Often overlooked in favour of trips to the Alps or even Sierra Nevada further south in Spain, the Pyrenees are an older mountain range with a lot of peaks over 3,000m above sea level. Getting to and from the region can be tough so you might have to adjust the route depending on where you're travelling from. Getting There: AVANT trains operated by Renfe leave Madrid frequently and get you to Toledo in about half an hour. This drive will scale mountains with breathtaking views and take you to the mesmerising Mezquita cathedral in Cordoba and the unique Moorish Alhambra complex in Granada. The Segovia train station is a bit outside of the city itself, so when you arrive you will require a quick bus or taxi ride to get into the centre. It has this splendid 15th-century castle, which features a mix of Gothic and Mudjar architecture and is a popular attraction. The tickets cost in the region of 100 each way, but If you can book tickets early, there is a good chance you can save up to 25%. You'll relax in the world famous Andalucian white villages of Mijas, Benahavis and Casares and mingle with new money in Puerto Banus' marina full of expensive supercars, people with too much plastic surgery and the world's biggest yachts. As a Madrid resident myself, I have spent a lot of time exploring the fringes of the city and the nearby neighbours, so I thought I would put together some of my top recommendations and share the best day trips from Madrid. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. The Water Museum covers the topics of irrigation and water management (especially important in arid climates like Nijars), or climb to the Mirador de la Atalaya, with its views of the town below. Renato is a Spanish photographer./Getty Images. The rest of the road trip follows the Costa Brava back down to Barcelona. It does seem like a lot, but it is certainly a city worth visiting to really enjoy some of the southern Spanish cultures. The first stop is the La Rioja wine region, located in Basque Country about 3.5 hours north of Madrid. The cathedral, designed by French architects, is a building of different styles as the building process lasted over a few centuries. Just wander and get lost among the amazing buildings. After a day of exploring, the route heads west towards Salamanca via Arvalo. Getting there: The AVE train from Madrid takes about an hour and 40 minutes. About the destination: Madrid has a tempo of its own: The dry air of the Castilian plain crackles with its cosmopolitan crowds. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Youll find it in bakeries throughout the city. Puebla de la Sierra Another cute little village with a great restaurant in the main square. Show only these on map Yet, get your appetite ready for Valladolid, as food options there are endless. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. We eat some mushroom burgers, croquettes, migas and much more, if you love your food and drink, you will not want to leave. These periods are considered the best time to visit Madrid since summers might get too hot while winters can be pretty gray here. But this is nearer the beginning of the rivers life. Compare that to the standard train, which takes about 3 and a half hours, or driving, which is about 2 and a half hours. The Assumption of the Virgin by Goya in the church. My other highlight is crossing the pedestrianised Roman Bridge. 13. Travel Tip: Stock up on saffron while in Consuegra. The city is home to one of the finest surviving Roman Aqueducts in the world, as well as an impenetrable castle and a stunning cathedral. The area of Aranjuez was a traditional strawberry producing powerhouse, and the Strawberry Train tries to take you back to this era. Travel Tip: Segovia is famous for its cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig). The monument itselfan impressive stone cross and basilicawas built by prisoners of the Spanish Civil War, and today serves as Franco's final resting place. How to Get From Madrid to Toledo by Train, Bus, and Car, Spain's Must-See Sights and Attractions: City by City, How to Get From Madrid to Cuenca and What to Do There, How to Travel From Madrid to Salamanca by Train, Bus, and Car, How to Travel from Madrid to vila by Train, Bus, and Car. Nevertheless, Zaragoza is among the interesting historical and cultural places in Spain. Note Please know, some of the external links on this page are affiliate links, this means that if you purchase after following one, I make a small commission from the sale at no additional cost to yourself. Alicante. In addition to the magnificent architecture, the adjacent park area will certainly impress. If you are looking for the perfect Toledo souvenirs then a sword would be the right choice. Zaragoza is on the high-speed train route between Madrid and Barcelona meaning there are loads of departures from Atocha station throughout the day. Just dripping in decadence and youll never want to leave the garden. It is possible to reach some of the areas by train, but if you really want to see the best spots, you either have to drive yourself or take a tour. As you would expect, this gives the city a rather sophisticated feel of one steeped in academic history. Ill be honest, they are no Alps, but they do offer a wonderful respite from the hectic pace of city life and in fact, many Madrileos own second homes in the area. Salamanca: The last stop on this drive is the city of Salamanca which cannot be missed. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Madrid has plenty more cultural attractions and activities that you could spend the day exploring, but so do the surrounding parts of Spain. Honest Answers About the Spanish CapitalContinue, For a long time, I wanted to visit the northern coast of Spain. It does not store any personal data. Really? There is history, festivals, and of course delicious food to enjoy at each of the stops. Its biggest is the impressive medieval city wall, but another main draw is the Convent of Santa Teresa, a magnificent religious structure built on the home where St. Teresa of vila was born. But this is not about that, this is about Salamanca. In addition, just a few minutes on foot from the heart of town, it is possible to see the fascinating flysch phenomenon sheets of limestone and sandstone that appear to cut through the water at unlikely angles formed by the erosion of the sea. And then if you get to the coast, use my other road trip itineraries and go on a drive between Valencia and Barcelona as well as Valencia to Malaga road trip, or simply plan one of many epic experiences in Spain! El Escorial & The Valley of the Fallen, Final thoughts on the best day trips from Madrid, Best Travel Tripod Under $100 With Buying Tips, What to see in Zaragoza: 12 Unmissable Sites. Take a boat tour of the parks lagoon or enjoy a picnic on the sandy shores. As Spain's former capital, it probably comes as no surprise that Toledo offers a long and storied history of its own. The full circle - A complete road trip around Spain. Further back there is a massive Moorish influence on the city, which most represented the Alcazar of Seville, an amazing palace to visit and even a filming site for the Game of Thrones. After that the road trip continues all the way to Port de Pollena before heading across the island to Cala Mesquida. Patones De Arriba 6. It is famous for its medieval castle, which was the site of the marriage of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand in 1469. They leave from the Madrid Sur bus station but take a little over 3 hours to arrive in Salamanca. The drive back to Bilbao airport is a little under 2 hours to get you back home! Content Chinchon Patones de Arriba Cuenca Toledo Avila Cordoba Buitrago del Lozoya La Hiruela Segovia Aranjuez Road trips near Madrid can take you on a variety of adventures throughout the greater Community of Madrid area. The palace is famous for its ornate Baroque architecture and lovely fountains. The journey spans a distance of approximately 220 kilometers. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Getting There: Take the AVE from Madrid to get to Cordoba in under two hours. While I do love living in the city of Madrid, one of my favourite things to do is leave it behind for a day and explore further afield. You can also visit local wineries and sample some of Spains best wines, such as La Cabrera and Venturada. I fell in love with the city on my visit. At the confluence of the Tagus and Tietar Rivers, the park is home to 280 . A perfect way to explore Spain is to drive around Andalucia. The town of Medina del Campo is another point of interest worth a stop. Another thing is to walk along the streets of Salamancas old town as it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This road trip is a perfect mix of culture and relaxation so if you want to blend the two, give it a go. You could be in the neighboring country in an hour and as you go there, you have to stop in Ciudad Rodrigo. It dates back to the 1st century AD. If you have a car it is about 45 minutes to drive to Chinchn from Madrid. You'll relax in the world famous Andalucian white villages of Mijas, Benahavis and Casares and mingle with new money in Puerto Banus' marina full of expensive supercars, people with too much plastic surgery and the world's biggest yachts. At present time, she is based in Spain while waiting for the war in Ukraine to be over to be able to return home. The main attractions of Valladolid are the 16th-century Cathedral, the National Sculpture Museum, and the Cervantes House. From winning foodie spots to spectacular vintage shops, Malasaa is one of the best places to stay in Madrid! During your visit to Toledo, delight yourself with some local dishes such as Perdiz Estofada (Stewed Partridge) and Carcamusa (beef or pork stew). About 20-minutes up the road from El Escorial is The Valle de Los Cados, which translates to The Valley of the Fallen. Forgot your password? In order to get a change of pace, a road trip to La Sierra de Madrid is the perfect escape from the citys fast-paced life. Benicassim: Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant music scene, Benicassim is a popular destination for young travelers. Getting There: You can get to Salamanca from Madrid via bus. The easiest way is by high-speed train from Madrid Chamartin station. San Ildefonso: A must-visit stop on this road trip from Madrid for anyone who wants to see the luxurious royal residence of the 18th century. Also, explore the magnificent Alczar, a stunning castle that offers breathtaking views of the city which was the residence of the kings of Spain. With seabirds circling overhead, the mystical ocean breezes blowing, and a plate of some of the best octopus you will ever taste sprinkled with Txakoli (the local dry sparkling white wine) and your visit to Zumaia may be more than a mere stop and instead the highpoint of your trip. Make a quick stop there and visit two main attractions the ancient castle and the cathedral. Both Iberia and Air Europa offer direct service on this . You can enjoy picnics and bird-watching in the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors. Coca: Located about halfway between Segovia and Valladolid and a bit away from the main road. Best of all, you can climb nearly 1km of this impressive feat of medieval engineering and enjoy the panoramic views. Start your road trip with a mini-break in Barcelona where you can visit sights such as La Sagrada Familia, Las Ramblas and unique buildings designed by Gaudi. Travel Tip: Toledo is quite hilly, and its cobblestoned streets can complicate things even further. You don't need to pick up your rental car until day 4. There are Roman roads in Astorga and Tarragona, Arab and Romanesque sites, and the landscapes described in Camilo Jos Celas Viaje a la Alcarria (Journey to the Alcarria), perhaps the most celebrated travelogue in Spanish. There are few parts of the world which have so much to see in such a compact region both culturally and in nature. However, winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a snowy fairy tale. The drive from Madrid city center to La Sierra may vary based on the town you are heading to (since this mountain range surrounds the city), but basically, it can take from 50 minutes to 1 hour and a half. The trip then continues around the coast to Santiago de Compostela. Take a day to see the city and its surroundings - seafood here is amazing as it's a functioning port supplying much of the region and beyond. In around 2.5 hours, you can travel from Madrid to the Costa Blanca. View Map. Getting There: Buses operated by Samar take 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach Consuegra from Madrid. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Wine Country Madrid is a wonderful city full of life. The fast train is by far the best option for a day trip to Cuenca. Book your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. If you have time on your hands and feel adventurous, a road trip around the entirety of Spain can be an amazing way to delve into the culture, see all the corners of this amazing country and really get immersed. The majority of the region is set on a plateau with occasional barren hills. Take some time to explore the breathtaking cathedral and Alcazar, then head to Maria Luisa Park to row a boat along the lazy river in Plaza de Espaa when you need a breather. Secreto Iberico a cut of pork that just melts in your mouth. The train takes around 30 mins from Madrid to Segovia. Of course, you must try the authentic Valencian Paella (rabbit and vegetable paella) once in Valencia city. There are three main wine subsections in Madrid, San Martin and Navalcarnero to the South East and Arganda, the largest, to the south-west. For the biggest selection of cars and the most competitive rate in any season, I recommend you look for a car rental at Madrid Airport. Narrow streets, beautiful stone buildings and fantastic local coffee shops are great for unwinding in late morning. You get on the train at the old railway station which is now the Madrid Train Museum and an old school (read: uncomfortable) train carriage will take you to the town. Travel Tip: Foodies won't want to miss Valencia's massive Mercado Central, Europe's largest fresh food market and a verifiable gastronomic heaven. Thanks for the nice comment, its just the kind of thing I was thinking. During these seasons, the weather is mild and it allows you to truly enjoy every stop. Medinaceli: Located about halfway between Madrid and Zaragoza, the charming village of Medinaceli, forged by different cultures, is a must-see stop on your road trip. Choose from these 10 stunning routes for your road trip in Spain with our guides, detailed itineraries and insider tips. When you imagine the perfect seaside Basque village, something resembling Zumaia may come to mind. If you are visiting wine regions, I would always recommend taking a tour as you can then relax and enjoy without worrying about drink-drive limits. Bus 664 or 661 from Moncloa also get you there in about the same amount of time. The San Sebastian Airport is just 14 miles (22 kilometers) from the city center and it takes about a half-hour to get there by cab or bus. From here you can head to the hanging houses, cross the river over the spine chilling St Paul Bridge and work your way down to the lower part of the city. This dish is usually made roasted and it refers to a very young lamb. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE, WE EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES, Best Time to Go on Road Trips from Madrid, 1.) Whether you are in Madrid for a week or a year, I hope you have found some inspiration in this post and are ready to explore some amazing places. On day two you have the chance to shape your Spain itinerary however most interests you. Besides seaside cities and national parks, there are, Full Article 18 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Northern Spain to Add to Your ItineraryContinue, Valencia in winter is a perfect warm place to visit in Spain where it is easy to recharge and have a stress-free vacation. Admire its stunning architecture, and discover its rich cultural heritage. Getting lost in Toledo's tightly-knotted streets is the best way to explore the city, particularly the narrow alleys around Plaza Santa Clara. During the summer, the Madrid Mountains offer some excellent hiking opportunities and in a good Winter, there are even some pretty decent ski ports. Vineyards lots of them. Toledo is a medieval city located just 70 km from Madrid, the former capital of the country, and one of the most distinctive cities in Spain. Youll see a different side of Spain on your escape to the seashore if you just slow down. At first glance, it may seem boring. Barcelona Source: vitalez / shutterstock Barcelona Although a fair hike, Barcelona can be easily reached in the space of a day trip from Madrid. Honest Answers About the Spanish Capital, Northern Coast of Spain Travel Guide Best Places to Visit, Things to See & Do, 20 Coolest Stops to Make On Barcelona to Valencia Drive. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. This trip includes a mix of beaches, historic Spanish cities and exploring nature - a perfect mix for a Spanish road trip! Want to experience an amazing Spain road trip but not sure where to go? ), but it's definitely one to keep in mind if you want to unwind and keep yourself away from the tourist traps around Spain. Hike through one of the best bird reserves in the country. Aranjuez: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Royal Palace and luxurious gardens with magnificent landscapes, fountains, and sculptures. From the unfinished masterpiece that is the Sagrada Familia church and the quaint Catalan charm of picturesque Gracia, to a diverse drinks and dining scene and dozens of fabulous beaches, you're guaranteed to never be bored in the Catalan capital. The Art Walk Pass gives you entrance and queue jump at all three. In conclusion, what you have to remember is that all the day trips from Madrid by car allow you to visit local and rural Spain. If you would rather take public transport, you can get buses to various towns in the region from Valladolid which is reachable from Madrid by train or intercity bus. Alcal de Henares 15. Segovia Cathedral a gigantic gothic masterpiece with wonderful views from the bell tower. The winding streets of the old Jewish Quarter, awe-inspiring cathedral, and Spain's most impressive mosque outside of Cordoba help make this fascinating city one of a kind. Or simply combine them together and have one long road trip in Spain with a departure point from Madrid! Although this trip is only 5 days long, you'll spend a few of these driving along small coastal roads. There are tonnes of great places to stop including Roses resort, the canals of Empuriabrava, L'Escala and Begur. Getting There: There is no direct public transport from Madrid to the valleyyou have to make a stop in San Lorenzo de El Escorial (see above for information on reaching the town from Madrid). Castille Leon - visit the heart of Spain, 7. As you approach Avila from the outside, it looks spectacular, is it a walled city with some of the most eye-catching fortifications you will see thanks to years of restoration work. Finishing off with a day trip inland to Santiago de Compostela, you will travel the entire length of Spain's Bay of Biscay coastline with everything to see along the way. As Spain's second-largest city and a thriving hub of culture and history in its own right, Barcelona has made a name for itself as one of Europe's most exciting destinations. 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