8 Plans to Enjoy Spring in MadRural
Spring is approaching and, with it, outdoor plans are back. It is one of the best times of year to enjoy all the landscapes MadRural has to offer. The fields come into bloom, the weather becomes perfect for all kinds of sports and outdoor activities, and the villages come back to life with festivities and traditional markets.
If you are looking for a different kind of getaway, closer to Madrid than you might expect, in this post we bring you eight perfect plans to enjoy spring across the four rural territories that make up MadRural.
1. Rutas en bicicleta por la Vía Verde del Tajuña
- ¿Where? In the Vegas & Alcarria Madrileña.
- Ideal for: Cycle tourism and nature.
The Tajuña Greenway is one of the best cycling routes in the Community of Madrid. It runs through rural landscapes, vineyards and charming small villages, making it perfect for a spring getaway.
This trail, which follows the river of the same name and reaches the lands of Guadalajara, offers an incredible landscape of fertile river plains, scrubland and rainfed crops. The entire route up to the bordering area features its distinctive reddish asphalt surface.
The Tajuña Greenway brings you closer to villages rich in traditions, with must-stop places that offer a welcome rest along the route. Another option for enjoying this territory and its greenways is to follow the 40-Day Train Greenway as far as Estremera.
2. Lavender Festival in Pezuela de las Torres
- ¿Where? In Las Vegas & Alcarria Madrileña.
- Ideal for: Photography and slow tourism.
Although its greatest appeal and highest number of visitors come during the summer months, it is in spring when the fields that adorn the landscape of Pezuela de las Torres begin to take on that distinctive violet colour.
The sun setting on the horizon and the unmistakable scent that fills the air of the town make this village in Las Vegas & Alcarria Madrileña one of the privileged destinations for the coming months.
In addition, if you visit Pezuela de las Torres, you cannot leave without trying its wide range of zero-kilometre gastronomy, which is sure to more than satisfy your palate.
3. Zero-Kilometre Gastronomy in Patones de Arriba
- Where? In Sierra Norte de Madrid.
- Ideal for: Gastronomic and cultural tourism.
The village of Patones de Arriba is one of the most beautiful towns in Madrid. It is one of the Villas of Madrid located in Sierra Norte. In spring, the weather begins to invite visitors to stroll through its streets and step into its restaurants to try the wide-ranging gastronomic offering that defines Sierra Norte de Madrid.
Patones de Arriba is a unique setting in which to take a break from routine, enjoy the pleasure of a getaway as a couple, with family or with friends, and admire architecture that is unique in our region.
Its culinary offering includes dishes such as kid goat, suckling lamb, migas, tripe, patatas revolconas and ribeye steak. All of this is prepared following traditional recipes and using locally sourced ingredients, turning the gastronomic experience into a true delight.
4. Getaway to Buitrago del Lozoya and Its Medieval Walls
- Where? In Sierra Norte de Madrid.
- Ideal for: Cultural tourism and photography.
Buitrago del Lozoya is one of the historic towns of the Community of Madrid. In spring, its impressive natural surroundings fill with colour, and a walk along its walls offers spectacular views of the Lozoya River.
This walled enclosure was declared a National Monument in 1931 and has been a Historic-Artistic Site and Asset of Cultural Interest since 1993.
And what if we told you that there is a Picasso Museum in the town centre?
5. Wine Tasting in Sierra Oeste de Madrid
- Where? In Sierra Oeste de Madrid.
- Ideal for: Wine tourism and gastronomy.
In the Community of Madrid, there is a wide variety of wines to enjoy through wine tourism. In Sierra Oeste de Madrid, we invite you to visit wineries in towns such as Villamanta and Aldea del Fresno, in the Navalcarnero subzone, or Rozas de Puerto Real, Cadalso de los Vidrios, Navas del Rey, Cenicientos, Villa del Prado and San Martín de Valdeiglesias, which belong to the subzone of the same name.
Come and taste their wines with Protected Designation of Origin and let yourself be carried away by a gastronomic tradition that will leave you speechless.
6. Kayak Trip on the San Juan Reservoir
- Where? In Sierra Oeste de Madrid.
- Ideal for : Adventure and water activities.
Also known as “Madrid’s beach”, the San Juan Reservoir has become the perfect place to enjoy spring surrounded by nature. With its calm waters and pine forests, it is the ideal spot for a kayak or paddleboarding route, taking in the views and the fresh mountain air.
You can take shelter in its hidden coves, where you can relax and go for a swim if the weather allows. It is also an activity that can be combined with a picnic on the shore.
7. Water Route in Sierra de Guadarrama
- Where? In Sierra de Guadarrama.
- Ideal for: Hiking and nature.
In spring, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful routes in the area: the Water Route. Running between waterfalls, streams and reservoirs, this trail is one of the most spectacular in the whole region, ideal for lovers of photography and nature.
One recommended experience is to walk the Camino del Agua in Cercedilla and end the day with a picnic surrounded by nature.
8. Route Through the Barranca Valley, a Spring Paradise
- Where? In Sierra de Guadarrama.
- Ideal for: Hiking and nature.
The Barranca Valley, located in Navacerrada, is one of the most spectacular routes for enjoying the spring landscape in the Community of Madrid.
It is set in an area surrounded by pine forests and offers wonderful views of La Maliciosa, one of the most iconic mountains in our landscape.
You can walk to the reservoirs of the Barranca Valley and enjoy the natural spectacle along the way as the Navacerrada River winds between the trees.
