2026 Rascafria Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

Central Spain Journey ～ Madrid (Region) Cotos Railway Station is located within the Guadarrama National Park, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and unbeatable snowy views! 🚉 The station is equipped with accessible facilities, making it easy for families with strollers or elderly companions to enjoy the experience. It’s only about 3 kilometers away from Valdesquí Railway Station, making it a perfect winter destination for skiing⛷️, outdoor activities, or hiking. The variety of activities available will exceed your expectations! Like other stations along the line, this station is built into the mountains, creating an incredible atmosphere👍. Nearby, there’s a nature interpretation center where you can learn about the local environment and wildlife. If you’re not ready to leave, there are several mountain cabins nearby where you can stay for a peaceful retreat in the wilderness～ 🔖 Location Information Attraction Name: Estación de Ferrocarril de Cotos Address: 40100 Real Sitio de San Ildefonso, Segovia, Spain Opening Hours: Open year-round, all day

Central Spain Tour ~ Madrid (Region) This narrow-gauge railway begins at Cercedilla, 1,170 meters above sea level. It connects with the broad-gauge line from Madrid to Segovia on the same platform and serves as the terminus for the C8 commuter train from the capital. Cercedilla was early a popular destination for "summer tourists" (as visitors from big cities were then known) who enjoyed relaxing in the cool mountain weather on weekends. After passing the interchange station, the narrow-gauge railway climbs at a maximum gradient of just under 7‰, passing through the higher ground of the city of Cercedilla. The route then winds along a narrow, lightly trafficked country road for several kilometers, traversing the mountainside through sparsely traveled terrain until it reaches the summit of the Puerto Navacerrada Pass. At an altitude of 1,760 meters and 12.1 kilometers above sea level, you will reach Puerto Navacerrada, your only stop and border crossing for the day. After passing through a short tunnel leading to the north side of the mountain and following a winding 7km road, the route ends in Cortos, at an altitude of 1,830 meters. The railway line is 18.2km long, with a one-way journey time of approximately 40 minutes. #SeptemberDestinations2025#SpainTravel#MadridAttractions

A Journey Through Central Spain ~ Madrid (Region) The exterior of the church is stunning, retaining its original structure with stonework reminiscent of medieval castles, exuding a strong medieval charm. The restored sections were intentionally left with a distinct appearance to make them easily distinguishable. However, the interior is extremely minimalist, contrasting with the beautiful exterior. It features almost no decorations and has been heavily painted and restored, losing much of its medieval character. The highlight is the side chapel, which houses an altarpiece, as the main altar is somewhat underwhelming—too plain and devoid of ornamentation. The church is generally not open to the public and can only be visited during Mass times (30 minutes before Mass).

Spain Central Tour - Madrid (Greater Region) Cool day trip to Spain in summer! Chill and play all day ~ natural swimming pool + picnic place 🌳💦 Looking for a place to cool off and have fun? This Las Presillas Piscinas Naturales de Rascafria, near Madrid, is a blast! Not only is there an oversized space and a natural pool, but there are also rows of shade trees, chairs, comfortable and convenient ~ Bring your favorite food + umbrella to go, perfect for chilling with family and friends. There are also locker rooms, restaurants, want to drink an iced coffee 2 euros, refreshing and civilian ~ order a bottle of 1.5L water is only 2.5 euros, CP value burst! Transportation is very easy, take the bus directly there. There are 3 oversized natural swimming pools outside, so you can tan, play in the water, sleep to cool down no problem - and the water temperature is not ice, the daytime crowd is not much, perfect for want to play low-key! Recommended to go in September, the weather is comfortable and sunny, the whole trip is so enjoyable that I don't want to leave ~ 📍Las Presillas Piscinas Naturales de Rascafria Address: Calle Abelardo Gallego s/n, 28740 Rascafria, Spain #September Good Places 2025 #Madrid Attractions

Central Spain Tour ~ Madrid (Region) The Puente del Perdón in Rascafria is a charming place worth a visit. Nestled in a stunning natural setting, the bridge offers picturesque views of the river and surrounding landscape. Constructed of stone and featuring a traditional design, the bridge blends seamlessly with the surroundings and adds a touch of history to any visit. It's the perfect spot for a quiet stroll, taking photos, and admiring the natural beauty. The experience at this historic site is truly enjoyable and well worth a stop if you're in the area. #SeptemberGoodPlaces2025 #MadridAttractions

Central Spain Trip ~ Madrid (Region) The exterior isn't particularly impressive, but the interior is surprisingly spacious and well-maintained, featuring beautiful artwork, exquisite carvings, and paintings. It features various emotive carvings, and its altarpiece boasts a trompe l'oeil effect in ochre tones. Conveniently located in the center of town, it's dedicated to St. Andrew and its origins date back to the 16th century. #SeptemberDestinations2025#MadridAttractions

Central Spain Tour ~ Madrid (Region) The town boasts the parish church of San Andrés Apóstol, dating from the 15th century and restored in the 20th century. Its central nave retains some 16th-century Gothic vaults and coffered ceilings. However, Rascafría's most striking feature is the Monastery of El Paular, founded in the 14th century and located two kilometers from town. Particularly noteworthy are the church, cloister, and Courtyard of the Virgin Mary, whose main facade was carved from stone by Gil de Hontañón. Both the monastery and the church bear traces of a variety of architectural styles, from Gothic to Mudéjar to Baroque. #SeptemberDestinations2025#MadridAttractions

Central Spain Tour ~ Madrid (Region) The Monastery of El Paulal was the first monastery in Castile, commissioned by King John I of Spain in 1390. The site underwent a series of transformations under the hands of architects Juan Guas, Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón, Francisco Hurtado, and Vicente Acero. The church retains its ornate Gothic facade. The nave has a polygonal apse. The monastery is known for its austere style and pointed-vaulted ceilings, surrounded by the monks' cells. After the church lands were sold, the monastery fell into disuse, but was restored to its original purpose in 1910. #SeptemberDestinations2025 #Castilla-LaMancha

Stop: Peñalara Rising as the highest peak of the Sierra de Guadarrama, Peñalara stands at over 2,400 meters, offering a striking alpine landscape just a short distance from Madrid. Its slopes are shaped by ancient glaciers, leaving behind a scattering of cirques, lakes, and rocky ridges that create a rugged yet serene atmosphere. The air is crisp, and the views extend across the mountains, valleys, and even toward the plains of Castile. Hiking trails wind through pine forests before giving way to rocky paths that lead to glacial lagoons such as Laguna Grande de Peñalara. These icy waters, surrounded by jagged granite formations, reflect the sky in brilliant shades of blue and silver, adding to the mountain’s otherworldly beauty. In spring and summer, alpine flowers dot the meadows, while in winter, snow transforms the peak into a pristine white wilderness. The sense of remoteness is balanced by accessibility, making Peñalara a treasured escape for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers alike. Standing at the summit, with the wind sweeping across the ridge and the vast landscape stretching in all directions, one feels both humbled and elevated—caught in a moment where nature’s grandeur is fully revealed. #mytraveldiary