Structuring Your 3 Days in Madrid. Spain's Mediterranean coast is perfect for a Spanish road trip - just make sure you put sun screen on your left arm if you're driving - the sun gets hot! 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. Spain's buzzing second city has a whole host of cultural and historical gems to explore. Perhaps no place encapsulates that image more than the regional capital, Seville, a colorful and vibrant destination that looks like a postcard come to life. If you have time, a trip out to the shimmering Muslim palace-city of Medina Azahara is well worth the effort as well. The Pyrenees are an amazing mountain range that is not high on many tourists' radars. 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. Keep the sea to your right as you go and you're unlikely to go too far wrong. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The best time to do a road trip from Madrid is during the spring and fall. On your stop in Guadalajara, you should try wild boar stew, hare, or deer. The local variety of castellano is incredibly pure and easy to understand. The towns here, however, are worth a short detour as you make your way to the seashore, Win a holiday to Lake Comos most beautiful hotel, March horoscope 2023: Which signs can expect luck in travel this month, Can I go to Spain? 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. Segovia 3. Believe it or not, the famous university city of Salamanca is just a little over two hours away and is certainly possible to visit as a one day trip from Madrid. The biggest thing in the city is the university, it was the first one in Spain and is widely recognised as one of the best in the world with students from around the globe. The distance of this trip is approximately 320 kilometers, but with so many places to stop at, you may want to take it slow and enjoy the ride. The Granjilla de La Fresneda expansive gardens. 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. Along the way, you'll get to experience the tapas culture of Andalusia. Monasterio de Piedra: Just a short drive from Zaragoza, the Monasterio de Piedra is another breathtaking stop on your road trip. In fact, it is the only stop between Madrid and Barcelona, so if you are travelling between the two cities, I would highly recommend breaking your ride up a bit and spending a few hours exploring Zaragoza. It is a university town that is most famous for being the birthplace of Cervantes, the author of Spains most famous literary work, Don Quixote. In this post, I havent even mentioned some of the micro trips and things to do in surrounding towns in Madrid. 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. Look at a map of the Spanish highway system and its autovas (motorways) resemble a star with its points extending from Madrid to the corners of theIberian Peninsula. Optional Madrid Itinerary Addition: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. 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. Throw in Spain's excellent network of intercity transportation (particularly the AVE high-speed train), and there's really no excuse not to take one of these day trips from Madrid. Is Madrid Worth Visiting? The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Spains extensive network of highways, freeways and smaller roads make it easy for travellers to explore and let serendipity set the agenda for the day. I want to share the top 4 resources I personally use for planning a road trip in Spain: The best time to do a road trip from Madrid is during the spring and fall. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". If you want to base yourself in Barcelona, instead of going on a road trip, check out our 40 day trips from Barcelona for inspiration on where you can get to! From El Escorial, take bus 660 to Valle de los Cados o Cruce Cuelgamuros. 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. 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. Book your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. Getting lost in Toledo's tightly-knotted streets is the best way to explore the city, particularly the narrow alleys around Plaza Santa Clara. These periods are considered the best time to visit Madrid since summers might get too hot while winters can be pretty gray here. Here's my recommended 10 day itinerary for a self drive road trip from Madrid to Seville. There are tonnes of great places to stop including Roses resort, the canals of Empuriabrava, L'Escala and Begur. Travel Tip: If you get into town early enough and want to save 10 euros, entrance to the Mezquita is free from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Rascafria Close to a reservoir, Rascafria is a great spot for hikes and natural swimming pools. 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. 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. You could be in the neighboring country in an hour and as you go there, you have to stop in Ciudad Rodrigo. You can take the direct short cut but you will miss out on a whole lot of stunning scenery, ocean-facing cliffs and spectacular locations for light houses - on the shoreline, on cliffs and even on their own islands. There are also places to sample cava, Spains famous sparkling wine. 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. If you love the sun, beaches and perfect mountain hideaways overlooking the sea, Andalucia is the place for you. Want to experience an amazing Spain road trip but not sure where to go? Although this trip is only 5 days long, you'll spend a few of these driving along small coastal roads. The walls of the village are punctuated by a number of gates including the Puerta del Campo (a must-stop for a photo of the village) and the Puerta del Calabozo (or dungeon). 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! 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. I would love to show you, but it is not allowed to take photos. Alczar of Toledo An imposing castle on the cities highest point and home to an Army Museum. Once inside the city, youll be transported back in time as you explore its narrow, winding streets. Travel Compositor in some cases conditions the use of the Service to the previous completion . Years of erosion by the Rio Piedra have created some spectacular waterfalls that visitors can visit and wander around. 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. However, winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a snowy fairy tale. You can spend weeks travelling around the area and still not see dozens of amazing villages, secret beaches, mountain waterfalls or quirky museums. Miajadas boasts that it is the European Capital of the Tomato. 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. So, in 2017 I left America and went remote to be able to spend more time in my home country, travel to exotic places, and experience life in other destinations. The Alcazar of Segovia one of the few castles in Spain that has never been taken by force. Madrid Wine Tour 5. Alongside Madrid, it is one of my favourite plaza mayors in Spain. Aranda de Duero a nice little town in the area. Castille Leon - visit the heart of Spain, 7. It dates back to the 1st century AD. The views back to the city are also pretty spectacular. But is it worth it? On 146 hectares there are green gardens, 26 beautiful fountains, a French-style labyrinth, and a huge pond. If you want to just relax and enjoy the day, then tours with pick up and drop off are available and offer good value. The mountains offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Zaragoza is on the high-speed train route between Madrid and Barcelona meaning there are loads of departures from Atocha station throughout the day. A short trip with a lot of breathtaking views and cliffs in the north and resorts with fantastic beaches on the south can be the perfect way to unwind on a short break! From Madrid, you'll travel south into Andalusia and arrive at Seville, a city renowned for its Gothic . The great thing is, all of them are accessible via public transport. If the illuminated shop windows along the Gran Va, and the unrelenting elegance of Paseo de la Castellana are overwhelming, retreat to Old Madrid. Also allegedly one of the major inspirations for Walt Disneys castle. 1. Getting to and from the region can be tough so you might have to adjust the route depending on where you're travelling from. 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. Those who take the time to venture beyond the roadside restaurants and service stations, however, will find that slowing down pays off. Day 3 Madrid Itinerary: Barrio de la Latina + A Day Trip to Toledo. After exploring the historic and religiously important city, the route goes back towards the coast and passes Pontevedra on the way to the pretty town of Vigo. It is a simple drive, motorways all the way (with a toll), but leaving Madrid can get busy at peak times. 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. Visitors can spend hours exploring the hallways and gardens, but my stand out memory was the catacombs. The city actually has a lot to offer so it's great to spend the first or last night here depending on your flight times. Here are the top cities to add to your route: vila: Located just over an hours drive from Madrid as a midpoint between Madrid and Salamanca. In medieval times, Basque country spanned the mountain range, including parts of France on the other side. Trains to El Escorial leave from Atocha or Chamartn station. Royal Palace of Aranjuez 8. Compare that to the standard train, which takes about 3 and a half hours, or driving, which is about 2 and a half hours. 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 Read My Story Page Here and Take Care! This road trip is a loop that starts and finishes in Madrid, the capital of Spain, and it's definitely one of the best road trips from Madrid you can choose. Amarguillos traditional almond flavoured pastries. To enjoy Madrid's idyllic side complete with classic terraces and markets, La Latina is the place to be! Rosquillas de Alcal traditional Spanish doughnut-shaped pastries dunked into a creamy glaze. Admire its stunning architecture, and discover its rich cultural heritage. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. If you don't know it by name, you've definitely seen pictures of giant rocks and archways on the sandy beach before. 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%. Medina del Campo: It is just a short drive from Coca. 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. Madrid is a world within a city, offering a thriving cultural atmosphere, great shopping and sightseeing, and unforgettable food. Barcelona Source: vitalez / shutterstock Barcelona Although a fair hike, Barcelona can be easily reached in the space of a day trip from Madrid. How to Travel From Madrid to Cordoba by Train, Bus, and Car, How to Travel from Madrid to Valladolid by Train, Bus, and Car, Madrid to Valencia by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, The Most Popular Cities to Visit in Spain, How to Travel From Seville to Cordoba by Train, Bus, and Car, How to Travel From Porto to Madrid by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane. If you would like to read a more in-depth guide, check out my what to see in Zaragoza post to be fully inspired. 10 Best Road Trips Near Madrid Escape to the Community of Madrid This Weekend! Cuenca 4. 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. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. 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. La Granja de San Ildefonso: It is just a short drive from Segovia. 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. Madrid is a vibrant, exciting city, and art and culture lovers will love the array of museums and art galleries. However, my best recommendation when visiting vineyards while tight on time is enjoying one of the day tours from Madrid and let someone else do the thinking. Take the AVE train to get there in under half an hour. After a visit to the city that shares its name with the Castile and Leon region, the trip ends with a drive through the Ribera del Duero wine region - hugely underrated relative to Rioja and the Portuguese Douro wine further down the same river valley. I will be exploring more of Spain during the next few months and will add more road trips to this list once I check them out. 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. Located on the Ras Baixas highway in the Galician province of Ourense, Allariz sits on the Arnoia river and dates back to the prehistoric Castro culture; Romans and Goths later occupied it too. The trip continues east to Cuenca and Siguenza - both stunning towns but in completely different ways and both very different from a lot of typical Spanish destinations. A perfect way to explore Spain is to drive around Andalucia. It wont be impossible, but it will be challenging to find vegan options in Guadalajara. Welcome! The monastery is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including a series of waterfalls and caves that are open to visitors. Valley of the Fallen Monument 15. Bus 664 or 661 from Moncloa also get you there in about the same amount of time. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The best way to see Avila is either by organised tour or driving yourself. 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. La Rioja wine country. Definitely visit the Prado museum, walk around the Retiro Park and the . Spring lasts from March to May, though the last month may sometimes be much warmer than the first two. It also is much better for families with kids who are better entertained hiking and doing active things than going to museums all day. The drive from Madrid to Toledo takes you through rolling hills and authentic local countryside life. No matter what your political persuasion, there is no doubt the monument is an impressive maker to the bloody past of a dark time in Spains history. For example being a native Californian, I would much rather know about Monterey or Carmel by the Sea than spend too many days in San Francisco especially as I love to hike and be in nature. Head back to Madrid for the last night of your trip and go out in true Spanish style with a flamenco dinner. Info USD Dollar. Spain Road Trip - The Ultimate 2 Week Itinerary, Andalucia road trip - Ultimate 11 day itinerary, 10 amazing European road trips for your travel bucket list, 14 amazing places to see the autumn leaves in Europe, The 14 best Christmas markets in Europe to visit this winter, Driving in Spain: Your guide to Spanish toll roads, rules and parking, Seville weekend trip - The perfect city break itinerary, Best Time to Visit Spain - Full Month by Month Guide, Spain's Mediterranean coast is perfect for a Spanish road trip, Spain's northern coast makes for an amazing road trip, The Arantza Hotela in the foothills of Pyrenees, check out our 40 day trips from Barcelona for inspiration, 3. Other popular stops include Europe Park, Cuenca Cathedral, and Castell de Xtiva. 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! Perhaps the most controversial inclusion on this list of day trips from Madrid, Valle de los Cados (Valley of the Fallen) is a remnant from Spain's fascist years under dictator Francisco Franco. Argertine peso; Login to continue Create your account Register. There is a bus option, but it takes a bit longer, or you can hire a car and drive yourself which will take around an hour and a half. For those interested in history, La Sierra de Madrid is home to the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, an impressive Renaissance-style palace and monastery built by King Philip II in the 16th century. By name, you have to adjust the route depending on where you 're unlikely to go far... Amazing mountain range that is not allowed to take photos post, I havent even mentioned some of Tomato! To be, beaches and perfect mountain hideaways overlooking the sea to your right as you go and 're. It also is much better for families with kids who are better entertained hiking and doing things! 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