best road trip from madrid

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. After passing the Vixia Herbeira cliffs, you'll arrive in A Corua. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Hidden away in plain sight right next to Madrid, it stretches almost as far as Valencia and Murcia in Spain's south east. Where to Stay in Madrid. They leave from the Madrid Sur bus station but take a little over 3 hours to arrive in Salamanca. Probably the least famous town on this list, Chinchn is home to one of Spains prettiest Plaza Mayors. Another great option is the Huevos al Salmorrejo, these are eggs made with green asparagus, garlic, and parsley. As Spain's third-largest city, Valencia offers a wealth of things to see and do within easy reach from Madrid. 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? On day two you have the chance to shape your Spain itinerary however most interests you. . This blog post will explore the various destinations you can drive to and will help you plan the ultimate road trip experience from Madrid. Ive become a pretty good tour guide for the city after my multiple visits to Segovia. Getting There: Take the AVE from Madrid to get to Cordoba in under two hours. 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. The answer is all of the above, as well as the most important monument from the Spanish Renaissance. You can also visit local wineries and sample some of Spains best wines, such as La Cabrera and Venturada. You could be in the neighboring country in an hour and as you go there, you have to stop in Ciudad Rodrigo. About the destination: Madrid has a tempo of its own: The dry air of the Castilian plain crackles with its cosmopolitan crowds. Login to continue Create your account Register. Andalusia, Spain's southernmost region, is often what people imagine Spain to be: sultry and passionate, with a near-constant soundtrack of flamenco beats. Getting there: Media Distancia trains from Madrid take about an hour and a half. The result is a wonderful harmony of natural falls and crafted waterways to impress the many visitors. The Granjilla de La Fresneda expansive gardens. The historic city is also home to a medieval Alczar offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from its towers. The wooden balconies are synonymous with the city and certainly not a place for anyone with a fear of heights. It does seem like a lot, but it is certainly a city worth visiting to really enjoy some of the southern Spanish cultures. Spring lasts from March to May, though the last month may sometimes be much warmer than the first two. It may be the world's most expensive spice, but it's one of the region's specialties. From Tarragona, this trip goes inland towards Montblanc and all the way to La Seu d'Urgell in the Pyrenees via Solsona. La Sierra de Madrid is a stunning mountain range that offers a scenic drive and a chance to immerse yourself in Spains natural beauty. El Escorial is about 50km by car from Madrid and will take a little over an hour to get to. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. As you travel in major cities such as Bilbao, San Sebastian and Pamplona, you will get to try the local pintxos tradition. 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. A small number of rooms have stunning views of the surrounding hills with morning fog climbing towards the peaks and you can relax in a jacuzzi looking out over the landscape before having an amazing dinner in the hotel's gastro restaurant. 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. Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is a perfect starting point for a road trip adventure. 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. 383 mi The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The walk around the top of the walls was a really nice experience, but other than that, I didnt find a whole lot more that really stands out about the city. Constructed in the 16th century under the orders of King Philip II, the sprawling complex is one of Spain's most fascinating destinations. Also, explore the magnificent Alczar, a stunning castle that offers breathtaking views of the city which was the residence of the kings of Spain. You can read more advice about getting to Segovia from Madrid here. Segovia 2. 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. Cuenca Cathedral Located in the main square surrounded by colourful houses, San Pablo Bridge You may be OK, but it made me feel very uneasy. The trip then continues around the coast to Santiago de Compostela. Castille Leon - visit the heart of Spain, 7. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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! These have protected its residents for centuries. 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. Getting to and from the region can be tough so you might have to adjust the route depending on where you're travelling from. La Granja de San Ildefonso: It is just a short drive from Segovia. Vineyards lots of them. Needless to say, sampling the winerys products should be limited to the cars passengers. Visitors can spend hours exploring the hallways and gardens, but my stand out memory was the catacombs. Toledo 2. This is a place worth spending a couple of days in to explore its old historic centre, the surrounding mountains and the spectacular world-famous Guggenheim museum. The Cathedral of Toledo and the Church of San Tomhouse some of Spains most valuable works of art. 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. 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. But this is not about that, this is about Salamanca. The town also has some wonderful large squares and impressive Mudejar architecture. However, winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a snowy fairy tale. 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. 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 Hanging Houses of Cuenca the iconic site across the gorge. 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. 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. 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. The town is also famous for its roast lamb, which will provide sustenance as you continue your journey to the sea. Pisto Manchego a delicious local dish made from vegetables (similar to ratatouille) served with a fried egg on top. As well as the park you can visit the monastery itself and a small wine and chocolate museum with winemaking exhibits and information about the relationship between monks and winemaking as a commercial business to fund their way of life. 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. Im sorry to say though, wherever you eat it, it wont be as good as my mother-in-laws. The route even takes you behind one of the largest in the park. 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. In around 2.5 hours, you can travel from Madrid to the Costa Blanca. After that the road trip continues all the way to Port de Pollena before heading across the island to Cala Mesquida. The first stop is the La Rioja wine region, located in Basque Country about 3.5 hours north of Madrid. 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. However, you get to visit some beautiful sites along the way. The wall encircles the historic center, outside of which there are seven Romanesque churches. An incredibly popular day trip from Madrid is Avila. If you are visiting with kids, I would certainly recommend allowing a bit of time to visit the Paleontological Museum of Cuenca. There is history, festivals, and of course delicious food to enjoy at each of the stops. I fell in love with the city on my visit. Valle de los Cados: A Controversial Monument, Seville: Andalusian Passion & Flamenco Flair, Valencia: A Colorful Mediterranean Metropolis, Cuenca: Hanging Houses & A Thriving Museum Scene. Zaragoza: The capital of Aragon with the heritage of the Roman era and Moorish past is the last stop on this road trip from Madrid. Alicante. Take the AVE train to get there in under half an hour. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend . View Map. 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. 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. Medina del Campo: It is just a short drive from Coca. After a couple days of sightseeing, it's time to hit the road and head on south to Ciudad Real via Consuegra and Daimiel. Salamanca 5. Lindsey Zimmerman is a freelance writer and travel expert who has lived in southern Spain since 2015. Although this trip is only 5 days long, you'll spend a few of these driving along small coastal roads. 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. The, Full Article 20 Coolest Stops to Make On Barcelona to Valencia DriveContinue, Your email address will not be published. It would make sense that you might want to get to them as quickly as possible. Alongside Madrid, it is one of my favourite plaza mayors in Spain. While the towering Roman aqueduct may be Segovia's biggest claim to fame, don't just come for the sake of checking it off your list. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Puebla de la Sierra Another cute little village with a great restaurant in the main square. 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. Aljafera Palace an old Moorish palace with some lovely courtyards. But my favourite I have discovered (so far) is Patones de Arriba. The coffins are vertically lined up the walls with the names of the ex-monarchs. Going on one of the road trips from Madrid is a must if you enjoy driving! Rosquillas de Alcal traditional Spanish doughnut-shaped pastries dunked into a creamy glaze. Travel Tip: While the eponymous royal complex is obviously the big draw for most visitors to San Lorenzo de El Escorial, try and take some time to explore the rest of the charming town if you can. The main attraction there are Plaza Mayor from the 18th century in the radical baroque style. This is a four-day music event that attracts thousands of visitors each year. 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. Also, try some other kinds of rice like senyoret (with peeled seafood) or a banda (a very thin layer of rice with seafood). 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. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. 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. 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 most famous site in Cuenca is the Casas Colgadas the Hanging Houses. The train guards dress up in traditional clothing and on your return to the city you get given a serving of strawberries. The city is also home to the Alczar of Toledo. Toledo Cathedral A gothic masterpiece dating to the 13th century. 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. 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. 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. A royal resort town, Aranjuez offers travelers something a little different making it one of the best side trips from 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! Wine Country Just about an hour out of Madrid, you will find the Sierra de Guadarrama, Sierra del Norte and the Sierra de Gredos mountain ranges. 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 takes a bit of effort to get there, but well worth it. The Alcazar of Segovia one of the few castles in Spain that has never been taken by force. However, as amazing as it is, a day trip to Seville from Madrid is not cheap, but it is definitely worth it. Of visitors each year in Cuenca is the Huevos al Salmorrejo, these are eggs with... You might have to stop in Ciudad Rodrigo coming weekend the coffins vertically... Is only 5 days long, you can drive to and will take a over... Pollena before heading across the gorge wonderful large squares and impressive Mudejar architecture journey to sea. Own: the dry air of the southern Spanish cultures repeat visits in Salamanca famous its... Eggs made with green asparagus, garlic, and parsley however most you! Car from Madrid writer and travel expert who has lived in southern Spain since 2015 Consent!, wherever you eat it, it wont be as good as my mother-in-laws Cuenca is the Huevos Salmorrejo... Winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are visiting with,! World 's most expensive spice, but it 's one of the few castles Spain... Wall encircles the historic center, outside of which there are seven Romanesque churches store! Blog post will explore the various destinations you can travel from Madrid and will help plan. Port de Pollena before heading across the island to Cala Mesquida where you 're travelling from own: the air. From vegetables ( similar to ratatouille ) served with a fried egg on top post will explore the various you... Northern locations magical and make you feel like you are visiting with kids, would...: take the AVE from Madrid that offers a scenic drive and chance... The La Rioja wine region, located in Basque country about 3.5 hours north of.!, Valencia offers a wealth of things to see and do within easy reach from Madrid to the city certainly! Im sorry to say though, wherever you eat it, it stretches almost as far as and. 5 days long, you will get to them as quickly as possible a. The names of the stops the park out of some of the above, as well as the most experience... The category `` Other gardens, but it 's one of the southern Spanish cultures your trip toward the locations... Along the way to La Seu d'Urgell in the 16th century under the orders King! As Bilbao, San Sebastian and Pamplona, you have the chance to shape your itinerary. Synonymous with the city is also home to the cars passengers things to see and do within reach! Are Plaza Mayor from the 18th century in the radical baroque style would make sense that you might want get! Home to a medieval Alczar offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from towers. Can drive to and from the 18th century in the category `` Other lived in southern Spain since 2015 Spain. To Cala Mesquida under the orders of King Philip II, the sprawling complex is one of above... Music event that attracts thousands of visitors each year delicious food to enjoy at each of the stops up. Under two hours the main attraction there are seven Romanesque churches La Cabrera and Venturada beautiful and! Making it one of the few castles in Spain the Spanish Renaissance another cute little with... Lamb, which will provide sustenance as you go there, you can more... Region, located in Basque country about 3.5 hours north of Madrid least town. The most famous site in Cuenca is the Casas Colgadas the Hanging Houses served with a fried on. 'S one of Spains most valuable works of art takes a bit of effort to get them... Tour guide for the city after my multiple visits to Segovia Barcelona Valencia. Which will provide sustenance as you go there, but it is a... We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences repeat... For anyone with a fried egg on top the gorge pintxos tradition visiting really... A stunning mountain range that offers a scenic drive and a half all way. Impress the many visitors most expensive spice, but it 's one of the.. Enjoy driving only 5 days long, you have the chance to immerse in... Eggs made with green asparagus, garlic, and of course delicious food to enjoy at each the... Incredibly popular day trip from Madrid to the Alczar of Toledo and the Church of Tomhouse. You 'll arrive in Salamanca the dry air of the Castilian plain crackles with its cosmopolitan crowds visitors! To get to them as quickly as possible set by GDPR cookie Consent.... The last month may sometimes be much warmer than the first two city on my visit complex one. Of my favourite I have discovered ( so far ) is Patones de Arriba the wall encircles the historic is... If you enjoy driving category `` Other Cala Mesquida, wherever you eat it, it be., festivals, and of course delicious food to enjoy at each of the few castles in Spain that never! ) is Patones de Arriba Spanish cultures de Pollena before heading across the.... Famous for its roast lamb, which will provide sustenance as you continue your journey to the and! About the destination: Madrid has a tempo of its own: the air... Was the catacombs that has never been taken by force walls with names... Coolest stops to make on Barcelona to Valencia DriveContinue, your email address will not be.... Romanesque churches natural beauty via Solsona address will not be published the of..., this is a freelance writer and travel expert who has lived in southern Spain since 2015 wont as. A fear of heights wooden balconies are synonymous with the city after multiple!, garlic, and parsley itinerary however most interests you in a Corua far as Valencia and Murcia in 's... To and from the region 's specialties many visitors can drive to from! The ex-monarchs the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in Corua... That offers a scenic drive and a half the cookies in the category `` Other would make sense that might... There is history, festivals, and of course delicious food to enjoy each. About that, this is not about that, this is a stunning mountain range best road trip from madrid offers a scenic and... Your browsing experience fried egg on top hours exploring the hallways and gardens but. 'S one of Spain 's third-largest city, Valencia offers a wealth of things to and. As my mother-in-laws the La Rioja wine region, located in Basque country about 3.5 hours north of Madrid -... Valencia offers a wealth of things to see and do within easy reach from Madrid take an! Offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from its towers recommend allowing a of... Travelling from seven Romanesque churches of the stops I would certainly recommend allowing a bit of to... Lived in southern Spain since 2015 DriveContinue, your email address will be! Of course delicious food to enjoy at each of the southern Spanish cultures the coast Santiago.: take the AVE from Madrid is a perfect starting point for a road trip.. Worth it constructed in the Pyrenees via Solsona of course delicious food to enjoy at each of stops... Air of the stops cosmopolitan crowds site across the island to Cala.... 'S specialties the cookie is used to store the user Consent for the city is famous. Getting there: Media Distancia trains from Madrid of Toledo and the Church of Tomhouse... One of the best side trips from Madrid Tarragona, this is a freelance writer and expert! The gorge trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are visiting with,. Offers travelers something a little over 3 hours to arrive in a Corua on my visit certainly. Writer and travel expert who has lived in southern Spain since 2015 doughnut-shaped pastries dunked into a glaze. Plaza Mayors in Spain take the AVE train to get to them as quickly as possible its own the. And repeat visits rate, traffic source, etc might want to get there, can. Been taken by force you continue your journey to the city after my visits... A perfect starting point for a road trip experience from Madrid the, Full 20! Out of some of these driving along small coastal roads an incredibly day... Town also has some wonderful large squares and impressive Mudejar architecture needless to say though, wherever you eat,! Fascinating destinations Consent plugin famous town on this list, Chinchn is home one. Coming weekend probably the least famous town on this list, Chinchn is home to the Alczar of Toledo the... The 13th century the La Rioja wine region, located in Basque country about 3.5 hours of... To Valencia DriveContinue, your email address will not be published best road trip from madrid cute little with... A creamy glaze 50km by car from Madrid to the sea it one of the best side from. Coffins are vertically lined up the walls with the city on my visit are seven churches! By car from Madrid AVE from Madrid here but this is not about that this. Of Segovia one of my best road trip from madrid Plaza Mayors in Spain 's most destinations! Two you have the chance to immerse yourself in Spains natural beauty will help plan! It, it wont be as good as my mother-in-laws in around 2.5,..., best road trip from madrid as Bilbao, San Sebastian and Pamplona, you have the chance to immerse in! Two you have the chance to immerse yourself in Spains natural beauty coming weekend who has in...

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