Plizio Visual Lab

Peñalara

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

peak

Weather…

Peñalara is a massive and scenically outstanding mountain peak that, with a considerable altitude of 2428 meters, constitutes the highest elevation of the entire Sierra de Guadarrama. It rises majestically precisely on the border between the provinces of Madrid and Segovia in the center of Spain. Composed of hard granite and gneiss, the mountain is particularly famous for its highly visible geomorphological traces, which were carved deep into the rock by the glaciers of the last Ice Age tens of thousands of years ago. Several deeply incised glacial cirques, such as the large Circo de Peñalara, can be found on the flanks of the mountain, at the bottom of which crystal-clear mountain lakes, known as lagunas, have formed over time. Due to its tremendous importance for rare high-mountain ecosystems and its immediate proximity to the densely populated capital, the area surrounding the peak was declared a National Park. It provides numerous rare and endangered amphibian species with one of their last undisturbed refuges in this otherwise arid region.

Location: Galicia, Spain
Top sights: Peñalara · Risco de los Claveles · Risco de los Pájaros
Nearby: Manzanares el Real (16 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	2	3	6	9	13	19	22	22	17	12	6	3
Rain mm	48	44	53	59	51	30	13	17	27	72	63	49

📋 Practical info

🧭

Getting there

The highest peak in the Sierra de Guadarrama is typically accessed via the Puerto de Cotos, a well-known starting point for mountain hikes in the area.

📅

Best season

For hiking without winter mountaineering gear, the late spring to autumn months are handy, as the trails in central Spain are usually free of deep snow.

⛰️

Terrain & paths

The trail often begins relatively smoothly but transitions into rocky, steeper sections that characterize the high mountain ecosystems of central Spain.

🎒

What to bring

Good mountain boots, reliable wind protection, and plenty of drinking water are highly necessary for ascending in this treeless, exposed altitude.

🅿️

Parking

A large parking area, which usually fills up very quickly on weekends, is located right at the mountain pass, making an early arrival highly recommended.

⚠️

Safety

Strong winds, dense fog, and sudden temperature drops can make the high mountain dangerous; it is crucial to stay closely to the marked routes.

⏱️

Time needed

The typical round trip to the peak usually takes a half to a full day to complete, depending largely on individual pacing and current weather conditions.

Geography

Coordinates

40.85100, -3.95500

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Sierra de Guadarrama<1 km · EExplore →

La Granja de San Ildefonso7 km · NWExplore →

Manzanares el Real16 km · SEExplore →

Segovia16 km · NWExplore →

Alcázar of Segovia19 km · NWExplore →

Moralzarzal19 km · SExplore →

Alpedrete22 km · SExplore →

Guadarrama23 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Peñalara (4)

Peñalara 📍 landmark

The highest mountain peak in the Sierra de Guadarrama, reaching an elevation of 2,428 meters.

Risco de los Claveles 📍 landmark

A prominent peak in the Peñalara massif, known for its challenging rocky ridges.

Risco de los Pájaros 📍 landmark

A mountain peak in the Sierra de Guadarrama, popular among hikers.

Mirador del Cancho 🌿 nature

A mountain viewpoint providing vistas of the rugged landscape of the Peñalara Natural Park.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Peñalara the highest mountain in Madrid?

Yes, at 2,428 meters, it is the highest peak in the Sierra de Guadarrama.

How do you get there from Madrid?

By car or bus to Puerto de Cotos, the main access point.

Are there glacial lakes there?

Yes, the Laguna Grande de Peñalara is a very popular hiking destination.

Is parking difficult at Puerto de Cotos?

On weekends, the parking lot is often full before 8 AM.

Is swimming allowed in the lakes?

No, swimming is strictly prohibited to protect the ecosystem.

Peñalara: where is it located?

Peñalara is located in Galicia, Spain.

Peñalara: what is there to see?

Highlights include Peñalara, Risco de los Claveles, Risco de los Pájaros.

Peñalara: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Peñalara: why is it worth visiting?

Peñalara is a massive and scenically outstanding mountain peak that, with a considerable altitude of 2428 meters, constitutes the highest elevation of the entire Sierra de Guadarrama.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →