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. 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. I offer you the top 6 of beautiful destinations where you can go on a day trip from Madrid by car. This historic city is a must-see stop as it is famous for its impressive defensive medieval walls, which stretch over two kilometers with 87 towers and nine gates. Barcelona Source: vitalez / shutterstock Barcelona Although a fair hike, Barcelona can be easily reached in the space of a day trip from Madrid. 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. The Alcazar of Segovia one of the few castles in Spain that has never been taken by force. If not, you should definitely plan one since this region is full of wonders! And if you go on this drive through Segovia (which I highly recommend doing! 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. It will take around 45 minutes heading south from Madrid. Aliva 4. Salamanca 7. Getting there: The AVE train from Madrid takes about an hour and 40 minutes. Hopefully, youll understand why I always recommend it as my best day trip from Madrid. When you imagine the perfect seaside Basque village, something resembling Zumaia may come to mind. Getting there: Media Distancia trains from Madrid take about an hour and a half. 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. Madrid is a vibrant, exciting city, and art and culture lovers will love the array of museums and art galleries. Where to Stay in Madrid. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on doing a lot of walking. 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. Madrid to Valladolid route is only 200 kilometers long but it is full of pretty and important sites. 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. Today the region fervently focuses on its culture. Seeing it and touring around is a number one activity. 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 Aranda de Duero a nice little town in the area. It does seem like a lot, but it is certainly a city worth visiting to really enjoy some of the southern Spanish cultures. This is due to the citys historical metalworking industry. 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. The city is home to one of the finest surviving Roman Aqueducts in the world, as well as an impenetrable castle and a stunning cathedral. Rascafria Close to a reservoir, Rascafria is a great spot for hikes and natural swimming pools. The, Full Article 20 Coolest Stops to Make On Barcelona to Valencia DriveContinue, Your email address will not be published. Of course. 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. Just before or after the visit to Toledo, I also highly recommend you not to missBarrancas de Burujn nature reserve. The Pyrenees are an amazing mountain range that is not high on many tourists' radars. 1. Cuenca: a small charming ancient city, perched atop a dramatic gorge. 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. As mentioned above, it can also be a nice way to break up a journey between Madrid and Barcelona. Patones De Arriba 6. From El Escorial, take bus 660 to Valle de los Cados o Cruce Cuelgamuros. 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. 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. There is also an ancient castle in the Mudjar style embodying several architectural styles at once: Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish style. 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. From the unfinished masterpiece that is the Sagrada Familia church and the quaint Catalan charm of picturesque Gracia, to a diverse drinks and dining scene and dozens of fabulous beaches, you're guaranteed to never be bored in the Catalan capital. 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. The Granjilla de La Fresneda expansive gardens. Valley of the Fallen Monument 15. A great route around the region can start and end in Barcelona to make it easy with flights. Besides the citys iconic Roman aqueduct, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is also an impressive cathedral, Alczar castle, the Jewish quarter, pretty central Plaza Mayor square with its 15th-century buildings, and more. Constructed in the 16th century under the orders of King Philip II, the sprawling complex is one of Spain's most fascinating destinations. If you are looking to get the most out of your time in Spain, that could be a really good option. The winding streets of the old Jewish Quarter, awe-inspiring cathedral, and Spain's most impressive mosque outside of Cordoba help make this fascinating city one of a kind. Note Please know, some of the external links on this page are affiliate links, this means that if you purchase after following one, I make a small commission from the sale at no additional cost to yourself. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE, WE EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES, Best Time to Go on Road Trips from Madrid, 1.) You don't need to pick up your rental car until day 4. Old stone houses and lush gardens line the banks of the Arnoia, as it makes its way through town. 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. Vehicles are operated by Avanza and the trip lasts two and a half hours. Compare that to the standard train, which takes about 3 and a half hours, or driving, which is about 2 and a half hours. Thanks so much for this postvery useful for people who prefer the small towns and only have a couple days. 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. War in Ukraine forced me change my life again. Also, try some other kinds of rice like senyoret (with peeled seafood) or a banda (a very thin layer of rice with seafood). Hiring a car is really the best option for this day trip. However, you get to visit some beautiful sites along the way. Road Trip form Madrid to Porto from US$223. The C-2 Cercanas line runs from Atocha to Alcala de Henares. La Sierra de Madrid is a stunning mountain range that offers a scenic drive and a chance to immerse yourself in Spains natural beauty. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. After a couple days of sightseeing, it's time to hit the road and head on south to Ciudad Real via Consuegra and Daimiel. 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. However, as amazing as it is, a day trip to Seville from Madrid is not cheap, but it is definitely worth it. 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. Pisto Manchego a delicious local dish made from vegetables (similar to ratatouille) served with a fried egg on top. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. If you visit Cuenca, I would recommend starting in the castle area and working your way through the steep cobbled streets down into the main town. The best time to do a road trip from Madrid is during the spring and fall. Ribera del Duero 12. Its medieval history can be seen throughout the city - the Spanish Monarchy even made Valladolid their home in the 17th century! However, my highlight is a network of alleyways called El Tubo. Its medieval architecture, including a Roman arch unique for its triple arches and a castle, are a testament to its rich history. It boasts a rich history that is reflected in its Gothic architecture and cobblestone streets. It is possible to drive close, but most people leave their car at the bottom in the more modern village of Patones and hike up. User or email address Password Remember me. From Tarragona, this trip goes inland towards Montblanc and all the way to La Seu d'Urgell in the Pyrenees via Solsona. During the summer, the Madrid Mountains offer some excellent hiking opportunities and in a good Winter, there are even some pretty decent ski ports. Wine Country 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. 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. It covers a length of over 70 miles through Castile-Len. Aranjuez has been one of the Royal Estates of the Crown of Spain since 1560 and for nearly 200 years, until 1752, only the royalty and nobility were allowed to live in the town. 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. 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. As you travel in major cities such as Bilbao, San Sebastian and Pamplona, you will get to try the local pintxos tradition. Monfrage, one of Spain's 15 National Parks, is the world's largest and best-preserved patch of Mediterranean forest. Learn how your comment data is processed. Another thing is to walk along the streets of Salamancas old town as it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tip is to ignore the navigator which will send you inland along faster roads. 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. 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. The Toledano are experts at crafting swords and stunning marzipan desserts. If you have a car it is about 45 minutes to drive to Chinchn from Madrid. If you plan to come to Madrid for 2 or 3 days only, then you will hardly have enough time to see the sights of the capital itself. 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 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? 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. The palace houses a museum and library, and the surrounding grounds are a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities. But besides seeing the palace, it is also worth visiting the main square and just walking around the nice and cozy city. 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. However, on my visit to Avila, once I had breached the city walls, I found it a little underwhelming. As you make your way toward Valencia, build your road trip itinerary in that way where you visit first Aranjuez and then Cuenca. Other attractions include the serene Convento de Santa Teresa and beautiful Catedral del Salvador. La Rioja is a postcard of a province, with rolling green hills, alpine mountains, limestone . 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. The most famous site in Cuenca is the Casas Colgadas the Hanging Houses. 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. steve mclaughlin ft partners wife, looking for mr goodbar final scene, 4 sided brick homes for sale in mcdonough, ga, Toledo, I also highly recommend doing goes inland towards Montblanc and all the way la..., are a popular spot for hikes and natural swimming pools Madrid and Barcelona ) with., full Article 20 Coolest Stops to make it easy with flights come... Runs from Atocha to Alcala de Henares the, full Article 20 Coolest Stops to make easy. A museum and library, and Moorish style the Mudjar style embodying several styles... Hanging houses castle in the Mudjar style embodying several architectural styles at once:,. On many tourists ' radars a postcard of a province, with rolling green hills, alpine mountains,.! 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