Escorial, the Burial Place of the Kings of Spain

The quickest route to El Escorial is to take the A6. On the way out of Madrid, expect to come across some points of interest such as the Arco and Faro de Moncloa (an observation tower) and, surrounded by railings, the Government Palace. When you get on the road, look ahead on your left and, if the day is fine, you will see the huge cross of the Valley of the Fallen, your next stop.

Built in the middle of the 20th century, its location at the top of the mountain range could not be better. From its beginnings to the present day, monks of the Benedictine order continue to reside in its monastery, that cannot be visited.
Inside the Abbey, the visit includes the cloister, the chapel, the inner courtyard and there is even the possibility of eating and staying in the external guest house located on the grounds.
Open Hours: October to March, Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00. April to September, Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 - 19:00.
The ticket office closes one hour before closing time.

This imposing basilica, whose construction was ordered by the dictator Franco, is carved out of the rock of the La Nava hill, which transforms it into an underground church. It consists of a main nave and six side chapels.
The remains of those who fought during the Spanish Civil War are buried here, which is why the place is called the Valley of the Fallen. But also, it has served as a mass grave. That's why it is so controversial, and a visit that thrills the senses.
A few metres above the Basilica is the 150-metre-high cross, which can be seen from several kilometres away. To reach the cross, there is a concrete path that leads up through the rock.
Open Hours: October to March, Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00. April to September, Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 - 19:00.
The ticket office closes one hour before closing time.

It dates back to the 18th century when the Prince of Asturias, Charles IV, sent it to be built as a place of recreation. It is in the middle of an oak forest, less than a kilometre from the monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
The highlight of the walk are the gardens with their fountains and tree-lined streets. The gardens even lead up to the entrance to the monastery.
At the entrance to the Casita del Principe is Paco Pastel, a pastry shop and restaurant where you can enjoy a drink surrounded by nature.
Open Hours: October to March, Tuesday to Sunday: 11:30 - 18:00. April to September, Tuesday to Sunday: 12:00 - 19:00
Ticket office closes half an hour before closing time.

It is the best place to park your car near the monastery and walk around it.

The protagonist of this emblematic restaurant in El Escorial is the cocido (stew), served in various dishes that include beef ribs, chorizos, bacon, artichokes, Galician potatoes and carrots. It is cooked on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
The rest of the days the menu has options of meat, fish and portions to share such as croquettes, anchovies or Iberian ham.
Open Hours: Every day: 13:00 - 16:30, 20:30 - 0:00.

This imposing monastery of the order of St. Jerome was built by Felipe II. It was designed so that the remains of his father Charles V, his wife and his family could rest here. It is a tradition that has been maintained for the descendants of royalty to this day, except for Felipe V and Fernando VI.
The interior is an excellent work of architecture, where the frescoes on the ceilings and walls of the different rooms abound everywhere. The Basilica, the Library, the Royal Pantheon and the Battle room are some of the highlights.
In addition, the tour includes interior courtyards, rooms and small palaces, which is why it takes at least two hours to visit it completely.
Open Hours: October to March, Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00. April to September, Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 - 19:00.
Wednesdays and Sundays from October to March from 15:00 to 18:00 and Wednesdays and Sundays from April to September from 15:00 to 19:00 admission is free for EU and Latin American citizens. The ticket office closes one hour before closing time.

Once you finish the tour of the monastery, walk a few meters down Juan de Borbon street. Pass an arcade that connects the outer walls of the monastery with the chapel Maria Cristina and stop at the beginning of the park.
Here are the best views of the monastery of El Escorial, with the gardens in front and the rear facade of the monastery in the back.

It was originally the hunting ground of King Felipe II and the place where the gardens were cultivated to feed the monks. Today it is a large grassy meadow for walking surrounded by trees such as willows and chestnut trees, with rest and picnic areas.
Scattered throughout the meadow are historical vestiges, such as the hermitage of Santa Maria del Buen Aire. It also has nice views of the Escorial monastery.

Church where King Felipe II is also the protagonist, as it was a gift to the small village during the sixteenth century. One of its main characteristics is its Herrerian style.
In its exterior facade, the two symmetrical bell towers and the entrance portico stand out.
Open Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 - 13:30, 18:00 - 20:30.

Eating at this restaurant is an authentic experience, and not only because of the food they serve. Its rooms date back to the 18th century and are perfectly preserved, so just looking around will transport you back several centuries.
Their speciality is Castilian food, and they even have an exclusive menu with Castilian soup as a starter and veal chop as a main course.
Reservations can be made in advance through the restaurant's Official Website.
Open Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 13:00 - 16:00, 20:00 - 23:00. Sunday: 13:00 - 16:00.

There are several accommodations in the village, very close to the monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. There is also the option of staying in the surroundings to be in contact with the mountain air and nature.