By bicycle from El Escorial to El Escorial

This short but spirited route takes you on a loop from El Escorial, a charming town nestled at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama. Known for its grand monastery—one of Spain’s most impressive Renaissance landmarks—El Escorial is a great place to start and finish a ride.

You'll cover just under 3 km, but don’t be fooled by the modest distance: there’s a solid 129 m of climbing packed in, and hardly any descent. The ride is perfect if you’re in the mood to stretch your legs and enjoy some peaceful country vibes. The majority of the route meanders along quiet roads and sweet gravel stretches, with very little busy traffic to worry about. Surfaces are a bit mixed, so a gravel or sturdy hybrid bike is your best bet.

Expect to pass through picturesque, open scenery and maybe catch some mountain views on your way. And once you roll back into town, you’ll have certainly earned a coffee or a stroll through El Escorial’s historic heart.