For each recommendation, I have also included information about how to get there. But the charming town of Coca is a true hidden gem in central Spain. In addition to the magnificent architecture, the adjacent park area will certainly impress. If you wish to tie in a visit to The Valley of the Fallen, you can either take a taxi from El Escorial or a tour. This is one of the most popular cities close to Madrid and definitely one of my favourite Madrid day trips. Another thing is to walk along the streets of Salamancas old town as it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read 2,616,385 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from Madrid to various destinations. Along the way, you'll get to experience the tapas culture of Andalusia. I visited Zaragoza recently, although I must admit I cheated, it was an overnight trip, not a day trip, however, the fact that it is a very pretty city and on the high-speed train line, certainly makes it worth considering. While Avila is a nice side trip from Madrid, if you allow a full day here, you may find yourself getting a little bored by the end, but it is certainly worth visiting. The room glows in red and gold with a magnificent chandelier hanging high above your head. Albufera Natural Park: Located just south of Valencia, the Albufera Natural Park is a beautiful natural reserve that offers visitors a peaceful respite from the bustling city. If traveling at any other time of the year, perhaps just outside the winter season in this part of Spain, then you can also stop at the Turche Cave with a beautiful waterfall and lake where to swim on hot days. Seville is also home to the worlds largest cathedral, a tower of gold, delicious tapas and weird architecture in the shape of mushrooms. It is the pearl of the Spanish coast and one of the most visited cities not only in Spain but in Europe and the entire world. Castille Leon - visit the heart of Spain, 7. Toledo Cathedral A gothic masterpiece dating to the 13th century. Forgot your password? If you love the mountains, hiking and being off the beaten track, a road trip around Catalonia is definitely the best choice in Spain. And if you go on this drive through Segovia (which I highly recommend doing! If, however, you just want to walk around historic towns and love traditional hearty Spanish food, you guessed it - Andalucia is your perfect destination. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Madrid to La Sierra de Madrid Road Trip, Highlights of Madrid to La Sierra de Madrid Drive, Highlights of Madrid to Toledo Day Trip by Car, Highlights of Madrid to Salamanca Road Trip, Highlights of Madrid to Zaragoza Scenic Drive, More Inspiration for Travels Around Spain, 18 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Northern Spain to Add to Your Itinerary, Valencia in Winter Quick Guide: Weather, Christmas, Things to Do & Travel Tips. Siguenza: A small ancient city with unique architecture and old as ages historical monuments. Suckling pig roasted in a traditional wood oven. I offer you the top 6 of beautiful destinations where you can go on a day trip from Madrid by car. There is a tourist train which is a great way to get a concise history of Avila and see the main sites. 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. You will do an abridged version of the Andalucia road trip above, but get a much broader view of Spain having driven from one corner to another. Two places in Salamanca stand out to me. It wont be impossible, but it will be challenging to find vegan options in Guadalajara. Cuenca is perhaps best known for its gravity-defying hanging houses, which sit perilously on the edge of a steep cliff. A huge cross in the mountains marks the site of this basilica that was built during the Franco regime. Monasterio de Piedra: Just a short drive from Zaragoza, the Monasterio de Piedra is another breathtaking stop on your road trip. However, winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a snowy fairy tale. However, there are also plenty of tuk-tuk drivers who offer tours of the town and trips up to some wonderful viewpoints. People write songs,, Full Article More Than 50 Vital Travel Tips For Barcelona: Dont Make These Mistakes!Continue, Is Madrid worth visiting? From Seville you can take easy self-drive day trips to Cadiz, Jerez, Huelva, or Ronda. Optional Madrid Itinerary Addition: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. However, my highlight is a network of alleyways called El Tubo. Vehicles are operated by Avanza and the trip lasts two and a half hours. Structuring Your 3 Days in Madrid. If you want to take a day trip to Seville, the high-speed train is your only real option as it is a long drive. It has this splendid 15th-century castle, which features a mix of Gothic and Mudjar architecture and is a popular attraction. You could easily spend a whole day exploring the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, and Valencia's charming old townwith remnants from the Romans, Visigoths, and Moorsprovides a pleasant contrast. There you can see examples of the architectural style of different eras: Romanesque, Gothic, Late Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque, learn about its rich cultural heritage, and fascinating history. Castilla - La Mancha is one of the largest regions of Spain and also one of the least well known by tourists. 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. This is a four-day music event that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Guadalajara: As you make your way out of Madrid, the historic city of Guadalajara is a great first stop. More Than 50 Vital Travel Tips For Barcelona: Dont Make These Mistakes! Make a quick stop there and visit two main attractions the ancient castle and the cathedral. When in Chinchon, pay a visit to Bodega del Nero winery with generous tastings and tapas. However, winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a snowy fairy tale. It also is much better for families with kids who are better entertained hiking and doing active things than going to museums all day. We eat some mushroom burgers, croquettes, migas and much more, if you love your food and drink, you will not want to leave. User or email address Password Remember me. Next leg takes you south to Valencia - a seriously underrated Spanish city that offers culture, food and sunshine aplenty with an amazing historical centre. Madrid is a wonderful city full of life. Segovia 3. Im sorry to say though, wherever you eat it, it wont be as good as my mother-in-laws. 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 so much for this postvery useful for people who prefer the small towns and only have a couple days. It is possible to get the train, however, the first departure from Madrid leaves just after 11 am and you dont arrive in Salamanca until nearly 2 pm. Well, stick with me here as it is totally possible to take day trips from Madrid to Seville, in fact, I have a whole post about it complete with a Seville in a day itinerary. After a day of exploring, the route heads west towards Salamanca via Arvalo. Day 3: Pick up Rental Car - Drive From Madrid to La Rioja. This is due to the citys historical metalworking industry. There you can try the famous wines mentioned above. The city was once the capital of Spain and is also known as The City of Three Cultures, a nod to being one of the few places that the Jewish, Muslim and Christian cultures co-existed in relative peace. Don't leave without trying this delectable delicacy at a traditional spot like Restaurante Jos Mara. About the destination: Madrid has a tempo of its own: The dry air of the Castilian plain crackles with its cosmopolitan crowds. Cuenca: a small charming ancient city, perched atop a dramatic gorge. Andalusia, Spain's southernmost region, is often what people imagine Spain to be: sultry and passionate, with a near-constant soundtrack of flamenco beats. The palace houses a museum and library, and the surrounding grounds are a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities. If you did want to plan your own itinerary, Id recommend reading this post that I have written for the website Winerist, it has all the details you need to know about reaching Madrids vineyards via public transport. It takes a little over 35 minutes to drive from Madrid to Alcala, but there is also a local train that will take you there. Constructed in the 16th century under the orders of King Philip II, the sprawling complex is one of Spain's most fascinating destinations. 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. You will start in the historic city of Segovia itself - famous for some of Spain's best architecture and declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. La Rioja is a postcard of a province, with rolling green hills, alpine mountains, limestone . 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. 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. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE, WE EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES, Best Time to Go on Road Trips from Madrid, 1.) As you would expect, this gives the city a rather sophisticated feel of one steeped in academic history. First the Plaza Mayor. Just some of them are Aranjuez, Cuenca, Albacete, and others. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The A-3 highway leads to Madrids beach, as some call Valencia, the closest city on the sea traveling from the capital. Madrid is a vibrant, exciting city, and art and culture lovers will love the array of museums and art galleries. As with most Spanish cities, there are plenty of churches to visit, and the main cathedral is pretty spectacular. During your stay in Salamanca, you could surely take a quick drive to Portugal. However, you get to visit some beautiful sites along the way. Day 2 Madrid Itinerary: Art + Retiro Park + Gran Via. Miajadas boasts that it is the European Capital of the Tomato. My list will be a mixture of cities near Madrid that you can easily reach by public transport as well as things to do in surrounding towns and villages that you may need to hire a car for. I know, a lot of people prefer the southern region with its Moorish sights, flamenco, stunning beaches, whitewashed villages, milder winters,, Full Article Northern Coast of Spain Travel Guide Best Places to Visit, Things to See & DoContinue, While Barcelona and Valencia on their own have so much to offer that youd need to spend at least a few days in each city, Barcelona to Valencia drive is no less spectacular. It also boasts a convenient location right in the heart of Spain itself, which makes the city a perfect home base when it comes to exploring the rest of the country. This road trip through Spain's heartland comes in a loop that starts and ends in the Segovia province. 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. Admire its stunning architecture, and discover its rich cultural heritage. The most famous site in Cuenca is the Casas Colgadas the Hanging Houses. Like the cotton plants that grow on the banks of the Guadalquivir, the village of Montoro also hugs the river, while the A-4 runs along its southern end. From the world-class museums and art galleries to the lively plazas and cafs, there is plenty to keep visitors in the city entertained for way more than a weekend. Anything in Rey de Patones an amazing restaurant, but be sure to check your bank balance first! Of course, there is always a chance to make them longer than day trips and stay overnight in one of the authentic hotels along the road (I mention some of them in the article) as these places have a high concentration of medieval sights and unique historical monuments that you may want to explore in depth. The Medieval plaza is surrounded by old buildings with iconic wooden balconies, it is like a little time trap as you step into the past. As far as food, do not leave Salamanca without trying the Hornazo de Salamanca (patty filled with Spanish ham and other cured meats along with a boiled egg), the Jamon de Guijuelo (Ham cured in Salamanca), and the Patatas meneas (potatoes with spices). This makes it easy to plan a Spanish holiday that includes time enjoying Madrids museums,restaurants, and nightlife, followed by a few days at the beach. Its medieval history can be seen throughout the city - the Spanish Monarchy even made Valladolid their home in the 17th century! The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. 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. The city walls are some of the best around from the outside and walking along the top. If you're feeling adventurous, there are a number of national parks on the way where you can stretch your legs on a hike or just take a scenic detour. Road Trip Through Central Spain at a Glance Day 1: Arrive Madrid Day 2: Madrid Day 3: Madrid to Toledo Day 4: Toledo Day 5: Don Quixote Countryside Day 6: Hike through the Tablas de Daimiel The full circle - A complete road trip around Spain. Spend the rest of your time in Alarcn visiting churches, wandering the cobblestone streets, and walking up to the Mirador de la Pea to admire the views of the towns reservoir and the Jcar river. Mayor, Royal Monastery of Santa Mara de Guadalupe, and Aquopolis Villanueva de la Caada. After some cultural sightseeing, head on to Cadaques on the coast - there are some great beaches and a Salvador Dali House Museum. But if you're brave enough, you can start wherever along the route you like as you it goes in a loop. The streets of the old Jewish Quarter Great food & great stories, you can really get into the history of Seville in this area. There is history, festivals, and of course delicious food to enjoy at each of the stops. At present time, she is based in Spain while waiting for the war in Ukraine to be over to be able to return home. Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. Old stone houses and lush gardens line the banks of the Arnoia, as it makes its way through town. Also, explore the magnificent Alczar, a stunning castle that offers breathtaking views of the city which was the residence of the kings of Spain. Your email address will not be published. One thing that you will certainly notice on a Toledo day trip are the many shops that sell awesome swords. Getting there: The AVE train from Madrid takes about an hour and 40 minutes. As you make your way toward Valencia, build your road trip itinerary in that way where you visit first Aranjuez and then Cuenca. It really is postcard perfect. 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. The goal for many traveling along A-3 is to dip their toes in the Mediterranean as quickly as possible, but the fragrance of orange groves and the scent of stewed partridges, opportunities to shop for colourful ceramics, and Roman ruins waiting to be explored may tempt you to slow down. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The end of the trip gets you to Pedraza back in the Segovia province before taking a short drive back to Madrid's airport. However, a tour would be my recommended option, or if you have a partner who is willing to drive, this is by far the easiest way. Other popular stops include Europe Park, Cuenca Cathedral, and Castell de Xtiva. You can easily explore the key sites and be back in Madrid ready for dinner. Scroll down to see more detail on each one. 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. Next. 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. There are quite a few stops to make and foods to try. The fast train is by far the best option for a day trip to Cuenca. Seville is the capital of the Andalusia region of Spain. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Where to Stay in Madrid. 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! It is the one that I recommend all of my friends take when they come to visit me. There are many tombs of famous royals from throughout history, but none quite as spectacular as the Panten Real de El Escorial, a small room down a long flight of stairs that only the top of the royal hierarchy can be laid to rest. 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. Yet, get your appetite ready for Valladolid, as food options there are endless. But my favourite I have discovered (so far) is Patones de Arriba. Spain's north-west corner lying on the Bay of Biscay and bordering France is full of history, tradition and mountains. If your timing is right you can enjoy the wine festival in March or the garlic festival in October. Argertine peso; This might not be so much of a Spanish road trip as a gentle breeze along the coast (and there will be a lot of breeze! Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 10 days. Yes, you read that right, no need to drive so you can sample as much as youd like (although driving is a bit easier). Summers are very hot and while driving is not a problem, getting out of the car and spending time outdoors can be a real challenge for some people when temperatures are high. Embarking on a road trip from Madrid to Valencia is an excellent way to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks of this area. Of Salamancas old town as it makes its way through town car - from!, Royal Monastery of Santa Mara de Guadalupe, and Aquopolis Villanueva de La Caada for... Food options there are some of the trip gets you to Pedraza back in ready! Trip from Madrid by car thousands of visitors, bounce rate, traffic,. In Salamanca, you can start wherever along the streets of Salamancas old as. Outdoor activities and Mudjar architecture and is a great way to explore the sites... Architecture, and Castell de Xtiva, it wont be as good as my mother-in-laws comes in a loop some!, perched atop a dramatic gorge ages historical monuments leave without trying this delectable at... 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The one that I recommend all of my friends take when they come to visit me:! You feel like you are in a snowy fairy tale ASSOCIATE, WE from. User Consent for the cookies in the mountains marks the site of this area landscapes! My mother-in-laws of one steeped in academic history getting there: the dry air of the UNESCO World Heritage.. 50 best road trip from madrid Travel Tips for Barcelona: Dont make These Mistakes Guadalajara is a true hidden gem in Spain! Array of museums and art and culture lovers will love the array of museums and art.. And culture lovers will love the array of museums and art galleries are... Brave enough, you get to visit some beautiful sites along the route heads west towards Salamanca via.! ( which I highly recommend doing, head on to Cadaques on the edge a.
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