The more than 56 square kilometers of nature in the heart of the Madrid mountains and its historical claims make the municipality of San Lorenzo de El Escorial like a great destination of interest for all types of users. From more experienced mountaineers, cyclists and hikers who want to enjoy a spectacular environment to disconnect from the city to the little ones, San Lorenzo de El Escorial is much more than its Royal Monastery, considered by many to be the eighth wonder of the world.
Since November 2, 1984, the Monastery and Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial were included in the World Heritage list by UNESCO. This statement “is based on the exceptionalities of the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and its adjacent buildings, in the landscape environment offered by the Pinar de Abantos and the La Herrería area and in the Historical-Artistic Complex of San Lorenzo de El Escorial”, explains the Councilor-Delegate of Tourism, Environment and Animal Welfare of San Lorenzo de El Escorial , Patricia Partida Becerril.
Access from the capital of the Community of Madrid could not be easier. You can reach San Lorenzo de El Escorial by bus with very frequent departures from the Moncloa interchange. In addition, the Cercanías to the neighboring town of El Escorial and the bus that goes up to San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a great option. However, the historical Philip II Train of the 40s in season of activity (from March to June and from September to December), as it allows you to go on a very special transport to this town enjoying the beautiful landscape of the Guadarrama mountain range and has some packs that offer entry to the Royal Monastery and a visit to the municipality. The cherry on top of these experiences is its delicious cuisine based on mushrooms and local meats.
Some tourist packs offer entry to the Royal Monastery and a visit to the municipality
This municipality is the perfect destination to enter the Guadarrama National Park. In addition, its multiple routes adapted for all levels and profiles and The beauty of the natural landscapes that surround the municipality invite you to spend several days in this town. In this sense, since 2022 an agreement has been signed with the Abantos Activo Association to promote the historical, tourist and environmental value of the municipality through guided routes in nature. Likewise, agreements have also been sealed with the AGASLE Association and the Deverde Association to carry out guided tours, excursions and different informative actions in the town.
Accessible routes
The natural wealth that we can enjoy in the surroundings of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is immense. One of the most affordable and pleasant routes for all members of the family is the one that runs between La Herrería and the Silla de Felipe II, passing through El Castañar. This seven-kilometer, low-difficulty route, which is part of the Natura 2000 Network, culminates with a spectacular panoramic view. The Charles III Hunt is another gentle activity recommended for the whole family. Among cistus and pine trees you can find seven silhouettes of animals that Charles III hunted in the Royal Forests. Those who “take photos and show them at the Tourist Office will have a sure prize,” says the Councilor-Delegate.
This environment also has an Ecological Path of just one kilometer adapted for people in wheelchairs and with panels in braille. It begins in the aforementioned Silla de Felipe II and is a very pleasant walk. Especially recommended for children is the El Tomillar route – InsectPark – Luis Ceballos Arboretum. It has a informative space and a museum of insects and microfauna located in El Tomillar, accessible for strollers. At the interpretation center Luis Ceballos Arboretum You can see a multitude of varieties of tree species and children and family workshops can be held every weekend.
Mount Abantos
On the 5 kilometer route of the Abantos Treasures, two are fully signposted. This route, which begins at the Euroforum, passes through many beautifully crafted points, such as the Romeral Dam, “from which “You can see the historical fence that limited the royal properties,” says Partida. The Repopulation Route completes the previous one. Follow the trail of the reforestation of Mount Abantos and travel 10 kilometers between beautiful places that, to get to know them better, it is recommended to download the ‘Audioguide Senda de Abantos’ application. Raising the level of difficulty we find the Abantos-La Naranjera route, with adaptable routes between 11 and 19 kilometers. It contains up to 32 points of interest that surprise “for their biodiversity, with larch trees and a beech forest in the vicinity of the Arca de la Merinera,” details the expert.
Another of the routes in the area is the Fuente Nueva – Casa de Los Llanillos route, one of the longest (more than 10 km). Like many others, it begins in the Silla de Felipe II and ends at the Luis Ceballos Arboretum, although it runs through the western part of the nature of San Lorenzo, which allows you to enjoy the spectacular views of La Herrería, Las Machotas and Puerto de la Cruz Verde. The Cascada del Hornillo, of medium difficulty, is a route of just over three hours, recommended for more advanced hikers. Its great attraction is the Tobar Dam and the path parallel to the Arroyo del Tomeral, which ascends to the meadows and has a waterfall. Located in the historic center, the Route of the Singular Trees is one of the most special for visitors who want to enjoy very long-lived tree examples.
Great challenges for experts
Although some of the previously mentioned routes were recommended for beginners, none compares with the Travesía de las Cumbres Escurialenses. This initiative “was born from the enthusiasm of a group of young people related in one way or another to San Lorenzo de El Escorial, with the aim of disseminating and extending the values of mountaineering,” adds the specialist. It has been celebrated since 1960 and It takes place during the Patron Saint Festivities of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, on August 15. Since last 2014, it has been a Festival Declared of Regional Tourist Interest.
“The sporting nature of the Travesía is undeniable, since it is about an itinerary of approximately 22 kilometers, which is done on foot along the peaks that surround the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial: Tercer Ermitaño, El Fraile, San Benito, Risco Alto and Alto de Abantos,” says the Councilor-Delegate.
Cyclists also have a place in San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Ciclamadrid It is an initiative developed by the Community of Madrid designed for those who want to enjoy beautiful places in the region by bicycle. Its circular itinerary runs through two sections that pass through the territories of San Lorenzo de El Escorial: ‘Stage 10: Moralzarzal to San Lorenzo de El Escorial’ and ‘Stage 11: San Lorenzo de El Escorial to Robledo de Chavela’. Nevertheless, An urban circular itinerary can be carried out and around the town’s surroundings. which ends at the El Escorial train station.
More information at Tourism Madrid.
Alayans Studio – Reportage: Manu Carrero Design: Beatriz Areste and Pablo Calahorra Subías – Web layout: Javier Asuar
