According to Central European tradition, the foundations of good health were breathing clean air, drinking pure water, and living at high altitude. That is why, in the 19th century, the bourgeoisie of Madrid began spending their summers in the Sierra de Guadarrama. They also built spas and sanatoriums here for patients suffering from tuberculosis, and the local spring water was bottled and sold in Madrid.

Today, the Sierra de Guadarrama is the perfect getaway for madrileños, especially during the sweltering summer months of July and August, when the city becomes almost unbearable. Temperatures here are always 4 or 5 degrees cooler than in Madrid, which makes a huge difference. At night you can sleep comfortably without air conditioning—the mountains provide their own natural cooling system—and the landscape is stunning. There are countless hiking trails, including those around La Jarosa reservoir.

In the village of Guadarrama there are very good restaurants especially for meat lovers, like Los Santanales de Casado or Sala and nestled among the trees near the reservoir, a new restaurant called Ruge offers a superb setting and cuisine. There is also a ‘merendero’ if you prefer a more modest option.

The village bakeries are another highlight. Caballero is famous for its empanadas, magdalenas (similar to muffins), and tortas de anís. Next to the church, you’ll also find a cozy chocolatería where you can enjoy chocolate con churros for breakfast—a real treat, especially in the colder months.

In winter, the nearby Valdesquí resort makes skiing easily accessible.

In August we have our fiestas in Guadarrama. As part of the celebrations, villagers bring the Virgin Mary from her shrine near the reservoir to the village church, carried on a cart pulled by oxen and followed by a procession. On August 15th, during the traditional romería de la Virgen de la Jarosa, the Virgin is returned to her shrine in a lively parade with floats, horseback riders, and children in traditional dress.

On August 10th, the feast of Saint Lawrence, locals head to the reservoir at night with picnic blankets to watch the Perseid meteor shower—known here as las lágrimas de San Lorenzo (Saint Lawrence’s tears).