Manzanares El Real, Madrid

In summer, it's normal for people in Madrid to go on summer vacations, usually range from one week to three weeks. Many bars, restaurants and shops will be closed for vacations as well. It just doesn't make sense for them to open for business as the majority of the people will be out of town. In August, Madrid is almost like dead town but I some how enjoy it as there are fewer cars on the road and it is easy to find parking.

Last weekend, we decided to drive an hour to Manzanares el real and also visit the nearby natural park, Pedriza. Pedriza is a great place for hiking and rock climbing. If you plan to go, you have to as early as possible. We were there at about 12 noon and the queue was terrible. I was told that they limit the numbers of cars into the natural park each day. Therefore, the cars have to queue to drive in, means, one car out, one car in. After some discussion, we decided to head back to Manzanares el real to visit the castle and have lunch before driving into the park again around 4pm. We were told that after 4pm, the queue will be shorter and faster as many will be driving out. We found a spot where many families settled next to the stream and enjoying themselves in the chilling water.

More information on Manzanares El Real

Above: The Castle

Above: Pedriza natural park