Map
7 ideas, picked for these days
Luis Daniel Carbia Cabeza · CC BY 2.0A weekend in La Alberca and the Sierra de Francia, an hour from Salamanca
In early November the chestnut groves of the Sierra de Francia are in colour and the chestnuts freshly gathered; around All Saints, neighbouring villages such as Nava de Francia roast calbotes in the square. The Casa del Parque in La Alberca is open Friday to Sunday: call in on the first day.
Pablo Cabezos from Mostoles, España · CC BY 2.0A weekend in the Sierra Norte: Patones, the Hayedo de Montejo and Buitrago
November is the month of the Montejo Beech Wood: the beeches turn ochre and reddish and passes are in greatest demand, by online draw on the 1st and 16th or in person in the morning in Montejo. The Beech Wood is closed on Mondays: if the long weekend ends on a Monday, go on the first day.
Javier Montes · CC BY-SA 4.0A weekend in Aranjuez and Chinchón: gardens, river and square
In November the Príncipe and Isla gardens have yellow trees and far fewer people than in spring. The Casa del Labrador is open Friday to Sunday and in small groups: buy the ticket before the hotel. In Chinchón, the inns are already lighting their wood-fired ovens.
El Escorial: the chestnut groves of La Herrería
The La Herrería woods have their moment in October and November, with yellow ash and chestnut trees and the path covered in leaves up to the Silla de Felipe II. In November it gets dark around six: the 1768 inn at midday and the Jardín de los Frailes before five.
Rascafría: oaks and waterfall
With the first autumn rains the Aguilón stream recovers the water it loses in summer and the Purgatorio waterfall sounds again, among yellow oaks and Ávila cattle. It is about ten kilometres there and back: set off early, as November days are short.
Alcalá: university, Cervantes and Romans
Around All Saints, Alcalá stages Don Juan Tenorio in the Huerta del Obispo, next to the Archbishop's Palace, with free entry until capacity is reached; the dates are announced each autumn. See the university and Complutum by day and stay for the evening performance.
La Pedriza: El Tolmo and the castle
From October the Canto Cochino barrier closes from 10:30 to 16:00 at weekends and on public holidays, so on the long weekend you go in early or you do not go in by car. November suits La Pedriza: cold granite, streams with water and the Manzanares castle in low light.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is La Almudena a holiday across the whole Community of Madrid?
No. 9 November is a local holiday in the city of Madrid. The other municipalities set their own local holidays.
When is the Montejo Beech Wood at its best?
Between the end of October and mid-November, depending on the year. It is free, but you need a pass, through the online draw or in person on the day.
When is the Tenorio in Alcalá de Henares?
Around All Saints, in the Huerta del Obispo. Entry is free until capacity is reached and the council announces the dates each autumn.
What do I do if it rains?
Aranjuez and Alcalá have a palace, museum and university under cover. Mountain walks in heavy rain are better left for another day.