacerrada in the winter months. Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted to see wild boar, several different kinds of deer, badgers, weasels, foxes, the European Wild Cat, the Spanish Ibex and birds of prey including the Spanish Imperial Eagle and the Eurasian Black Vulture. Return to your choice of the best places to stay in the Sierra de Guadarrama for hearty dinners and relaxed evenings by the fire.

The Best Places to Stay in Sierra de Guadarrama

For a Cosy Retreat

• Hotel Nava Real is a beautifully restored farmhouse in the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama. You're close to a little village which fills up with skiers in winter, but in the warmer months there's plenty of mountain biking, fishing and hiking to be done. The 16 generously sized rooms are cosy and rustic, plus there's a great little restaurant and terrace.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Adolfo Suarez Madrid Bajaras Airport, just over an hour away, and travel onwards to your destination by bus or taxi. You'll also find high-speed trains from Spanish cities — such as Barcelona — to Madrid.
• The Madrid region is wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Summers across Spain can be very hot, but temperatures average at around 28°C in the mountains in July and August. Travel in the spring or autumn months for cooler climes and great hiking, or come in the winter for snow sports galore.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Madrid.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the Madrid region.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.