Embalse de Santillana, a region in northwest Madrid, Spain, is situated within the protected Parque Regional de la Cuenca Alta del Manzanares and recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The area features the expansive reservoir, set against the backdrop of the La Pedriza mountains within the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. Its landscape is characterized by hilly terrain, ash and holm oak forests, and open areas, providing a diverse environment for several sports like road cycling, hiking, touring cycling, jogging,…
148
Routes
4.6
(637)
Average rating
9364
People visited

4.9
(7)
1,339
riders
88.8km
04:55
1,740m
1,740m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.5
(4)
198
riders
66.3km
03:08
680m
680m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.7
(6)
643
riders
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

5.0
(4)
330
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.8
(58)
891
riders
48.5km
05:03
1,340m
1,340m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.7
(6)
76
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

4.3
(7)
62
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

5.0
(2)
52
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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4.8
(67)
251
hikers
14.4km
04:22
260m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.8
(8)
21
hikers
21.7km
09:14
1,210m
1,210m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5.0
(2)
5
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(21)
176
hikers
12.3km
04:23
450m
450m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4.7
(10)
473
riders
41.8km
04:10
1,070m
1,060m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(8)
64
riders
33.0km
02:59
470m
470m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

19
riders
23.5km
01:52
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.1
(27)
566
riders
56.5km
03:25
440m
440m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.2
(5)
21
runners
14.4km
01:52
260m
260m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

1
runners
32.9km
03:44
410m
410m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

117
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5.0
(5)
67
runners
15.3km
02:06
440m
440m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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5.0
(1)
43
riders
76.5km
06:31
1,360m
1,360m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
41
riders
71.7km
06:00
1,320m
1,320m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

11
riders
77.4km
07:07
1,720m
1,720m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

15
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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11
hikers
Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5.0
(1)
8
hikers
8.02km
04:29
690m
690m
Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5
hikers
15.5km
06:16
760m
760m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

3
hikers
9.66km
03:40
390m
390m
Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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Embalse de Santillana, also known as Embalse de Manzanares el Real, is a reservoir located northwest of Madrid, Spain. It is situated within the protected Parque Regional de la Cuenca Alta del Manzanares and designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The region offers various outdoor activities including Road cycling, Hiking, Touring cycling, Jogging, Mountain biking, Gravel biking, and Mountaineering. The diverse landscape provides options for different interests and skill levels.
Yes, the region features 5 hiking routes, catering to various fitness levels. Options range from easy walks along the reservoir banks to more challenging ascents. For detailed options, consult the Hiking around Embalse de Santillana guide.
The area supports road cycling, touring cycling, and mountain biking. Scenic routes include both flat sections and hilly climbs. Explore specific routes in Road Cycling Routes around Embalse de Santillana and MTB Trails around Embalse de Santillana.
Yes, family-friendly hikes are available in the region. These routes are suitable for all ages and offer an accessible way to explore the natural surroundings. Find more information in the Family-friendly hikes around Embalse de Santillana guide.
Many trails in Embalse de Santillana are dog-friendly, allowing visitors to explore with their canine companions. Leashes are generally advised to ensure safety and respect for wildlife. Consult the Dog-friendly hikes around Embalse de Santillana guide for specific routes.
The area features the expansive reservoir itself, with the majestic La Pedriza mountains as a backdrop. The landscape includes hilly terrain, ash and holm oak forests, and open areas. A unique historical feature is a Renaissance tower visible in the reservoir.
Embalse de Santillana has more than 88,000 visitors who have shared their experiences on komoot. The 7 available routes have an average rating of 4.57 out of 5 stars.
Komoot offers several guides for the region, including those for Road Cycling, Hiking, Touring Cycling, Running Trails, and MTB Trails. Specific guides also cover Family-friendly hikes, Hikes from bus stations, Traffic-free bike rides, Easy hikes, and Dog-friendly hikes.
Official information regarding the area can be found on the municipality of Manzanares el Real's website. The website address is http://www.manzanareselreal.es.
Yes, an urban running circuit of approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers) is available. This route starts at the Castle of the Mendoza family and passes by iconic landmarks of Manzanares el Real. More details can be found in the Running Trails around Embalse de Santillana guide.
Embalse de Santillana is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and serves as a crucial shelter, migration, and nesting ground for aquatic birds. It attracts many waterfowl and birds of prey, including a large colony of White Stork.

