Art and nature in equal parts
An irresistible plan in the Sierra de Madrid for nature lovers
Montejo beech forest, one of the few southern beech forests in Europe
Photo: Santiago López Pastor, Creative Commons, Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0)
Feeling deeply moved and inspired is one of the things we humans long for most. That’s why so many of us travel thousands of kilometers out of a love for art and nature. And if you’re reading this article as you prepare to be inspired at one of our flamenco venues, you’re surely one of us!
In the amazing Sierra Norte de Madrid, and about 100 km from the center, is one of the most unique forests of the Region of Madrid: the Hayedo de Montejo. It is an ancient meadow of beeches, sessile oaks and centenary oaks that was declared a Natural Site of National Interest in 1974 and Natural Heritage of Humanity according to UNESCO in 2016. In short, a jewel of botanical and scenic interest that you can not miss on your next visit to Madrid.
Since it is a Protected Natural Area that forms part of the Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve, the Montejo Beech Forest can only be visited by making a prior reservation a free guided tour with environmental educators.
In the article “Experience the Majesty of Centuries-Old Trees,” we told you that the best way to get there is by car, how to visit the area, and that the Senda del Río trail is the most recommended for a first visit to the beech forest because of its ease. Today, we’re suggesting a special trail for intrepid nature lovers.
The Jarama River flows through the Montejo Beech Forest
Photo: Santiago López Pastor, Creative Commons, Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0)
The Senda del Mirador is the most complete route, but the most difficult. After walking the first 500 meters along the Jarama River and entering the purest part of the forest, ascending the mountainside, you can savor the reward: a spectacular viewpoint from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the beech forest .
So, if you're up for the expert trail, don't forget to make your reservation to visit the Montejo Beech Forest at the same time you book one of our tablaos and let yourself be moved and amazed twice over by the “ Region of Madrid.”
The Fagus Sylvatica or common beech, which means "the tree of the forests"
Photo: David Gil, Creative Commons, Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)
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