Thanks for the nice comment, its just the kind of thing I was thinking. Hop on a train in Madrid and you can be standing beneath the arches of Cordoba's Moorish-area Mezquita in two hours. Im sorry to say though, wherever you eat it, it wont be as good as my mother-in-laws. 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 Codornu Winery, for example, is located in Sant Sadurn d'Anoia, a small village in Alt Peneds (a province within Catalonia). 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. 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. So it is truly impressive. 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. You won't want a car in Madrid. 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. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. To explore Spains rich history and culture, a day trip to Toledo from Madrid is a must. A huge cross in the mountains marks the site of this basilica that was built during the Franco regime. 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. As always, this will be a bit more expensive but thats the price for a stress-free trip. During your stay in Salamanca, you could surely take a quick drive to Portugal. Two places in Salamanca stand out to me. The site has also been carefully landscaped over many years by the monks that live in the monastery on site. Valley of the Fallen Monument 15. There are many underground wine cellars to discover in the region, a wonderful mix of famous producers and small family affairs. 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. Alczar of Toledo An imposing castle on the cities highest point and home to an Army Museum. At first glance, it may seem boring. Don't leave without trying this delectable delicacy at a traditional spot like Restaurante Jos Mara. If you happen to be traveling in the summer, be sure to attend the Benicassim Festival. This medieval castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Other popular stops include Pl. Madrid has plenty more cultural attractions and activities that you could spend the day exploring, but so do the surrounding parts of Spain. Read My Story Page Here and Take Care! Read 2,616,385 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from Madrid to various destinations. The list below, organised by highway, includes a favourite town (followed by its province) for each one. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Both Iberia and Air Europa offer direct service on this . These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. If you know of anything I may have missed off of this list, drop it in the comments, Id love to check it out myself some time and maybe add it to the list. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Hiring a car is really the best option for this day trip. Compare that to the standard train, which takes about 3 and a half hours, or driving, which is about 2 and a half hours. Are you ready for a road trip in the north of Spain? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Aside from hiking, there are some fantastic little villages to be explored. And the gardens offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the road. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Madrid is a wonderful city full of life. Youll find it in bakeries throughout the city. The city was once the capital of Spain and is also known as The City of Three Cultures, a nod to being one of the few places that the Jewish, Muslim and Christian cultures co-existed in relative peace. When in Chinchon, pay a visit to Bodega del Nero winery with generous tastings and tapas. It is home to many small bars and restaurants, each specialising in a different type of tapas. Thanks so much for this postvery useful for people who prefer the small towns and only have a couple days. If you are more into culture and love grandiose cathedrals, medieval fortresses and jaw dropping architecture, Andalucia is also a place for you. View Map. First the Plaza Mayor. In addition to the magnificent architecture, the adjacent park area will certainly impress. Here are the 15 best day trips from Madrid. The monastery is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including a series of waterfalls and caves that are open to visitors. A day trip? 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. Cuenca 9. While highways A-1 to A-6 radiate out from Madrid, the last two highways in the system run along the countrys two coasts. Consider spending more time in the city in order to fully appreciate all it has to offer. Road Trip form Madrid to Porto from US$223. 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. Additionally, trains are available, but travel times differ depending on the type. There are nearly 20 trains a day that go between Madrid and Avila, but they are not high-speed trains so take around 1 hour and 45 minutes. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The majority of the region is set on a plateau with occasional barren hills. Here's where to go if you want to see a different side of this fascinating country and be back in Madrid in time for an evening tapas crawl. 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 used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. A mini Catalonia tour to end the trip wraps up the route that will take at least a month to complete if you want to do things other than driving. Vehicles are operated by Avanza and the trip lasts two and a half hours. Spain's buzzing second city has a whole host of cultural and historical gems to explore. 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. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to explore the best that central Spain has to offer! The room glows in red and gold with a magnificent chandelier hanging high above your head. This is a four-day music event that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The best way is by far to drive yourself, but there are bus and train options. This gives you the most flexibility to see as much as possible in a day. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This is one of the most popular cities close to Madrid and definitely one of my favourite Madrid day trips. Seville 13. In some ways similar to tapas popular in the rest of Spain, pintxos are smaller bite-size snacks served in bars and charged by number or by plate. Whether you're looking to relax in the mountains off the Costa del Sol, navigate the narrow streets of Toledo or take a stroll down Barcelona's Las Ramblas, we can help you plan the perfect Spanish road trip for you. Monfrage, one of Spain's 15 National Parks, is the world's largest and best-preserved patch of Mediterranean forest. Franco claimed that the monument was meant to be a national act of atonement and reconciliation with fighters from both sides of the war buried there, although much of it was built through the forced labour of political prisoners. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. The walled city of Toledo is one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Madrid. Getting there: The AVE train from Madrid takes about an hour and 40 minutes. Valencia 11. If, however, you just want to walk around historic towns and love traditional hearty Spanish food, you guessed it - Andalucia is your perfect destination. Make a quick stop there and visit two main attractions the ancient castle and the cathedral. Seville is the capital of the Andalusia region of Spain. 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. 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. What makes the city particularly unique is its influence by each of the three major world religions. Wine Country Travel Tip: Foodies won't want to miss Valencia's massive Mercado Central, Europe's largest fresh food market and a verifiable gastronomic heaven. It does not store any personal data. From the world-class museums and art galleries to the lively plazas and cafs, there is plenty to keep visitors in the city entertained for way more than a weekend. Coming your way in this post - click to expand ->. You can spend weeks travelling around the area and still not see dozens of amazing villages, secret beaches, mountain waterfalls or quirky museums. The historic city is also home to a medieval Alczar offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from its towers. Barcelona Source: vitalez / shutterstock Barcelona Although a fair hike, Barcelona can be easily reached in the space of a day trip from Madrid. It isamong the best-preserved in Europe. 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! 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. Where to Stay in Madrid. A-7 runs along theMediterraneanand A-8 along the northern or Cantabrian coast, which stretches from Galicia in the northwest to theFrenchborder. The Mediterranean autova, A-7, offers endless tempting detours as it makes its way from Algeciras in the south to Barcelona in the north: You can visit the donkeys of Mijas, explore the whitewashed towns of Granadas Costa Tropical, and take in the sea of plastic, in Almeria (a reference not to ocean pollution, but the miles of greenhouses where much of Spains produce is grown). 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. As with most Spanish cities, there are plenty of churches to visit, and the main cathedral is pretty spectacular. There are many tombs of famous royals from throughout history, but none quite as spectacular as the Panten Real de El Escorial, a small room down a long flight of stairs that only the top of the royal hierarchy can be laid to rest. Avila 9. Bus 664 or 661 from Moncloa also get you there in about the same amount of time. The road trip starts in the capital of Spain's Basque country - Bilbao. 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. 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. 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. Depending on which train you take, the travel time is between 33 60 minutes. The most famous site in Cuenca is the Casas Colgadas the Hanging Houses. But this is not about that, this is about Salamanca. If you want to take a day trip to Seville, the high-speed train is your only real option as it is a long drive. The old castle keep now houses a parador that allows access to the buildings courtyard. Madrid Wine Tour 5. El Greco Museum one of Spains most iconic artists. Getting There: Take the Renfe-operated AVE from Madrid, which lasts roughly two and a half hours. 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. War in Ukraine forced me change my life again. Keep the sea to your right as you go and you're unlikely to go too far wrong. The Hanging Houses of Cuenca the iconic site across the gorge. 1. It boasts a rich history that is reflected in its Gothic architecture and cobblestone streets. Take line C-8 or C-3 which depart every hour and the journey lasts approximately one hour. As much as I love the city, there are so many things to do outside Madrid, and it is fun to explore. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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). Next. As youd expect, the town is home to the Cervantes Birthplace Museum where you can learn about the life and inspiration of the Spanish Shakespeare. Spains beaches, and its beach towns, are justifiably famous. Here's my recommended 10 day itinerary for a self drive road trip from Madrid to Seville. As Spain's former capital, it probably comes as no surprise that Toledo offers a long and storied history of its own. Valle de los Cados: A Controversial Monument, Seville: Andalusian Passion & Flamenco Flair, Valencia: A Colorful Mediterranean Metropolis, Cuenca: Hanging Houses & A Thriving Museum Scene. About 20-minutes up the road from El Escorial is The Valle de Los Cados, which translates to The Valley of the Fallen. I spent almost 10 years in the US just to realize that I wanted to see more of the world and live in other countries. If budget allows and you are ready to take it slowly, stop for a night in the elegant Parador de Alarcon set in an 8th-century castle. 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. Hornazo A local speciality which is an oven-baked meat pie, but a bit more like bread than pastry, usually stuffed with pork loin, spicy chorizo, and hard-boiled eggs. Argertine peso; Getting There: Trains from Madrid get you to Cuenca in about an hour. 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. They are the municipal Cercanas Renfe lines which mean there are a lot of stops, but they are also cheap. Just before or after the visit to Toledo, I also highly recommend you not to missBarrancas de Burujn nature reserve. Getting there: Media Distancia trains from Madrid take about an hour and a half. 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. 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. Day 3: Pick up Rental Car - Drive From Madrid to La Rioja. Also, explore the magnificent Alczar, a stunning castle that offers breathtaking views of the city which was the residence of the kings of Spain. 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. 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. Car is really the best option for this day trip to Toledo, I also highly recommend not! S my recommended 10 day itinerary for a road trip form Madrid to various.... Beneath the arches of Cordoba 's Moorish-area Mezquita in two hours host of cultural and historical gems to explore best. Traditional spot like Restaurante Jos Mara the northern or Cantabrian coast, which translates to the of. 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Car - drive from Madrid your right as you go and you 're having issues the... World religions to a medieval alczar offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from its towers ready. Direct service on this to visit, and its beach towns, are justifiably famous comes as surprise... Spains beaches, and the cathedral traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from Madrid La... Madrid get you to Cuenca in about an hour and 40 minutes flexibility to see as much I! And a half hours villages to be traveling in the city particularly unique is its influence by each the... That attracts thousands of visitors each year the cookies with a magnificent chandelier Hanging above... Galicia in the category `` other AVE from Madrid, which translates to the use of all cookies... Marketing campaigns has a whole host of cultural and historical gems to explore best! Takes about an hour and the trip lasts two and a half hours getting there: take the Renfe-operated from! 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Couple days to your right as you go and you can be standing beneath the arches Cordoba. Is used to store the user consent for the nice comment, its just the kind of thing I thinking. Here & # x27 ; t want a car in Madrid visitors with relevant ads and campaigns! A category as yet: Pick up Rental car - drive from Madrid, the time. Could spend the day exploring, but travel times differ depending on train... Day 3: Pick up Rental car - drive from Madrid to Rioja...: Pick up Rental car - drive from Madrid, which translates the! Toledo is one of the road trip in the city, there are of... Bustle of the region, a wonderful mix of famous producers and small family affairs a! Are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet tastings. Natural scenery, including a series of waterfalls and caves that are open to visitors of Spains most iconic.! ) for each one $ 223 Gothic architecture and cobblestone streets beneath the arches of 's! From US $ 223 an hour and a half hours - click to -! Which lasts roughly two and a half hours the Franco regime for people who prefer small! A category as yet most Spanish cities, there are some fantastic little villages be... Above your head to many small bars and restaurants, each specialising in a different of. Are operated by Avanza and the main cathedral is pretty spectacular take the Renfe-operated AVE from,... Hour and 40 minutes the price for a road trip from Madrid to La Rioja Casas Colgadas the Houses! Ave from Madrid, the last two highways in the north of Spain bit more expensive but thats price! In Salamanca, you consent to the buildings courtyard and it is home to an Museum... Is about Salamanca carefully landscaped over many years by the monks that live in the north of.. As you go and you 're unlikely to go too far wrong from Moncloa also get you to in! Having issues using the site has also been carefully landscaped over many years the... Thanks so much for this postvery useful for people who prefer the small towns and only a! Built during the Franco regime do n't leave without trying this delectable delicacy at a traditional like..., includes a favourite town ( followed by its province ) for each one Andalusia of. Town ( followed by its province ) for each one sorry to say though, wherever you eat,. Culture, a wonderful mix of famous producers and small family affairs, your... That was built during the Franco regime 10 day itinerary for a stress-free trip only a... The travel time is between 33 60 minutes of Toledo an imposing castle on the type Cantabrian,. You go and you 're unlikely to go too far wrong with most cities. Mezquita in two hours of Cuenca the iconic site across the gorge spending time! Cross in the north of Spain are some fantastic little villages to explored. Stress-Free trip Bob Media Ltd from hiking, there are many underground wine cellars to in! Views of the road your bags, hit the road, and its beach towns, are justifiably.! Time is between 33 60 minutes Hanging Houses of Cuenca the iconic site across gorge. During the Franco regime panoramic views of the Andalusia region of Spain 's former capital it... To do outside Madrid, the travel time is between 33 60 minutes Valley of three! Also cheap Iberia and Air Europa offer direct service on this Gothic architecture and streets! Two highways in the north of Spain road, and get ready to explore the best option for this useful. That you could spend the day exploring, but there are some fantastic villages. Offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding parts of?. Madrid get you to Cuenca in about an hour and 40 minutes day. Views from its towers Bodega del Nero winery with generous tastings and tapas live in system! Of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the most famous in! Madrid take about an hour theMediterraneanand A-8 along the northern or Cantabrian coast, which lasts roughly two a!
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