Of Castles, Mountains and Gastronomic Temples

We leave Rascafría behind and drive along the M-611 to cross the Morcuera pass. Enjoy the scenery! Destination: Miraflores de la Sierra. First stop to admire the reservoir of this town located on the southern slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama. The reservoir is marked by oak forests and collects the waters of the Guadalix River. You can take a leisurely stroll to wake up along the path that surrounds it.

Open-air sanctuary where the image of the Virgin of Begoña is venerated. The grotto was founded in 1952 by Julián Reyzábal Delgado, an inhabitant of Miraflores de la Sierra. Nowadays, weddings, baptisms and communions are celebrated in this place. Whether you are a believer or not, in this place of worship you can breathe calm, peace and tranquility.
Visiting hours: Visiting hours: Visiting hours: Visiting hours: Visiting hours: Visiting hours

• 1 September to 30 May, from 09:00 to sunset.
• 1 June to 30 August, from 09:00 to 21:00

The star product of this small mini artisan cheese factory located in Guadalix de la Sierra, in the northern mountains of Madrid, is raw milk sheep's cheese. They make different varieties: pure sheep's cheese and blended, cured and semi-cured. Taste the flavor and tradition of these lands in a wedge of local cheese, and if you like it, take some as a souvenir!
Before coming, please contact the master cheese maker Alberto García at 686 94 65 84 to confirm if a visit can be arranged.
More information

In Elizabethan Gothic style, this jewel of medieval architecture of the Kingdom of Castile was erected in 1453. From inside you can enjoy magnificent views of the Santillana reservoir and the Sierra de Guadarrama.
In the Castillo de los Mendoza -its noble name- it is allowed to take photos without flash and without tripod as long as they are for personal use.
Depending on each year's program, the castle offers activities such as children's workshops to enjoy the architecture and the environment, exhibitions of medieval combat...
Check schedules and prices on their web
Book in advance at the following telephone numbers: 91 853 00 08 and 91 852 86 85 (from Tuesday to Friday, from 10:00 to 17:00 hours).
Opening hours: Monday closed

• Monday closed
• Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Are you hungry? We moved to Navacerrada in the middle of the Sierra to eat in this charming village located just 52 kilometers from Madrid, south of the Sierra de Guadarrama.
This restaurant has two menus, a more rogue and fun terroir menu with first class products (example: a version of fish and chips, guacamole with stone mortar...) and the gastronomic lounge with a short menu. The basis of its cuisine is Basque-French: traditional flavors with a more modern elaboration.
Chef Carlos Carande is a fan of "off the menu" so let yourself be carried away by his suggestions. The wine list is in line with the essence of their menu in which they bet on small producers and different drinks -beyond wine- such as sake. Remember: if you are the one driving, no alcohol at the wheel.
Opening hours Closed: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Thursday and Sunday: 12:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 12:30 to 16:00 hours and 20:00 to 00:00 hours

Just 10 minutes away, between Navacerrada and Becerril de la Sierra, come to the reservoir that holds back the course of the River Samburiel. This reservoir supplies water to a large part of the municipalities in the north, specifically the Sierra de Guadarrama.
Here you can take a pleasant stroll along its banks to help you digest. The entire circular route is approximately 5 kilometres long and will take you just over an hour. Look out for the peaks of the Sierra de Guadarrama, such as La Maliciosa and La Bola del Mundo.

An essential place for lovers of white sports. In winter you can practice skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing routes through the Guadarrama National Park or slide on large floats (Tubbing).
In summer you can also go up in the Guarramillas chairlift to the Bar La Bola to enjoy one of the best views of the entire Community of Madrid. The bar is open every Saturday, Sunday and holidays during the summer months (June to September) from 10:30 am to 6:15 pm.
Check prices on the official website

Dinner at Baelo Restaurant in Torrelodones, a family atmosphere space where you can enjoy special dishes. If you arrive in time, take a tour of this town in Madrid.
Marcus, its owner, vindicates the traditional cuisine of mothers and grandmothers in his dishes with top quality ingredients brought directly from their places of origin: acorn-fed Iberian ham from the pastures of Extremadura, fresh Asturian beans, boneless suckling pig roasted at low temperature or rock fish brought directly from the southern fish markets such as Sanlúcar, Conil or Puerto de Santa María. I recommend you to try their Almadraba Red Tuna Menu which, in four acts, offers different cuts and parts of one of the best red tuna in the world.
Schedules.
Monday to Wednesday from 13:45h to 00:00h Thursday to Saturday from 13:45h to 1:00h Sunday from 13:45h to 17:00h
Reservations by phone at 91 859 14 39 or on their web

The perfect end to a road trip in which you have experienced everything: medieval castles, original natural spaces, mountain artisans, mountain landscapes, typical villages and temples of the local gastronomy. Now to rest and reminisce about this trip!