Morning
The Monastery, whole. Basilica, royal apartments, the Pantheon's marble spiral of kings, and the Library's frescoed hall — allow 3–4 hours; book the first slot.
Silla de Felipe II. The granite outcrop seat where the king reputedly watched his monastery rise — an easy 4 km forest walk with the definitive view.
Afternoon
Monastery lonja & the Silla de Felipe II — 8 km · 2.5 h. The monastery's granite esplanade → through La Herrería's oaks → the climb to the Silla viewpoint → return by the Ermita de la Virgen de Gracia. The building against the sierra, exactly as Philip framed it.
La Herrería & the Casita del Infante. The oak meadows framing the monastery's south face — the picnic classic — and the prince's neoclassical pavilion above.
Evening
Valle Fresh air of Abantos. The pine slopes behind town, laced with marked trails — the Arboreto Luis Ceballos' collection makes the gentlest introduction.
Sleeping here? The streets between the monastery and the Plaza de la Constitución hold the classic small hotels — several with lonja views. Uphill toward Abantos gets quieter and greener. Near the station (15 minutes downhill) only makes sense for early Cercanías departures.
Questions, answered
Where to sleep: San Lorenzo de El Escorial
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