The image of Madrid as an endless metropolis with wide avenues and skyscrapers quickly dissolves just a few dozen kilometers from the city. The urban hustle gives way to completely different landscapes: picturesque valleys, dense forests, and mountain passes dotted with tiny settlements. In this world of contrasts lies the highest-altitude inhabited town in the entire autonomous community, where elevation shapes not only the weather but the entire way of life.
This place is Somosierra, a small town perched on the namesake mountain pass at the northernmost tip of the region, almost bordering the province of Segovia. Serving as a natural gateway between the Northern and Southern Meseta, it has historically played a key role. The settlement sits at around 1,440 meters above sea level and, as of 2025, is home to just 93 residents. Administratively, Somosierra belongs to the comarca Sierra Norte de Madrid, one of the most mountainous and sparsely populated parts of the capital region.
Living at the highest point in Madrid means fully adapting to harsh mountain conditions. Winters here are cold and long, with frequent and heavy snowfalls that leave their mark on daily routines. However, summer brings a pleasant coolness, providing respite from the city heat. Life moves at a measured and peaceful pace: the few neighbors know each other by face, and nature becomes an integral part of everyday life. The range of services isn’t as broad as in a big city, but it’s precisely the absence of noise, traffic, and crowds that attracts those seeking solitude.
It’s important not to confuse the highest inhabited settlement with the highest geographical point of the region. The absolute elevation record in the Madrid region belongs to the peak of Peñalara in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains, which rises to 2,428 meters above sea level. This summit, located on the border between Madrid and Segovia, is a legendary spot for climbers and hikers. The area around the mountain, with its glacial lakes and marked trails, is part of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.
The Spanish capital itself is one of the highest capitals in Europe, with significant changes in elevation even within the city limits. The terrain is hilly, which affects both the city’s climate and its panoramic views. For example, northern districts such as Fuencarral-El Pardo (720 m) and Hortaleza (695 m) are noticeably higher than southern ones like Villaverde and Barajas (both around 610 m). Central neighborhoods, including Salamanca and Retiro, are situated at an average altitude of about 670 meters.
Besides Somosierra, the metropolitan region includes other municipalities set at remarkable elevations. Among them is Santa María de la Alameda in the western part of the community, where some residential areas rise above 1,200 meters. Robregordo, nestled in the Sierra Norte and surrounded by well-preserved forests, and La Acebeda, famous for its mountain meadows, also stand out. Not to mention La Hiruela, one of the most picturesque towns in the Sierra del Rincón, renowned for its traditional architecture and perched at a considerable altitude.
