The Guadarrama Mountains

The area surrounding El Caracol is utterly mesmerising... a real hidden jewel in the heart of Spain.

This is true Spain, steeped in history, with a strong and colourful culinary tradition. But best of all, is the natural beauty of this mountainous area which is magical to explore.

The stunning mountainous backdrop, ever changing from one minute to the next, gives the area a very special and beautiful aura....almost spiritual.

It is serene, and has strong appeal to every sense: Visual, olfatory (pine trees, log fire, camomile), hearing (distant cow bells, gushing river water), taste (the list is endless!), touch (cool water from the peaks, the ancient feel of stone).... which makes this an extremely rejuvenating place to spend time.

The Spanish government has just published its plan to turn the area of Sierra de Guadarrama into official National Park.

Nearby isolated spots are already designated as natural areas of national interest but this latest plan aims to further protect the fauna and flora of the area.