Navacerrada is a gateway to the snow-dusted Sistema Central mountains. The family-friendly ski resort is set in the heart of Sierra de Guadarrama National Park and offers groomed slopes and gorgeous alpine views. Visit in summer to enjoy hiking and mountain biking.
Things to do in Navacerrada
With 13 kilometres of groomed runs to explore, Navacerrada is one of Central Spain’s top ski resorts. The exhilarating Guarramillas run stretches for more than a kilometre and features an impressive vertical drop of 314 metres. If you’re just getting started with skiing or snowboarding, take things easy on family-friendly runs like Telegraph and Showcase.
You can also rent gear for other snow sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. After a day on the slopes, head back to the village to enjoy the lively apres ski scene. It’s brimming with cosy tapas bars where you can try local specialties like veal and goat cheese.
In summer, Navacerrada transforms into a playground for hiking, mountain biking and other outdoor pursuits. Chairlifts take you partway up the mountain, where you can hike to rugged mountain passes and shimmering glaciers. Finish your hike with refreshments at Bar La Bola, a high-altitude café more than 2,000 metres above sea level. Enjoy freshly made pizzas and sweeping views over the Sistema Central mountains.
Visit the charming town of Manzanares El Real and spend the day exploring Castillo de los Mendoza, a fairy-tale castle built in the 15th century. In the laid-back mountain village of Cercedilla you can get lost in winding medieval streets and admire the beautiful Romanesque church. Cercedilla is also a launchpad for hikes along an ancient Roman road.
Getting around Navacerrada
Navacerrada is located within Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, a 40-minute drive from Madrid. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore the park and visit surrounding towns and villages at your own pace.