Biosphere Reserves

Sierra del Rincón, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in June 2005, is a must-visit for nature lovers. With truly spectacular landscapes, a great variety of ecosystems, and an example of biodiversity conservation, it is a place not to be missed. No excuses! Mark a day on your calendar and head to this wonderful enclave.

Sierra del Rincón is located in the northeast of the Community of Madrid. It is divided into five municipalities: Horcajuelo de la Sierra, Montejo de la Sierra, La Hiruela, Prádena del Rincón and Puebla de la Sierra. All of them maintain the essence of the mountain villages. 90% of the area is protected, including the beautiful Hayedo de Montejo, one of the southernmost beech forests in Europe. You can visit it, but you should be aware that this visit is limited and you will need a pass. Find out more in advance so you don't miss it, it's worth it.

Its biodiversity is incredible, with more than 1,000 species of animals and plants, of which 140 are rare, endemic animals and others that appear in the Regional Catalog of Threatened Species.

Sierra del Rincón not only offers great natural attractions, but you will also find villages with great cultural, artistic and architectural value. Many houses with wooden and stone constructions are almost intact, where it seems that time has stood still.

Buildings such as the Molino Harinero de La Hiruela (a town of great beauty where, despite being very small, you have several places to eat and stay) stand out. It dates from the 18th century and still works perfectly today; the horseshoes of Montejo de la Sierra or the Church of Santo Domingo de Silos in Prádena del Rincón of great architectural interest due to the mix of styles to which it has been subjected over the centuries.

If you want to learn more about the lifestyle of the Sierra, visit the ethnographic museums of Horcajuelo de la Sierra and La Hiruela. In them you will not find the works of famous artists, but memories donated by the neighbors themselves, such as farming tools, family clothes or cattle utensils.

And in the middle of a valley we find one of the most beautiful places in this sierra: Puebla de la Sierra, through which the stream of the same name flows and on whose banks centuries-old oaks stand. Be sure to visit the Molino de Abajo or El Valle de los Sueños, an original project that collects 18 sculptures located on a 1.3 km route.

With these attractions, don't you want to explore the many trails that start from its towns and explore the Sierra del Rincón with your family or friends? This region offers you thousands of possibilities to practice all kinds of active tourism.

Self-guided routes from La Hiruela, from Horcajuelo, from Puebla... and at any time of year. "The silver mines trail", "the trail through the hundred-year-old oak trees" or "the trail through the trades of life" are some examples of the possibilities that the area offers you. There are also those designed for travelers with disabilities, such as the "Water Trail".

More information: Center for Resources and Information of the Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve. Real, 64. Montejo de la Sierra 

www.sierradelrincon.org