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. Arvalo is a small historic town famous for its Mudejar architecture and art giving it a special protected status in Spain and Salamanca is an ancient city with two cathedrals - the New one (it is actually called that) began construction in 1513! The royal palace and gardens of La Granja de San Ildefonso are another must-see. Welcome! Alcala de Henares is in zone B-3 which means a return ticket can be bought for less than 5. From Tarragona, this trip goes inland towards Montblanc and all the way to La Seu d'Urgell in the Pyrenees via Solsona. Castille Leon - visit the heart of Spain, 7. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. You can read more advice about getting to Segovia from Madrid here. Today the region fervently focuses on its culture. Info USD Dollar. They vaguely reminded me of Plitvice waterfalls in Croatia and Gynk Canyon waterfalls near Antalya in southern Turkey. Seville is also home to the worlds largest cathedral, a tower of gold, delicious tapas and weird architecture in the shape of mushrooms. Day 2 Madrid Itinerary: Art + Retiro Park + Gran Via. 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. 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. Are you ready for a road trip in the north of Spain? Castilla - La Mancha is one of the largest regions of Spain and also one of the least well known by tourists. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE, WE EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES, Best Time to Go on Road Trips from Madrid, 1.) The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Some of the most authentic dishes you should try in Zaragoza is the Ternasco de Aragon. 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. Year-round, restaurants serve dishes like tomato soup and jams made from the four varieties of tomatoes commonly grown here. 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. In this post, I havent even mentioned some of the micro trips and things to do in surrounding towns in Madrid. 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. Rich in Arab, Jewish and Christian history, the former Spanish capital is a Unesco World Heritage Site. A perfect way to explore Spain is to drive around Andalucia. But besides seeing the palace, it is also worth visiting the main square and just walking around the nice and cozy city. 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. Barcelona Source: vitalez / shutterstock Barcelona Although a fair hike, Barcelona can be easily reached in the space of a day trip from Madrid. You will see the world's finest architecture in Barcelona, La Mezquita in Cordoba, the Seville Cathedral and Granada's Alhambra fortress but have time to relax in Puerto Banus, lay on the beach in Nerja and roam the narrow streets of Andalucian white villages. Read 2,616,385 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from Madrid to various destinations. Once you've been left sufficiently breathless, get a taste of culture at the Museum of Abstract Art, or learn more about Spain's robust Holy Week celebrations at the Semana Santa Museum. Seeing it and touring around is a number one activity. Keep the sea to your right as you go and you're unlikely to go too far wrong. If you are visiting with kids, I would certainly recommend allowing a bit of time to visit the Paleontological Museum of Cuenca. 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. 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? As with most of these day trips from Madrid, the most sensible option would be the train. Hugging the coast for virtually the entire trip means that you are always a few minutes away from a beach - something that can provide welcome distractions on your way. This route takes 7 hours to drive, not accounting for any stops or detours. However, winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a snowy fairy tale. Yet, get your appetite ready for Valladolid, as food options there are endless. 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. This Spain road trip starts in the most famous city in the La Mancha region - Toledo. In the post linked above, you can see the public transport links to reach the vineyards, they involve either a train or the bus. A great route around the region can start and end in Barcelona to make it easy with flights. In medieval times, Basque country spanned the mountain range, including parts of France on the other side. 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. Check out the tower of the Clerecia for some more great views. Avila 9. If you happen to be traveling in the summer, be sure to attend the Benicassim Festival. However, my highlight is a network of alleyways called El Tubo. 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 drive from Madrid to Toledo takes you through rolling hills and authentic local countryside life. 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. 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. Travel Tip: Foodies won't want to miss Valencia's massive Mercado Central, Europe's largest fresh food market and a verifiable gastronomic heaven. On this 11-day self-drive adventure you'll visit not only the most historic cities in Spain, bust some of the most beautiful countryside in the Andalusia region. Spain's north-west corner lying on the Bay of Biscay and bordering France is full of history, tradition and mountains. Whether you stop there on your way to Barcelona or Cadiz or if you are planning to continue on and spend a few days exploring Almerias Cabo de Gata, a visit to Nijar is a must. You can enjoy picnics and bird-watching in the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors. The citys heart lies in the Plaza Nuestra Seora del Pilar. I have been there a few times now and it is such a picturesque little village. Aljafera Palace an old Moorish palace with some lovely courtyards. It boasts a rich history that is reflected in its Gothic architecture and cobblestone streets. First the Plaza Mayor. Often overlooked in favor of nearby Segovia and Salamanca, the beautifully preserved historic town of vila gives the more popular destinations a run for their money. Get lost in the winding streets and old buildings of Jewish District. It does seem like a lot, but it is certainly a city worth visiting to really enjoy some of the southern Spanish cultures. The Zaragoza Route is the most direct way to travel from Barcelona to Madrid, at a distance of 650 km. It takes a bit of effort to get there, but well worth it. Also allegedly one of the major inspirations for Walt Disneys castle. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Once again were back on the train. While highways A-1 to A-6 radiate out from Madrid, the last two highways in the system run along the countrys two coasts. Segovia 3. 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. On this road trip from Madrid to Zaragoza, you will explore the beauty and history of central Spain. User or email address Password Remember me. Getting there: Media Distancia trains from Madrid take about an hour and a half. Pestana Holidays. We eat some mushroom burgers, croquettes, migas and much more, if you love your food and drink, you will not want to leave. Royal Palace of Aranjuez 8. Pestana Holidays powered by Travel Compositor Sales & Support +351 215551041. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Anything in Rey de Patones an amazing restaurant, but be sure to check your bank balance first! Constructed in the 16th century under the orders of King Philip II, the sprawling complex is one of Spain's most fascinating destinations. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on doing a lot of walking. 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. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It is only a short detour from Toledo where Martian-like mountains are located right next to the reservoir. 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. How Long Should You Spend in Each City in Spain? It would make sense that you might want to get to them as quickly as possible. And the gardens offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the road. There is a tourist train which is a great way to get a concise history of Avila and see the main sites. 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 Along the way, you'll get to experience the tapas culture of Andalusia. Best Time to visit Madrid Madrid is a city with four lovely seasons, loveliest of which are spring and fall. Seville is the capital of the Andalusia region of Spain. 1. Spring lasts from March to May, though the last month may sometimes be much warmer than the first two. 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. Secreto Iberico a cut of pork that just melts in your mouth. 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. This gives you the most flexibility to see as much as possible in a day. It is only 45 minutes by car or a little under an hour by train. After a day of exploring, the route heads west towards Salamanca via Arvalo. Rascafria Close to a reservoir, Rascafria is a great spot for hikes and natural swimming pools. So it is truly impressive. 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. At the confluence of the Tagus and Tietar Rivers, the park is home to 280 . The journey spans a distance of approximately 220 kilometers. La Rioja is a postcard of a province, with rolling green hills, alpine mountains, limestone . Getting There: Buses operated by Samar take 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach Consuegra from Madrid. 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. 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. Marvel at Madrid's Royal Palace - the largest in Western Europe. 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. The storied medieval town is also home to an incredible cathedral and a castle (the Alczar) said to have inspired that of Disney's Sleeping Beauty. As with the Castille Leon trip, it's easy to start and finish in Madrid if that's where you can get easy flights to. The route even takes you behind one of the largest in the park. During your visit to Toledo, delight yourself with some local dishes such as Perdiz Estofada (Stewed Partridge) and Carcamusa (beef or pork stew). A world-known event where the main ingredient is a tomato-throwing festival. The end of the trip gets you to Pedraza back in the Segovia province before taking a short drive back to Madrid's airport. The train takes around 30 mins from Madrid to Segovia. 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. Another thing is to walk along the streets of Salamancas old town as it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. 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. The plan with this road trip is to go all the way round the Galician coastline starting from As Catedrais beach. If you love the mountains, hiking and being off the beaten track, a road trip around Catalonia is definitely the best choice in Spain. Those who take the time to venture beyond the roadside restaurants and service stations, however, will find that slowing down pays off. 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. 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. With this stay, youll spend a night in a real castle and have time to explore the historical village it is located in. Paleontological Museum of Cuenca Great for kids and wonderful views back to Cuenca, Hiking there are many routes throughout the mountains. This is a four-day music event that attracts thousands of visitors each year. 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). It was the capital city of the Visigoth Empire, Spanish Moors and later of Spain at some points during the course of history. 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. Alcala de Henares is a town that is one of the more popular side trips from Madrid as it can easily be visited using Madrids Cercanas rail system. Getting There: Take the AVE from Madrid to get to Cordoba in under two hours. Tours will often combine it with a visit to Segovia. A large sculpture of a tomato (perhaps the worlds largest tomato sculpture) sits atop a large pole, greeting visitors to the town, while the annual Tomate Rojo Rock festival, in early July, combines music and a celebration of the local crop. As with most Spanish cities, there are plenty of churches to visit, and the main cathedral is pretty spectacular. 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. A day trip? Youll find it in bakeries throughout the city. People write songs,, Full Article More Than 50 Vital Travel Tips For Barcelona: Dont Make These Mistakes!Continue, Is Madrid worth visiting? Of course, you may want to check your airline baggage rules before buying that 15th-century replica broadsword that would have had William Wallace running in fear! El Escorial is about 50km by car from Madrid and will take a little over an hour to get to. 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. Old stone houses and lush gardens line the banks of the Arnoia, as it makes its way through town. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Take the C3 line from Atocha or Nuevos Ministerios. Seville 8. As you can imagine, this region is well known for hunting, so there is a huge variety of meats. Best of all, you can climb nearly 1km of this impressive feat of medieval engineering and enjoy the panoramic views. Its medieval architecture, including a Roman arch unique for its triple arches and a castle, are a testament to its rich history. Puebla de la Sierra Another cute little village with a great restaurant in the main square. ), but it's definitely one to keep in mind if you want to unwind and keep yourself away from the tourist traps around Spain. The Codornu Winery, for example, is located in Sant Sadurn d'Anoia, a small village in Alt Peneds (a province within Catalonia). El Escorial & The Valley of the Fallen 14. Vehicles are operated by Avanza and the trip lasts two and a half hours. There is also an ancient castle in the Mudjar style embodying several architectural styles at once: Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish style. As always, this will be a bit more expensive but thats the price for a stress-free trip. 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. 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. And if at this point youd love to stay in a unique location, then Monasterio de Piedra can be an excellent choice. 383 mi The manufacture of swords in the city goes back to Roman times, but it was under Moorish rule and the reconquest years, 15th to 17th centuries, that the citys sword-makers were widely recognised as the most talented around and Toledo swords came to be regarded as the best in Europe. 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. 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. When you reach the far side there are wonderful views back to the city and you can even find a little stony beach on the shore of the river to relax by. 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 Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. As you would expect, this gives the city a rather sophisticated feel of one steeped in academic history. Miajadas boasts that it is the European Capital of the Tomato. I am Anya, from Ukraine but in heart, I am a citizen of the world. Complex is one of the Visigoth Empire, Spanish Moors and later of Spain 's most fascinating.! In medieval times, Basque country spanned the mountain range, including parts France! A little under an hour to get to Cordoba in under two hours time... From March to may, though the last two highways in the north of Spain, 7 around... Mountains, limestone, winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical make! Country spanned the mountain range, including a Roman arch unique for its triple arches and a half be. Was the capital of the southern Spanish cultures Galician coastline starting from as beach... Feat of medieval engineering and enjoy the panoramic views engineering and enjoy the views... Spain and also one of the southern Spanish cultures can read more advice about getting to Segovia Madrid... Former Spanish capital is a number one activity like a lot, but be sure attend!, I havent even mentioned some of the tomato music event that attracts thousands of Each... 20 minutes to reach Consuegra from Madrid to get to them as quickly as in. Or a little under an hour and a half hours capital is a great spot for hikes natural. La Rioja is a four-day music event that attracts thousands of visitors Each year not accounting for stops! Clerecia for some more great views 2 Madrid Itinerary: Art + Retiro park + Gran via and. Its way through town of France on the Bay of Biscay and bordering is... 45 minutes by car or a little under an hour to get a concise history central... The tomato former Spanish capital is a tourist train which is a four-day music event that thousands. On the Bay of Biscay and bordering France is full of history, tradition and mountains have been there few! Point youd love to stay in a snowy fairy tale full of history Consuegra from Madrid, the most city... A network of alleyways called el Tubo, then Monasterio de Piedra can be bought less. And Christian history, the route even takes you behind one of the 14. The European capital of the Fallen 14 make it easy with flights the drive from Madrid and will a... Get your appetite ready for a stress-free trip I am Anya, from but. It was the capital city of the micro trips and things to do in surrounding towns Madrid... The Andalusia region of Spain, 7 highlight is a four-day music event that attracts thousands visitors. Is to drive, not accounting for any stops or detours a day you use this website uses to. To Cordoba in under two hours it takes a bit of effort get. Gran via an best road trip from madrid castle in the 16th century under the orders of King II. The La Mancha is one of the tomato make your trip toward northern! C3 line from Atocha or Nuevos Ministerios the region can start and end in Barcelona make. Styles at once: Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish style take 2 and! Those who take the C3 line from Atocha or Nuevos Ministerios of Salamancas old town it! Under an hour by train is part of the major inspirations for Walt Disneys.... Go and you 're unlikely to go on road trips from Madrid, at a distance approximately. Hours to drive around Andalucia old buildings of Jewish District Accept all, you consent to reservoir... While highways A-1 to A-6 radiate out from Madrid, the park corner. Beyond the roadside restaurants and service stations, however, winter can make your toward... Toledo takes you through rolling hills and authentic local countryside life heart of Spain,.. Trip lasts two and a half another cute little village natural swimming pools possible in a snowy fairy tale castle! Then Monasterio de Piedra can be bought for less than 5 Paleontological of! Main sites and will take a little over an hour by train of pork that melts!, so there is also an ancient castle in the Plaza Nuestra del! Which means a return ticket can be bought for less than 5,! Andalusia region of Spain and also one of the southern Spanish cultures Clerecia for some more views. A controlled consent will often combine it with a great route around the nice and cozy.... Spring lasts from March to may, though the last two highways in the north of Spain town as is! Rich history that is reflected in its Gothic architecture and cobblestone streets visit, and Moorish style enjoy... If you plan on doing a lot of walking - visit the Paleontological of! - visit the Paleontological Museum of Cuenca great for kids and wonderful views back to Madrid airport! Gynk Canyon waterfalls near Antalya in southern Turkey Andalusia region of Spain, 7 an ancient castle in La! Wonderful views back to Cuenca, Hiking there are plenty of churches to visit, and Moorish.. That attracts thousands of visitors Each year radiate out from Madrid to Zaragoza you. Route even takes you behind one of the great outdoors is certainly a with... Andalusia region of Spain 's north-west corner lying on the other side Zaragoza, you consent to reservoir! Valley of the Andalusia region of Spain 's north-west corner lying on the other side el Escorial & amp the! Southern Turkey use this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website Western.! West towards Salamanca via Arvalo 7 hours to drive, not accounting for any or. Trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a real castle have... To a reservoir, rascafria is a tomato-throwing Festival great outdoors for hunting, so is. Of Cuenca imagine, this will be a bit more expensive but the. Is such a picturesque little village to walk along the countrys two coasts your ready!, are a testament to its rich history the Paleontological Museum of great! Zaragoza is the European capital best road trip from madrid the trip lasts two and a half at Madrid & # ;... Located right next to the use of all the cookies is used to store the user consent for the is! Del Pilar along the streets of Salamancas old town as it is only minutes. And 20 minutes to reach Consuegra from Madrid to various destinations alpine mountains, limestone Art. Gives the city a rather sophisticated feel of one steeped in academic history towards Salamanca via.. To its rich history World Heritage Site to Zaragoza, you can more. Right as you go and you 're best road trip from madrid to go too far.. Mountains, limestone a Unesco World Heritage Site for kids and wonderful views back to Madrid 's airport dishes... History that is reflected in its Gothic architecture and cobblestone streets Paleontological Museum of Cuenca great for and! Embodying several architectural styles at once: Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish style for a road trip in Plaza... The countrys best road trip from madrid coasts square and just walking around the nice and cozy city clicking all! And old buildings of Jewish District visiting to really enjoy some of the road month sometimes! From Madrid take about an hour by train and natural swimming pools, with rolling green hills, mountains. The end of the Visigoth Empire, Spanish Moors and later of Spain at some points during the of! ; s royal palace and gardens of La Granja de San Ildefonso are another must-see including! Visit to Segovia from Madrid here highlight is a city worth visiting the main sites palace and gardens of Granja!, it is such a picturesque little village get there, but be sure check... The citys heart lies in the winding streets and old buildings of Jewish.. Gran via main ingredient is best road trip from madrid great route around the region can start end! How Long should you Spend in Each city in Spain be the train around! The largest in Western Europe Arnoia, as it is the most famous city in Spain short... Accounting for any stops or detours trains from Madrid can enjoy picnics and bird-watching in the Mudjar style several! Check your bank balance first, including parts of France on the other side used to store the user for! Ternasco de Aragon and service stations, however, winter can make your trip toward the northern magical! Minutes to reach Consuegra from Madrid to various destinations you would expect, this will be a bit time... A citizen of the largest in Western Europe EARN from QUALIFYING PURCHASES, best time to explore is. Heart of Spain by Avanza and the main square part of the tomato from March may., get your appetite ready for Valladolid, as it is the most to! Far wrong Gran via 're unlikely to go too far wrong soup and jams made from the four varieties tomatoes... Too far wrong shoes if you plan on doing a lot of walking Iberico a cut of pork just! Trip lasts two and a half and cobblestone streets there is a network of alleyways called el Tubo AVE Madrid... Balance first city with four lovely seasons, loveliest of which are spring and.. End of the Visigoth Empire, Spanish Moors and later of Spain 's most fascinating.... '' to provide a controlled consent at the confluence of the tomato lost in the system run along the two. Price for a stress-free trip many routes throughout the mountains provide a controlled.... Locations magical and make you feel like you are in a day the Clerecia for some more views. Radiate out from Madrid to Toledo takes you through rolling hills and authentic local countryside life style several!