Autumn, which began on September 22, is one of the favorite seasons for nature lovers, as deciduous forests fill with brown, reddish, ocher and yellow colors. With pleasant temperatures, it is the ideal time to enjoy outdoor activitieslike picking mushrooms. In Spain, enthusiasts wait all year round for species like chanterelles, porcini mushrooms, morels and oyster mushrooms. Less than two hours from Madrid, the Northern Sierra of Guadalajara It has become a popular destination for collectors.
In particular, “Black People”, like Campillo de Ranas, Cantalojas and Valverde de los Arroyosstand out not only for their black slate architecture, but also for the abundance of mushrooms. To harvest mushrooms in this area it is necessary to obtain a mycological permitmanaged by the Commonwealth of the Sierra Norte. Permits, personal and non-transferable, can be requested online or at local points. Its cost varies between 5 euros for one day and 60 euros for the entire season. Besides mushrooms, the Sierra Norte offers impressive scenery and is known for its gastronomy, including roast suckling pig and goat.
‘Los Pueblos Negros’, the ideal destination for fall
With the arrival of autumn, the landscapes of the Sierra Norte de Guadalajara They transform into an explosion of warm colors that attract those looking to enjoy nature. The “Black Towns” take their name from the dark tone of their buildings, made of black slate, a material abundant in the region.
Among the most notable towns are Campillo de Ranas, Majaelrayo, Valverde de los Arroyos, Tamajón and Cantalojas. Everyone knew how to maintain their traditional essencewith stone houses and cobbled streets that invite you to lose yourself in its rural charm. Each of these cities offers a unique experience, particularly attractive for those looking to disconnect and enjoy the calm provided by their natural surroundings.
These cities are home to a historical heritage that deserves to be known. Most of the buildings in the area date from the Middle Ageswhich adds a cultural component to the trip. Tamajón, for example, is known for its Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, a 13th-century temple that combines Gothic and Renaissance elements. These historic buildings are framed in natural landscapes that seem straight out of a story.
Nature
The natural environment of the Sierra Norte de Guadalajara is impressive at any time of the year, but it is in autumn that it reaches its maximum splendor. He Sierra Norte Natural Park It is an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts, with routes that pass through forests of beech, oak and chestnut trees. The landscapes change dramatically with the arrival of autumn, providing an incomparable visual experience.
One of the most recommended routes is the one that leads to Valverde throwa spectacular waterfall located in Valverde de los Arroyos. This walk is particularly pleasant in autumn, when the rains increase the flow of the waterfall and the forest turns golden and reddish colors typical of the season.
Another emblematic place is the Beech Tejera Negraone of the southernmost beech forests in Europe. In autumn, this forest transforms into a true natural paradise, with its golden leaves covering the ground and creating a dreamlike atmosphere. It is a popular destination for lovers of hiking, photography and nature tourism.
Mushroom picking
He autumn in the “Black Towns” It is not only a feast for the eyes, but also for the palate. Mushroom harvesting is a deeply rooted tradition in the region. During the months of September and October, the forests are full of mycology enthusiasts looking to harvest chanterelles, porcini mushrooms, morels and oyster mushrooms, among other varieties, for which it is necessary to have a mycological permit.
Gastronomy
After a day of hiking or mushroom picking, visitors can enjoy the local cuisine, rich in seasonal products and traditional dishes. The region’s restaurants offer specialties such as roast goat, suckling pig and Manchego migas, made with ancestral recipes passed down from generation to generation.
In summary, visit the “Black Cities” in autumn It is an experience that combines the best of nature with the charm of a unique cultural and architectural heritage. From the colorful landscapes of the Sierra de Ayllón to the traditional flavors of local cuisine, these villages offer a complete experience that leaves a mark on those who visit them. If you are looking for a place to make the most of the peace and beauty of autumn, this is undoubtedly the ideal option for a family getaway at this time of year.
