- Region: Madrid
- Declared a Biosphere Reserve: 2005
- Protected area: 15,230.8 ha Includes the Hayedo de Montejo beech forest.
- Towns and villages: Horcajuelo de la Sierra, Montejo de la Sierra, Prádena del Rincón, La Hiruela, Puebla de la Sierra.
Points of interest
Located less than a hundred kilometers from Madrid, the Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve is a mountainous territory between the Ayllón and Somosierra massifs. It is known as one of the most beautiful and least discovered places in the Community of Madrid.
Historically, the low fertility of the land and the harsh climate were key to the emergence of a landscape dominated by forestry and livestock in a generally underpopulated area of Spain. Improvements in road and rail networks and the discovery/protection of the beech forest known as Hayedo de Montejo has generated a fair amount of rural tourism in the area.
Over the years, a coexistence between human activities and nature in this mountain environment has conserved a wide cultural and natural diversity difficult to contemplate so close to the capital city of Spain and here we find a spectacular landscape in which Mediterranean and Atlantic habitats range from 900 metre to 2000 metre peaks.
The Sierra del Rincón Mountains are home to exceptional flora and fauna. Besides having a broad range of different habitats (forests of pine, oak, holm oak and beech, pastureland, rocky landscapes, etc.), this is also home to unique flora, with 833 species, 66 of which are rare, endemic or endangered. There is also a large variety of fauna: of the 194 species of vertebrates to be found, 140 are rare, endemic or endangered. Autochthonous breeds of livestock and traditional crops cultivated to this day also help to conserve the local environment.
Find a hotel close to the Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve
Hotel Rural Santui
Hotel Rural Santui is a welcoming rural hotel nestled in Horcajuelo de la Sierra, right in the heart of the Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve. Located less than 100 kilometers from Madrid, this mountainous area sits between the Ayllón and Somosierra massifs. It remains one of the Community of Madrid’s most beautiful and least discovered regions. Because of its setting, the hotel feels calm, authentic, and deeply connected to nature.
Walking in the Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve
There is a network of trails made up of around 20 routes marked with the name “Green Paths of Madrid” (Sendas Verdes de Madrid), in addition the area is crossed by the GR88 and the GR303 footpaths that are entirely within the limits of the reserve and pass through the 5 villages.
Short promo video for the hayedo Montejo beech forest and Sierra del Rincon biosphere reserve.
The hayedo Montejo beech forest is included within the limits of the the Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve. This short video (in Spanish) shows some of the sceneries, lifestyle and places to visit.
Information Centres
Each village in the area has information points, something of ethnographic interest and they are well worth visiting but the main information point is the Centro de información de la reserva de la biosphera Sierra del Rincón where they also coordinate the entrance permits for the Hayedo beech forest.
A visit to the beech forest is free and is guided. Dogs are not allowed (unless they are registered for the blind or partially sighted).
There is a permanent exhibition covering an introduction to the Sierra del Rincón (its nature, landscapes, culture, customs and gastronomy). There are two large rooms with information, exhibition panels, videos and also a scale model of the area
- Address: C/Real, 64. Montejo de la Sierra
- Hours: Open every day 9.30 a 15.00
- Tel: 91 869 70 58
- Email: info.reservabiosfera@sierradelrincon.org
Reserving a visit to the Hayedo de Montejo beech forest
The best way to do this is ask your hotel or other accomodation as many have direct access to the reservation system. Alternatively you can reserve online at the official website or at the aforementioned information centre.
- Reservations here: https://www.sierradelrincon.org/reservas.html
The forest is closed to the general public on Mondays
Oficial website for the Sierra del Rincon Biosphere Reserve: https://www.sierradelrincon.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sierradelrincon/
Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve: Visitor FAQs
The Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve is located less than 100 kilometres north of Madrid, between the Ayllón and Somosierra mountain ranges. Despite its proximity to the capital, the area feels surprisingly remote. Five small villages sit within the reserve, connected by winding roads and walking trails. This contrast between accessibility and isolation is one reason it remains relatively little visited compared to other natural areas near Madrid.
The reserve was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2005 due to its exceptional balance between human activity and nature. Traditional livestock farming, forestry, and small-scale agriculture continue alongside protected ecosystems. This long-standing coexistence has preserved diverse landscapes, rare species, and local customs. It is often cited as an example of sustainable rural life surviving close to a major European capital.
The Hayedo de Montejo is one of the southernmost beech forests in Europe, making it botanically unique. It forms part of the protected area within the reserve and is carefully managed to prevent damage. Visits are guided and limited in number, which helps maintain its fragile ecosystem. Many visitors find the seasonal colour changes particularly striking, especially in autumn, although access rules apply year-round.
Yes, booking in advance is strongly recommended, as access to the Hayedo de Montejo is controlled. Visits are free but guided, and daily numbers are limited. Many local hotels can arrange reservations directly, which is often the simplest option. Alternatively, bookings can be made online or at the main information centre. The forest is closed to the general public on Mondays.
The reserve includes five villages: Horcajuelo de la Sierra, Montejo de la Sierra, Prádena del Rincón, La Hiruela, and Puebla de la Sierra. Each village has its own character, traditional architecture, and small points of cultural interest. Exploring more than one village gives a clearer picture of rural life in the mountains, something briefly introduced in the article and expanded through local trails and museums.
The Sierra del Rincón is very well suited to walking, with around 20 marked routes known as the Green Paths of Madrid. Longer-distance footpaths such as the GR88 and GR303 also pass through the reserve and connect all five villages. Routes vary in difficulty, making the area suitable for gentle walks or longer hikes. Maps and advice are available at local information centres.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!