Congratulations Madrid! Thanks to the urban area which forms part of the Paseo del Prado and the Retiro Park, the city has been added to the National Heritage list. Here at Spotahome we have known for a while that Spain's capital offers a world of possibilities. But I'm sure we have spoken a lot about the city, we don't want you to miss out on other important places in the Community of Madrid. Do you have a few free days? Take note!
#1. Aranjuez
On the banks of the river Tajo, this municipality south of Madrid with around 60,000 inhabitants is one of the region's most recognised points of touristic and historical interest. The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is the city's main attraction. With a French-inspired Renaissance design and beautiful Rococo details, the palace has numerous spaces like the Porcelain room or the Queen's music room which deserve at least a whole day’s worth of attention. Entrance into the palace, which can be bought in advance on the Patrimonio Nacional website, also includes a visit to the Falúas Reales Museum and the Casa del Labrador. Don't forget that the palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens like the Príncipe for example, where you can spend a lovely afternoon having a picnic after walking around the city of Aranjuez.
#2. Navacerrada
Navacerrada is a village located in the middle of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. Thanks to its stunning views with thousands of oak, ash, black poplar and pine trees all around it's the favourite place for madrileños (Madrid residents) to spend a weekend or bank holiday in the outskirts of the city. The municipality has many rural houses and accommodation to enjoy. During the winter, the street smells of wood and freshly baked bread are reasons enough to spend days and days underneath the protection and cosiness of this small and beautiful village.
#3. Chinchón
Chinchón is a small village with a population of 5000 in the South East of Madrid. It tends to appear on the list of Spain's most beautiful villages and we can see why. It was declared to be an Asset of Cultural Interest and its main square, an example of medieval architecture, is one of the country's most spectacular. Full of porticoes, galleries and wooden balconies with green handrails, Chinchón is the ideal place to spend a day relaxing. Furthermore, in the square you will be able to eat an exquisite Madrid style stew and some good meat. And if you end up very tired, no worries you can always return to this great flat from the centre of Madrid which we have found especially for you.
#4. Buitrago de Lozoya
Here we have waiting for you another small, natural paradise. It's not like we're being over zealously romantic; Madrid has plenty of spaces to have fun as well as disconnect from the world around us. This municipality to the North of Madrid receives part of its name from the river Lozoya which the valley overlooks. Just like in the Sierra de Guadarrama, Buitrago de Lozoya was deemed to be an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1993. Amongst many other things, its very-well conserved medieval wall, its palace and it's old town makes the town stand out. There is also a Picasso Museum in the Town Hall offices which for decades has housed more than 60 works made by the Malaga-born artist. We will say to you exactly the same as what we said about Chinchón: if you want to spend a chill day in the outskirts, here would be a lovely place to top it all off in a flat like this; we simply love it. And we're sure you will too.
#5. San Lorenzo de El Escorial
We now turn to the pride and joy of the community of Madrid. Also one of the most touristic places in the region, with half a million visitors every year. Here lies the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, dating back from the 16th century and an UNESCO world heritage site since 1984. It's a complex which includes a basilica, a library, a crypt and of course, some magnificent gardens. Just like with the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, you can buy tickets beforehand online on the Patrimonio Nacional website. We recommend that you do so the sooner the better, if you still haven't been it should be right at the top of your to-visit list. We prefer not to use up too much time with explanations and descriptions, because El Escorial needs to be seen to be believed. And with your own eyes.
