Pedraza at a glance
- Where? Province of Segovia (Castile and León), about 37 km north-east of Segovia.
- From Madrid: about 1 h 30 by car on the A-1 or A-6, depending on traffic.
- Time on site: 2 to 3 hours for the village, longer if you linger over lunch.
- Best for: lovers of stone villages, photography and Castilian food; less suited to anyone who struggles with walking (cobbled, sloping streets).
How to get there from Madrid
By car (the simplest way): take the A-1 north or the A-6 and then the road towards Segovia; allow about 1 h 30. A single road leads to the village, and there is parking near the walls; on busy days you may have to leave the car lower down along the access road and finish on foot. For more freedom, you can rent a car.
Without a car: we found no regular direct service between Madrid and Pedraza, nor even from Segovia. Before giving up, ask the Consorcio Regional de Transportes (tel. 012 in Spain) or the operator of the Madrid–Segovia line: services change from one season to the next. The most reliable car-free options are an organised excursion or a taxi from Segovia, booked in advance. If you are unsure, compare with Segovia or Ávila from Madrid, both well served by public transport.
What to see in Pedraza
The Villa gate and the Cárcel. You enter the village through a fortified gate. The Cárcel de la Villa, a medieval prison (13th century, rebuilt in the 16th), stands here; guided visits show what detention was like. Hours and price vary, so ask on the spot.
The Plaza Mayor. The heart of the village: an arcaded stone square lined with manor houses, with the town hall and the Romanesque church of San Juan (13th century, with Baroque additions). The best time is early morning or late afternoon, when the groups have left.
The castle (Castillo de Pedraza). A small 13th-century fortress, remodelled in the 16th century by the Dukes of Frías. The painter Ignacio Zuloaga bought it in 1926, saved it from ruin and made it his home and studio; it now houses a foundation with works by the artist. The visit lasts about 40 minutes, with a free audio guide on your smartphone (QR code, in Spanish and English).
The streets and walls. Allow an hour to wander the cobbled lanes, the casonas and the ramparts without a fixed plan. Flat shoes are recommended.
Castle hours and prices (October 2026)
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 10:30 am – 2 pm and 3:30 – 5:30 pm |
| Saturday and public holidays | 10 am – 7 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am – 5:30 pm |
Last entry one hour before closing. Admission: €6 from age 6, free for younger children. This information comes from the castle's ticketing sites; check before you leave, as hours change with the season.
Lunch: the real main event
Pedraza is known for its asadores (roast houses): about ten restaurants serve wood-oven roast lamb, suckling pig, beans and grilled meats. Book, especially at weekends and in summer, and plan to start lunch before 2 pm, as some kitchens close early. A full meal often costs more than in Madrid; check the menu before sitting down.
The Candlelight Concerts (July)
On two Saturdays in July the village's electric lighting is switched off and more than 45,000 candles light the streets, balconies and squares; an orchestra concert takes place at 10 pm on the castle esplanade. The 2026 edition was held on 4 and 11 July, with tickets from €45 to €88. Access to the village is limited for safety reasons, so book well ahead and do not expect to get in without a ticket. To our knowledge the 2027 dates have not yet been announced.
When to come and how to plan the day
- Weekdays outside holidays: the village is quiet, but some shops are closed.
- Weekends and public holidays: heavy crowds; arrive before 10:30 am.
- Winter: sharp cold and sometimes ice on the cobbles; keep the visit short.
- Sample plan: arrive around 10:30 am, castle, stroll, lunch at 1:30 pm, back in Madrid late in the afternoon to avoid weekend traffic jams.
Going further
To combine Pedraza with a big city, look at Segovia and the guide Segovia or Ávila from Madrid. For another village with character north of Madrid and reachable by bus, read Buitrago del Lozoya from Madrid; the big picture is in day trips from Madrid.
