Montejo de la Sierra, located in the heart of the Sierra del Rincón, one hour from Madrid, is one of the most beautiful and best preserved villages in the region. Its historic center is surprising for its traditional architecture of stone and wood, cobbled streets and a main square where the fountain of the Three Spouts -inaugurated by Clara Campoamor in 1927- is located, surrounded by taverns and terraces ideal for enjoying the mountain atmosphere.
Among its monuments is the church of San Pedro In Cathedra, a baroque temple with Mudejar coffered ceiling and Renaissance altarpieces. Nearby is the hermitage of La Soledad, from the 16th century and, two kilometers away, the hermitage of Nazaret, both perfect for short hiking routes.
The Montejo Beech Forest: World Natural Heritage Forest
The greatest treasure of Montejo de la Sierra is undoubtedly the Montejo Beech Forest, the only beech forest in the Community of Madrid and one of the southernmost in Europe. This beech forest, with its 250 hectares of beeches, oaks and native fauna, was declared a Natural Site of National Interest in 1974 and a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2017. The best time to visit is autumn, when the colors of the leaves turn red and ochre.
To preserve this environment, visits are limited and always guided. You have to get free admission through the official website of the Sierra del Rincón (www.sierradelrincon.org), available on the 1st and 16th of each month for the following two fortnights. If you do not get a place, as they are in great demand, there is the possibility of going to the Information Center on the same day and try to gain access through last minute passes, although it is advisable to get up early.
The Senda del Río is the most popular and accessible: a linear route of about 2.2 km that runs along the Jarama River among centennial beeches, ferns and dense undergrowth, ideal for families or beginners. The Senda de la Ladera, of medium difficulty, ascends gently allowing panoramic views of the valley and showing the transition from beech to oak and holly trees. Finally, the Senda del Mirador offers a circular route and the most complete experience, with a duration of about two and a half hours for those who want to go deeper into the biodiversity of the beech forest.