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). El Escorial & The Valley of the Fallen 14. 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. Segovia 2. La SEO Cathedral an amazing mix of architectural styles throughout the years. 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. Other than the Hercules Tower, the main sight here is the light house. 13. Seeing it and touring around is a number one activity. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on doing a lot of walking. 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. A perfect way to explore Spain is to drive around Andalucia. It would make sense that you might want to get to them as quickly as possible. In this post, I havent even mentioned some of the micro trips and things to do in surrounding towns in Madrid. Travel Tip: Due to the required stop in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, many travelers choose to combine the two into a single day trip from Madrid. 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). Travel Tip: Due to its appearance on a recent season of Game of Thrones, Seville's Alcazar has become more popular than ever. While it is Spains oldest producer of cava (the winery was founded in 1551), it is also known for its elegant Modernista buildings by Barcelona architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, a contemporary of Antoni Gaud. After passing the Vixia Herbeira cliffs, you'll arrive in A Corua. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Additionally, trains are available, but travel times differ depending on the type. The large wooden structure fills a plaza and you can get on top of it for some fantastic views. Road Trip form Madrid to Porto 4 Destinations 2 Nights From US$223 . The first stop is the La Rioja wine region, located in Basque Country about 3.5 hours north of Madrid. Head back to Madrid for the last night of your trip and go out in true Spanish style with a flamenco dinner. 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. 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. The trip continues along the north coast stopping off at Santander, Bilbao and San Sebastian before detouring off into the Pyrenees and the historic cities of Pamplona and Zaragoza. 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. Rosquillas de Alcal traditional Spanish doughnut-shaped pastries dunked into a creamy glaze. Next. Once again were back on the train. A must for fans of eye-popping architecture, Avila is a road trip to remember. 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. Nevertheless, Zaragoza is among the interesting historical and cultural places in Spain. Some of the most authentic dishes you should try in Zaragoza is the Ternasco de Aragon. Constructed in the 16th century under the orders of King Philip II, the sprawling complex is one of Spain's most fascinating destinations. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Definitely visit the Prado museum, walk around the Retiro Park and the . You can check their prices & see for yourself: So, here is the list of my favorite 6 wonderful destinations that you must visit from Madrid on driving holidays in central Spain: In this article, you will find very useful information for my road trip options including things to see and wonderful cuisine to indulge in. A great route around the region can start and end in Barcelona to make it easy with flights. But the charming town of Coca is a true hidden gem in central Spain. Another great option is the Huevos al Salmorrejo, these are eggs made with green asparagus, garlic, and parsley. 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. This gives you the most flexibility to see as much as possible in a day. If you're flying in and out of Madrid, the Castille and Leon road trip can be an amazing way to explore Spain without having to drive all the way to the coast or spend weeks on the road. Take line C-8 or C-3 which depart every hour and the journey lasts approximately one hour. 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. 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. 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. Before we dive into the ideas, here's the complete list of the best road trip routes with key information. 1. The Cathedral of Toledo and the Church of San Tomhouse some of Spains most valuable works of art. 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. Alongside Madrid, it is one of my favourite plaza mayors in Spain. From El Escorial, take bus 660 to Valle de los Cados o Cruce Cuelgamuros. The Zaragoza Route is the most direct way to travel from Barcelona to Madrid, at a distance of 650 km. You don't need to pick up your rental car until day 4. Best Time to visit Madrid Madrid is a city with four lovely seasons, loveliest of which are spring and fall. Stroll around the Gran Va, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. Bus 664 or 661 from Moncloa also get you there in about the same amount of time. An incredibly popular day trip from Madrid is Avila. Aranda de Duero a nice little town in the area. And if you go on this drive through Segovia (which I highly recommend doing! 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. 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! Read My Story Page Here and Take Care! It takes a bit of effort to get there, but well worth it. Bilbao 14. Madrid to Valladolid route is only 200 kilometers long but it is full of pretty and important sites. One appealing stop is Alarcn, an enchanting village in the province of Cuenca with only 148 inhabitants and one of the best-preserved forts in Spain, originally constructed by Arab conquerors. Mayor, Royal Monastery of Santa Mara de Guadalupe, and Aquopolis Villanueva de la Caada. Monasterio de Piedra Final thoughts on the best day trips from Madrid 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 citys heart lies in the Plaza Nuestra Seora del Pilar. Take the exit and you can tour some of its olive-oil mills, snap some photos of the nearby Torre del Castillo de Villaverde (which has survived the centuries though the small town that it once protected has not), or simply stroll through the streets of this postcard-perfect Andalusian village. The result is a wonderful harmony of natural falls and crafted waterways to impress the many visitors. However, my highlight is a network of alleyways called El Tubo. 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. There are few cities that offer as much as Barcelona so it's a perfect start to the Mediterranean coast trip. The list below, organised by highway, includes a favourite town (followed by its province) for each one. Years of erosion by the Rio Piedra have created some spectacular waterfalls that visitors can visit and wander around. Spains beaches, and its beach towns, are justifiably famous. It may be the world's most expensive spice, but it's one of the region's specialties. This blog post will explore the various destinations you can drive to and will help you plan the ultimate road trip experience from Madrid. If you do end up doing this one, please let us know! The A-3 highway leads to Madrids beach, as some call Valencia, the closest city on the sea traveling from the capital. This road trip is a perfect mix of culture and relaxation so if you want to blend the two, give it a go. A road trip from Madrid to Salamanca is the best way to explore the quaint countryside of Spain and discover some of the countrys historic landmarks. Sat high atop a spur between the Jcar and Hucar rivers, another one of my favourite Madrid side trips is a day in Cuenca, Castilla La Mancha. If you are looking for the perfect Toledo souvenirs then a sword would be the right choice. 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. But what about further afield? To enjoy Madrid's idyllic side complete with classic terraces and markets, La Latina is the place to be! It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to get to Zaragoza. We'd love to see how you get on! Structuring Your 3 Days in Madrid. Special Offers Top Experiences The Best Destinations Routes with History From Germany From Spain From UK Departure from France Routes From US Family Hotels Romantic Pousadas Beach. Hopefully, youll understand why I always recommend it as my best day trip from Madrid. There is history, festivals, and of course delicious food to enjoy at each of the stops. Make sure you check out the huge Cathedral (you really can't miss it) and the part of the city around the market (only open in the morning). Seville 8. Also, explore the magnificent Alczar, a stunning castle that offers breathtaking views of the city which was the residence of the kings of Spain. 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. You could be in the neighboring country in an hour and as you go there, you have to stop in Ciudad Rodrigo. Is Madrid Worth Visiting? It's hard to sum up El Escorial in just a few words. While moving the body proved to be a controversial move that divided opinions across the country, the aim of the government is to see The Valle de Los Cados move away from a site where Spains far-right pay homage to the dictator and become a place of commemoration, remembrance and homage to the victims of the war. The palace houses a museum and library, and the surrounding grounds are a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities. 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. . However, there are also plenty of tuk-tuk drivers who offer tours of the town and trips up to some wonderful viewpoints. Getting There: Madrid's commuter train, the Cercanas, will get you to El Escorial in about an hour. 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%. When in Chinchon, pay a visit to Bodega del Nero winery with generous tastings and tapas. The great thing is, all of them are accessible via public transport. 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. Other popular stops include Pl. Youll see a different side of Spain on your escape to the seashore if you just slow down. 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. Argertine peso; Hop on a train in Madrid and you can be standing beneath the arches of Cordoba's Moorish-area Mezquita in two hours. In the morning you'll pick up your rental car and begin your epic road-trip. 10 Best Road Trips Near Madrid Escape to the Community of Madrid This Weekend! Coming your way in this post - click to expand ->. Buitrago de Lozoya, for example, is particularly a special town as it is surrounded by water and ancient authentic walls built by the Moors in the 11th century. Aranjuez: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Royal Palace and luxurious gardens with magnificent landscapes, fountains, and sculptures. The museum is a recreation of the artists home. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. 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. If you're going on a road trip from Madrid to Barcelona, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Salou, Zaragoza, Sitges, Tarragona, Alcala De Henares, Soria, Lleida, and Reus and top places to visit like Castle Calatravo and Hotel Guadalope, or the ever-popular Ciudad del Motor de Aragn. Segovia: If you dont stop in Segovia on a road trip to Salamanca (or on any other day trip from Madrid), then dont miss it on this drive. The room glows in red and gold with a magnificent chandelier hanging high above your head. Cross the Roman bridge for amazing views of the city and the River Tormes. Getting there: Media Distancia trains from Madrid take about an hour and a half. Cuenca 9. Alczar of Toledo An imposing castle on the cities highest point and home to an Army Museum. Show only these on map 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! Seville is the capital of the Andalusia region of Spain. 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. The plan with this road trip is to go all the way round the Galician coastline starting from As Catedrais beach. 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. In the post linked above, you can see the public transport links to reach the vineyards, they involve either a train or the bus. This medieval castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. There you can try the famous wines mentioned above. 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. This is due to the citys historical metalworking industry. 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. Barcelona and Madrid are likely to be the best hubs for getting in and out of Spain and the route cycles down through Valencia to an Andalucian tour before heading back north from Cordoba. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend . Rich in Arab, Jewish and Christian history, the former Spanish capital is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Its about a 20-minute walk from the centre or a quick taxi ride, but youll find a nice museum with lots of dinosaurs to entertain the little ones. Pisto Manchego a delicious local dish made from vegetables (similar to ratatouille) served with a fried egg on top. 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. Toledo 2. After a day of exploring, the route heads west towards Salamanca via Arvalo. Getting There: Take the high-speed AVE train from Madrid (operated by Renfe, Spain's national rail service) to get there in two and a half hours. I would not recommend this as an option. 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. The Castle not much of a castle left, but wonderful views and lots of restaurants. Hike through one of the best bird reserves in the country. If not, you should definitely plan one since this region is full of wonders! Where to Stay in Madrid. A world-known event where the main ingredient is a tomato-throwing festival. Is it a palace, a monastery, a church or a library? The Castle was built by the Arabs in the 12th century as a defensive structure, but after the Reconquista, on the initiative of Cardinal Mendoza, it was converted into a residence for bishops. However, from our experience, we noticed that Discover Cars has much better offers, especially in the winter season in Madrid. There are plenty of sights to see along this highway: the walled citadel of Uruea, which promotes itself as the Villa del Libro (like an Iberian Hay-on-Wey, the city has an abundance of bookstores and literary events throughout the year); the picturesque towns of Ponferrada and El Bierzo, or Allariz, surrounded by hills covered in oaks. Barcelona Source: vitalez / shutterstock Barcelona Although a fair hike, Barcelona can be easily reached in the space of a day trip from Madrid. 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. Top rated road trips in Madrid Spain 7-Day Spain Road Trip from Madrid to Toledo Starts in Madrid Ends in Madrid Duration 7 days & 6 nights Available All Year 24/7 customer support From 8 USD Spain Cheap 10-Day Spain Road Trip Vacation from Madrid to Zaragoza, Barcelona & Valencia Starts in Madrid Ends in Madrid Duration 10 days & 9 nights 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 town of Medina del Campo is another point of interest worth a stop. Anyone who read Don Quijote in their high school Spanish class may remember how the titular character famously confused the giant windmills of Consuegra for monsters with flailing arms. Available, but wonderful views and lots of restaurants made with green asparagus, garlic, and Aquopolis de. A visit to Bodega del Nero winery with generous tastings and tapas most fascinating destinations try... 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Coastline starting from as Catedrais beach distance of 650 km doing this,.
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