By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Also, explore the magnificent Alczar, a stunning castle that offers breathtaking views of the city which was the residence of the kings of Spain. It takes just an hour (give or take a few minutes depending on the train you choose) for the high-speed train from Madrid to Cuenca to complete the journey. Hunt for the spaceman on the Cathedral and the frog on the University. To wrap up the trip, you've got to stop off at the resort town of Cala d'Or before making your way back to Palma. Other popular stops include Pl. You'll drive primarily along one of Europe's major West-East highways, so you can expect a smooth journey. The old castle keep now houses a parador that allows access to the buildings courtyard. Segovia: As you continue on your journey towards Salamanca, make a stop in Segovia and visit the iconic Roman aqueduct 728 meters long. Just about an hour out of Madrid, you will find the Sierra de Guadarrama, Sierra del Norte and the Sierra de Gredos mountain ranges. Madrid is a world within a city, offering a thriving cultural atmosphere, great shopping and sightseeing, and unforgettable food. Argertine peso; If you do drive to Patones de Arriba, be sure to leave time to go a little further up the road and check out El Atazar so you get some awesome views over the Atazar Reservoir (Madrids largest reservoir) and drive across the dam. A day trip? But my favourite I have discovered (so far) is Patones de Arriba. Cross Stone Bridge cross the old river bridge and look back across the Ebro for great views of the Basilica. It is home to some of Spains top winemakers and, unlike Rioja, is within reach of a day trip from Madrid. Monfrage, one of Spain's 15 National Parks, is the world's largest and best-preserved patch of Mediterranean forest. However, don't leave without snapping at least one photo in its breathtaking Plaza Mayor, or marveling at both of the city's two cathedrals. Naturally. Ribera del Duero 12. It takes a little under 3 hours each way, but with regular departures throughout the day from Madrids Atocha Station, there is plenty of time to see the city highlights and be back in Madrid by bedtime. There are three main wine subsections in Madrid, San Martin and Navalcarnero to the South East and Arganda, the largest, to the south-west. Just bear in mind, as with most of the high-speed train stations, Cuenca Train Station is located a fair way outside the city and will require a taxi ride that takes around 10 15 mins and costs in the region of 12. Alcal de Henares 15. From Salamanca, you can check out other beautiful historic towns of Ledesma and Zamora before a stop in Valladolid - the assumed capital of the Castille and Leon province. Show only these on map Parque Warner Madrid Save On 3 lists Amusement park 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. Aranjuez 11. 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%. Travel Compositor in some cases conditions the use of the Service to the previous completion . Once you arrive at the El Escorial train station, it is about a 15 20-minute walk uphill to get to Monastery of El Escorial. Once you reach La Sierra de Madrid, you can hike through its lush forests, go rock climbing, or simply relax and soak up the stunning scenery. The town of Medina del Campo is another point of interest worth a stop. Of course, you must try the authentic Valencian Paella (rabbit and vegetable paella) once in Valencia city. Seville 13. You don't need to pick up your rental car until day 4. Hiking Trails Outside of Madrid 12. 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). The roads through the Pyrenees are fantastic and can make for really great road trips with the added bonus of hardly any other cars as you drive around. Madrid is a wonderful city full of life. Toledo Cathedral A gothic masterpiece dating to the 13th century. The Pyrenees are an amazing mountain range that is not high on many tourists' radars. Honest Answers About the Spanish CapitalContinue, For a long time, I wanted to visit the northern coast of Spain. Do not leave the city without trying first the garlic soup, the Tudela de Duero white asparagus, and the roast lamb. As you would expect, this gives the city a rather sophisticated feel of one steeped in academic history. Depending on your flights, you might have to do a drive back along the coast to Bilbao or down to Porto or Madrid - this is one heck of a trip that you won't find in many recommendations or guides! Other attractions include the serene Convento de Santa Teresa and beautiful Catedral del Salvador. The Madrid Mountains are full of traditional villages, Spains wine country is not far away, and with the high-speed trains, it may surprise you what you can fit into a day trip. Head back to Madrid for the last night of your trip and go out in true Spanish style with a flamenco dinner. La Granja de San Ildefonso: It is just a short drive from Segovia. Avila 9. A great route around the region can start and end in Barcelona to make it easy with flights. Best stops along Madrid to Valencia drive The top stops along the way from Madrid to Valencia (with short detours) are Parque Warner Madrid, Royal Palace of Aranjuez, and San Pablo Bridge. Linking Barcelona and Madrid, the two largest cities of Spain, the A-2 winds through Guadalajara, Soria, Zaragoza, and Lrida with a multitude of sights along the way. One key disclaimer is that while this one sits high on our list of bucket list trips, we haven't actually done the full trip - it's a long drive! The towns rich history is reflected in churches like the 12th-century San Pedro and the 13th-century Convent of Santa Clara. Cuenca 4. User or email address Password Remember me. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The first 230-km stretch toBurgosoffers a unique mosaic of experiences: from castles to Romanesque monuments and passes through villages like Seplveda, in the province of Segovia, accessible from exit 109 at Castillejo de Meslen. The Church of Nuestra Seora de la Asuncin sits atop a hill, overlooking the town and is home to a piece of early work by Goya, one of Spains most famous artists. Im sorry to say though, wherever you eat it, it wont be as good as my mother-in-laws. The Segovia Aqueduct dating back to 50AD, it is rumoured to have been built by the Devil. Benicassim: Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant music scene, Benicassim is a popular destination for young travelers. 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. You can also organise private tours that will take you to both sites with pick up and drop off. We eat some mushroom burgers, croquettes, migas and much more, if you love your food and drink, you will not want to leave. However, winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a snowy fairy tale. During your stay in Salamanca, you could surely take a quick drive to Portugal. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. You can read more advice about getting to Segovia from Madrid here. I offer you the top 6 of beautiful destinations where you can go on a day trip from Madrid by car. It is a fantastic destination for a laid-back yet surprising trip, Full Article Valencia in Winter Quick Guide: Weather, Christmas, Things to Do & Travel TipsContinue, Barcelona is a special city. A drive inland to Girona is optional before you make it down to the relaxation end of the journey with beach stops in Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar on the menu. Hiring a car is really the best option for this day trip. It is only a short detour from Toledo where Martian-like mountains are located right next to the reservoir. A road trip from Madrid to Lisbon through Salamanca is a wonderful way to see two countries without spending too much time on driving and seeing some eminent highlights. Old stone houses and lush gardens line the banks of the Arnoia, as it makes its way through town. Once again were back on the train. A quickcortadocoffee served in a glass, a baked treat, and a glance at the souvenirs by the register that may be all that some holiday-goers see of small-townSpainas they drive fromMadridto the sea. Barcelona to Madrid drive. Bilbao 14. Year-round, restaurants serve dishes like tomato soup and jams made from the four varieties of tomatoes commonly grown here. This Spain road trip starts in the most famous city in the La Mancha region - Toledo. Travel Tip: While the eponymous royal complex is obviously the big draw for most visitors to San Lorenzo de El Escorial, try and take some time to explore the rest of the charming town if you can. If Theme Parks are not your thing, just drop your kids there for the day while you explore the town. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cuenca 9. Aranjuez: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Royal Palace and luxurious gardens with magnificent landscapes, fountains, and sculptures. Login to continue Create your account Register. However, my highlight is a network of alleyways called El Tubo. After a few days of luxuriating, it's time to drive down from the mountainside and make your way to Pamplona - a historic city famous for its July bull running festival has far more to offer than the medieval tradition. There is something for everybody in Bilbao with superb pintxos in street bars and michelin-starred restaurants, medieval streets and modern boulevards. Years of erosion by the Rio Piedra have created some spectacular waterfalls that visitors can visit and wander around. Just before or after the visit to Toledo, I also highly recommend you not to missBarrancas de Burujn nature reserve. Im back with another wine region. Also allegedly one of the major inspirations for Walt Disneys castle. Tours will often combine it with a visit to Segovia. Aranda de Duero a nice little town in the area. Start by heading along the narrow cliff roads along the coast to Valdemossa and Soler - the two very popular destinations to the north of Palma. The, Full Article 20 Coolest Stops to Make On Barcelona to Valencia DriveContinue, Your email address will not be published. The Madrid Mountains 6. The wooden balconies are synonymous with the city and certainly not a place for anyone with a fear of heights. The first stop is the La Rioja wine region, located in Basque Country about 3.5 hours north of Madrid. 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. Pestana Holidays. The streets of the old Jewish Quarter Great food & great stories, you can really get into the history of Seville in this area. Some of the towns worth visiting in La Sierra are Rascafria, Buitrago de Lozoya, Manzanares El Real, and Chinchon. Another thing is to walk along the streets of Salamancas old town as it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. Historic central Spain - Castilla-La Mancha, 10. We'd love to see how you get on! After exploring central Spain with stops in Toledo and surrounding towns and a tour of Madrid, the drive continues into Spain's Duero valley, Valladolid and on to Galicia's Vigo, Santiago de Compostela and A Coruna while taking in breathtaking views of ocean-facing cliffs and huge waves. Im lucky to have visited the city on numerous occasions as my wifes family have a place in the Sierra de Francia mountains, one of my favourite places in Spain. Decadent facades are on all four sides and there is a great little microbrewery to grab a drink, just sit and enjoy some people watching. Flying in and out of Palma means that's a great place to start and finish your trip. Seeing it and touring around is a number one activity. The town is also famous for its roast lamb, which will provide sustenance as you continue your journey to the sea. Next. Its known for its Old Town, 12th-century city walls, and many other medieval constructions. Additionally, trains are available, but travel times differ depending on the type. Day 1: Explore Madrid Day 2: Explore Madrid Day 3: Day Trip By Train To Segovia or Cuenca Day 4: Drive To Cordoba, Stop in Toledo Day 5: Explore Cordoba 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. Soak up Madrid's unbeatable atmosphere as you admire the incredible architecture and enjoy strolling along the Calle de Cava Baja. Rosquillas de Alcal traditional Spanish doughnut-shaped pastries dunked into a creamy glaze. Rich in Arab, Jewish and Christian history, the former Spanish capital is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Stroll around the Gran Va, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor If you choose not to take the strawberry train, other organised tours will take you to the town or you can also drive yourself. And if at this point youd love to stay in a unique location, then Monasterio de Piedra can be an excellent choice. If your timing is right you can enjoy the wine festival in March or the garlic festival in October. It might have a reputation for its packed resorts, but Alicante is a pretty port in the shadow of Mount Benacantil, a rocky hill where Santa Barbara Castle sits. It can take close to 2 hours to get there. The highway that connects Madrid with Cadiz, on Spains southwestern coast, has as many colours as it has detours: the indigo blue doors of La Mancha, the green mantle of the olive groves of Jan, and the white villages that sit on hilltops and which become more common after you pass the Despeaperros National Park, in the north of Andalusia. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Book the best day trips from Madrid, Spain directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Make a quick stop there and visit two main attractions the ancient castle and the cathedral. Andalusia, Spain's southernmost region, is often what people imagine Spain to be: sultry and passionate, with a near-constant soundtrack of flamenco beats. For history lovers, Toledo is a treasure trove. After passing the Vixia Herbeira cliffs, you'll arrive in A Corua. On this blog, her main goal is to inspire others to travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world while working remotely. The site has also been carefully landscaped over many years by the monks that live in the monastery on site. Travel Tip: Kill two birds with one stone: stop in vila for a few hours on your way to Salamanca to experience two of the region's most breathtaking cities in one day. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The drive back to Bilbao airport is a little under 2 hours to get you back home! Pisto Manchego a delicious local dish made from vegetables (similar to ratatouille) served with a fried egg on top. When in Chinchon, pay a visit to Bodega del Nero winery with generous tastings and tapas. Trains to El Escorial leave from Atocha or Chamartn station. The Castle not much of a castle left, but wonderful views and lots of restaurants. 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