The Mix of History and Scenic Route

From El Escorial there is a route that climbs up through the mountains to the main ski pass near Madrid, Navacerrada, located at an altitude of 1850 metres.
After parking the car, you only have to walk a few metres to contemplate the spectacular mountain scenery. There is a cable car that in less than 10 minutes takes you to the so-called Bola del Mundo, where Madrid and Segovia can be spotted if the day permits.
The environment changes completely according to the time of the year you visit: during the winter everything is covered with snow, in summer the streams flow and there are several trekking circuits to do.

Built in the 18th century by order of King Felipe V as a summer residence, the main highlight of the place are the extensive gardens with their fountains.
The interior of the palace houses relics such as the Tapestry Museum and the Marble Room, as well as the royal flats.
The fountains still work with their original 18th century hydraulic system, although they are only operative during the months of April, May, June, July, and August on certain days. The exact days of operation can be found on the official website of the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Idelfonso.
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.

A restaurant with regional cuisine. Its speciality is beans and stews. They also offer other regional dishes such as lamb stew, onions stuffed with béchamel sauce and meat, oxtail in red wine, braised veal tongue or rabbit in a casserole with thyme flavouring.
Open Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00.

There are several car parks around the historic centre of Segovia. This one, due to its location, is ideal to leave it and walk to all the places to visit.

A Roman vestige that is in a perfect state of preservation. Built between the 1st and 2nd century, its function was to transport water from the nearby river to supply the city.
There are two places to view the 28-metre-high aqueduct: from the 'Plaza del Azoguejo' to see the aqueduct from its base or from the viewpoint located next to the 'Postigo del Consuelo', to observe the aqueduct from the upper arches.

Dating from the 6th century and in late Gothic style, it is one of the most impressive historical buildings in Segovia. Inside, the 'Sala de las Pinturas' (Hall of Paintings) with numerous canvases, the different chapels and the cloister stand out.
To get a view of the city of Segovia from above, you have to climb the more than 100 steps to the top of the cathedral tower. It is well worth it.
Open Hours: Monday to Saturday: 09:30 - 18:30. Sunday: 13:30 - 18:30.
There are guided tours of the Cathedral from Monday to Friday: 11:00, 12:30, 17:00. There are also guided tours of the tower from Monday to Sunday: 10:30, 12:00, 13:30, 15:00, 16:30 (Saturdays, 18:00).

Although there was already a wall surrounding the historic centre of Segovia during the Roman settlement, it was during the medieval period that it was fortified, the remains of which can be seen today. More than 2,000 metres long, some towers and gates, including the San Andres gate, are in a perfect state of preservation.
There is a viewpoint where you can climb up to see Segovia from the top of the city walls.

It is a worthwhile stop on the way up to the Alcázar of Segovia. Ideal for taking photos of the Vera Cruz church, the village of Zamarramala and the river.

Declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, this medieval castle is straight out of a fairy tale, was home to several kings of Castile. Its exterior is a real beauty, with the keep as a central point in the construction.
Inside there are numerous rooms to visit such as the Galera or the Kings, an exhibition of armour of the Middle Ages and the Royal College of Artillery.
To climb the tower you have to pay a ticket apart from the general admission, which is worth it for the views from the top.
Open Hours: November to March: 10:00 - 18:00. April to October: 10:00 - 20:00.

It is the best place to observe the Alcázar of Segovia in all its splendour, along with the walls and the Cathedral in the background. It is probably one of the best postcards of Segovia.
The viewpoint is accessed by going down some stairs from the Alcazar and crossing the bridge over the Eresma River. Even in the meadow, you can stop for a picnic and stay a while to enjoy the views.

After the viewpoint, you have to retrace the long walk to get to dinner at the José María restaurant (a must in Segovia), so an intermediate stop for an aperitif is ideal at this café. Its offers a terrace with panoramic views of the Cathedral, the wall and the roofs of the old buildings.
Open Hours: Every day: 10:00 - 19:30.

Going to Segovia and not eating the roast suckling pig ('cochinillo') at Jose Maria's restaurant is like not having visited the city. It is a symbol of Segovia to such an extent that it is catalogued as a cultural-gastronomic heritage.
Jose Maria's suckling pig begins with the breeding of the animal in the farm that is his property, taking care of its feeding.
The way it is served is very particular: it is presented as a whole, and then it is cut only with a plate without a knife to demonstrate its perfect cooking.
Due to the high influx of diners, it is advisable to book at least 48 hours in advance on Jose Maria's official website.
Open Hours: Every day: 10:00 - 0:00.