When autumn says goodbye and December knocks on our door, cities transform into a frenzy of artificial lights, Christmas shopping and the constant urban bustle. However, there is a place where nature continues to dictate its own rhythm, where each sunrise brings with it small miracles that remind us of the magic of the simple: Alto Tajo and its surroundings, a unique place just 2 hours from Madrid, where you can disconnect and recharge your batteries.

I remember when I was a child and I marvelled at every little detail that nature gave me. Today, as an adult, I rediscover that same fascination when contemplating phenomena as extraordinary as hoarfrost, a wonderful spectacle that the Alto Tajo gives us during the winter. Can you imagine waking up one morning and finding the landscape transformed into a world of crystal? Hoarfrost occurs when fog meets sub-zero temperatures, creating delicate ice structures that decorate every branch, leaf and spider web, forming “needles” that indicate the direction of the wind.

What can you do?
Winter activities in Alto Tajo become an adventure for the senses. From hiking trails where each step reveals a new frozen treasure, to photo shoots that capture the light of dawn reflected in millions of ice crystals. Nature lovers will find a paradise here for winter bird watching and tracking wildlife, whose footprints are perfectly marked in the morning frost.
Sustainable tourism in Alto Tajo allows us to enjoy these natural wonders while preserving their essence. Visitors can stay in rural houses that keep local traditions alive, participate in environmental education workshops and contribute to the local economy by purchasing artisanal products. This way of travelling reconnects us with the environment in a respectful and conscious way.
The magic of winter is revealed in the small details: watching the sun melt the ice on a red berry, creating tiny drops that shine like diamonds and project little rainbows. It is as if nature were giving us its own exhibition of ephemeral jewelry, a show that lasts only a few seconds but remains etched in our memory forever.
The secret to enjoying all this beauty? It's simpler than it seems: wrap up warm. With the right clothing, the cold stops being an obstacle and becomes a necessary ally to witness these natural phenomena. Don't forget to bring your camera (and some good gloves) to capture these unique moments.



While in the cities life continues at its frenetic pace, here time seems to stand still. The sounds are different: the birdsong at dawn, the occasional barking of a dog, the comforting sound of firewood being chopped, the familiar honking of the baker's horn. When night falls, it is truly dark, allowing us to contemplate a starry sky that is impossible to see in the city.
In an increasingly urbanised and digitalised world, natural spaces like Alto Tajo remind us of the importance of disconnecting, of rediscovering the magic of simplicity, of marvelling again as when we were children. Here, far from the urban hustle and bustle, we find the peace we need so much, the silence that allows us to listen to our own breathing and reconnect with the essence of life.
So, the next time someone tells you that there is nothing to do in the countryside in winter, remind them that it is precisely here, in places like Alto Tajo, where the true treasures of nature are hidden, waiting to be discovered by those who keep their sense of wonder alive.