What to see in Madrid and its surrounding area
![What to see in San Martín de Valdeiglesias and the nearby area What to see in San Martín de Valdeiglesias and the nearby area](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/san-martin-de-valdeiglesias.jpg)
What to see in San Martín de Valdeiglesias and the nearby area
The western part of the Community of Madrid is perhaps the least well-known area of the region. San Martín de Valdeiglesias is near the border with Ávila and Toledo provinces, in the Sierra Oeste, and this small town is hugely popular in summer because there’s masses for tourists to do, as you’ll see in this blog post!
![Sierra de Madrid. Delightful villages and hiking trails Sierra de Madrid. Delightful villages and hiking trails](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/sierra-madrid.jpg)
Sierra de Madrid. Delightful villages and hiking trails
Just a stone’s throw from the city, you can find little towns and villages in the Sierra de Madrid, as well as natural landscapes where you can go hiking or simply enjoy the scenery.
![The Sierra de Guadarrama, a National Park on Madrid’s doorstep The Sierra de Guadarrama, a National Park on Madrid’s doorstep](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/sierra-guadarrama.jpg)
The Sierra de Guadarrama, a National Park on Madrid’s doorstep
Visitors are surprised by the Sierra de Guadarrama. Mainly by the fact that a protected area so rich in nature, biological diversity and beauty should be found so close to the capital.
![Activities to do with children in Madrid, museums and leisure centres Activities to do with children in Madrid, museums and leisure centres](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/madrid-ninos.jpg)
Activities to do with children in Madrid, museums and leisure centres
Madrid is a friendly city ideal for families, with many activities for you to do with children. The capital’s tourism offices will provide you with the family tourism guide with activities for the smallest members of the family and advice on what to see and what to do with them.
![La Hiruela, a haven of peace to the north of Madrid La Hiruela, a haven of peace to the north of Madrid](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/la-hiruela.jpg)
La Hiruela, a haven of peace to the north of Madrid
In a remote location at the northern border of the Madrid Autonomous Region and immune to the passing of time, this lovely village of 50 inhabitants is the perfect choice for a weekend break in a rural, unspoilt landscape.
![El Capricho Park: Madrid’s very own Versailles El Capricho Park: Madrid’s very own Versailles](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/parque-el-capricho.jpg)
El Capricho Park: Madrid’s very own Versailles
El Capricho Park, spanning 14 hectares, lies next to the Alameda de Osuna neighbourhood and is one of the most charming parks in Madrid.
![What to see in Aranjuez What to see in Aranjuez](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/aranjuez.jpg)
What to see in Aranjuez
El Real Sitio y Villa de Aranjuez, el espacio de recreo preferido de Felipe II y de los reyes Borbones, es una escapada imprescindible.
![Toledo: a day-trip to the centuries-old City of the Three Cultures Toledo: a day-trip to the centuries-old City of the Three Cultures](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/toledo.jpg)
Toledo: a day-trip to the centuries-old City of the Three Cultures
What was once the capital of the kingdom—just an hour from Madrid—is a mediaeval city with a wealth of artistic heritage in which the Christian, Jewish and Muslim traditions are found side by side.
![chinchon madrid chinchon madrid](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/chinchon.jpg)
What to see in Chinchón: discovering Madrid’s most authentic side
Situado a menos de 1 hora de la capital, Chinchón reúne un rico patrimonio, una atmósfera castiza y excelentes restaurantes de cocina tradicional.
![The Palacio del Pardo: from royal hunting lodge to Franco’s residence The Palacio del Pardo: from royal hunting lodge to Franco’s residence](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/palacio-del-pardo.jpg)
The Palacio del Pardo: from royal hunting lodge to Franco’s residence
The Real Sitio del Pardo, which has been fenced off since the eighteenth century, has for centuries served as the winter residence and favourite hunting ground of Spain’s royal family.