Origin
Destination
Distance
24.70 km
Duration
6.00 h
Difficulty
Media
Ascent
30 m
Stage of the Camino
Stage Description
This stage enters the Regional Park of the Upper Cuenca Valley, at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama. The profile is a gentle but continuous ascent, preparing the pilgrim for mountain stages. The landscape is of great beauty, with oak and beech woods, and the peaks of La Pedriza as a backdrop. The end of the stage is in the beautiful town of Manzanares el Real, dominated by its spectacular Castle of the Mendoza family, one of the medieval jewels of the Community of Madrid.
The stage that connects Colmenar Viejo with Manzanares el Real is a day of great beauty that serves as an approach to the Sierra de Guadarrama. The path leaves urban surroundings and ventures into the Regional Park of the High Cuenca of the Manzanares. The profile is a gentle but constant ascent, gradually gaining height. The landscape is dominated by pastures with their fresh oaks and holm oaks, and spectacular granite formations of La Pedriza that cut across the horizon. The final stretch descends towards Santillana Dam. Arrival in Manzanares el Real is a gift for the eyes. This village, located at the foot of La Pedriza and by the dam, is dominated by its magnificent Castle of the Mendoza, a 15th-century fortress-palace that is one of Spain's best-conserved castles. A visit to it is indispensable. Manzanares is a perfect final stage to enjoy history and nature.
Last updated: 12/08/2025
Where to Sleep
Accommodations in this Stage
Find the perfect place for your rest in Irún o San Sebastián.
Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Sebastian
Hotel Atalaia
Leku Eder Hotela
Les Jardins de Bakea
Villa Soro
Hotel Jaizkibel
Hotel NH Collection San Sebastián Aránzazu
Hotel Palacete
Jakobi Pilgrim Hostel
Villa Goxoa - Hendaye ~ Chambres d'hôtes
Hotel Avenida
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Hotel Obispo
Hotel Río Bidasoa
Hotel San Nikolas
Parador de Hondarribia
Parma
A Room in the City - Hostel San Sebastian
Hotel Jauregui
Niza Hotela
Alcázar Irún Centro Ciudad
B&B HOTEL Donostia San Sebastián Aeropuerto
Barceló Costa Vasca
Hotel Arrizul Beach
Hôtel Bellevue
Hotel ILUNION San Sebastián
Hotel Palacio de Aiete
Olarain
Silken Amara Plaza San Sebastián
Anoeta
Hotel Restaurante Urdanibia Park
ibis Irun
Koisi Hostel
Mercure San Sebastián Monte Igueldo
Hotel Ibaia
Hotel La Palombe Bleue
KYRIAD DIRECT ETH IRUN
Zaragoza Plaza
Hôtel & Résidence 3 étoiles Orhoïtza - Hendaye - Vacances Bleues
Campanile Hendaye
Ezeiza Hotela
Hotel Aitana
Hotel San Sebastián Orly Affiliated by Meliá
Pensión Lizaso
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