If you are visiting Madrid for more than a few days, definitely plan one or more day trips outside the city. While there’s tons to do in Madrid, getting outside of the city limits is a great way to better experience the culture and beauty of Spain. Here our eight of our favorites that are located 1-2 hours outside of Madrid.
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1. Toledo
Toledo, known as the “City of Three Cultures,” is a place where Christians, Muslims, and Jewish communities have coexisted peaceably for centuries. The result is boundless architectural and artistic treasures. Dating from the Bronze age, Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, gawk at ancient city walls, admire religious landmarks, and enjoy glorious panoramic views of the countryside and Tagus River.
While you are in the city, take some time to visit its many museums and galleries. You can also see live demonstrations of traditional crafts such as metalwork and sword-making. And don’t miss local food specialties such as migas (breadcrumbs with sausage), caramusas (stewed meat), and marzipan (almond paste candy).
Logistics
Located just an hour away, Toledo should definitely be top of your list of day trips from Madrid. You can easily reach Toledo via train or group tour. Plan to spend 3-6 hours in Toledo depending on what you want to do.
2. Segovia
Dating back to ancient times, Segovia is another lovely Spanish town steeped in history. The town is full of cultural and historic attractions to visit. The most striking attraction is the remarkably-preserved Roman Aqueduct. Dating from the 1st century, this structure of unmortared granite stones brought water from springs in the mountains 11 miles away to the city’s fountains, public baths and private houses. Amazingly, it was in use until 1973!
Another must-see place is the Alcázar of Segovia, a medieval fortress overlooking the city. It’s turrets and fairy-tale appearance are said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Inside you will find amazing displays of artifacts as well as a brilliantly decorated interior. Other historic places to visit include the Gothic style Segovia Cathedral towering in the historic center and several Romanesque churches dating from the Middle Ages.
Wander around the charming village enjoying the unique architecture, squares, and plenty of cafes and shops. Take time to feast on cochinillo (roast suckling pig), cordero (roast lamb) and other Castillian specialties paired with local wines.
This is my absolute favorite of all the options for day trips from Madrid. It’s not to be missed!
Logistics
Segovia is only about an hour away from Madrid, and you can reach it via train or group tour. Upon arrival, plan to spend 2-3 hours visiting the main sites. A day trip to Segovia can easily be paired with a trip to Ávila as they are only 40 miles apart, but this is best done by group tour.
3. Ávila
Ávila has some of the most well-preserved medieval walls in Europe. They encircle the entire old town and visitors can walk along them for a panoramic view of the city. Known for its religious heritage and association with Saint Teresa, there are many religious sites you can visit such as the Cathedral of Ávila, Basilica of San Vincente, the Convent of Saint Teresa, and the Teresa de Jesús Museum.
Like the many other towns in this list of great day trips from Madrid, Ávila oozes charm with well-preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic plazas. Enjoy tucking into the hearty Castillian dishes on offer such as grilled meats and the local specialty yemas de Ávila which is a egg yolk pastry.
Logistics
Ávila is about two hours from Madrid via train or one hour by car. It is best visited along with Segovia on a group tour. Plan to spend 2-3 hours visiting the main sites in Ávila.
4. Chinchón
You may enjoy getting to Chinchón as much as you do this lovely medieval town! The bucolic countryside you travel through consists of breathtaking views of olive groves, vineyards, and wheat fields. If you love wine, this is a great place to visit wineries!
In town, explore the Plaza Mayor, a beautiful and well-preserved main square. Then visit the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción and climb its Mudejar-style tower for panoramic views of Chinchón. You can also visit the ruins of Chinchón Castle and learn more about the town’s medieval past.
Like all of these day trips from Madrid, Lunch won’t be a problem! Chinchón has many restaurants and taverns serving local specialities such as cocido madrileño (chickpea-based stew) and roast suckling pig. Wash it down with Anisette, a anise-flavored liqueur that Chinchón is famous for. You can also visit a Anisette distillery to see how it is made!
Logistics
Chinchón is about an hour away from Madrid, and you can reach it via train or group tour. Upon arrival, plan to spend a few hours visiting the main sites and more time if you want to visit the countryside for wine tasting or hiking.
5. San Lorenzo de El Escorial
San Lorenzo de El Escorial is the home of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. The main attraction in town is the 16th century Royal Monastery which is considered an architectural masterpiece and symbol of Spain’s Golden Age. The complex features a royal palace, basilica, monastery, library, mausoleum for Spanish royalty, and museum.
After you have had your fill of the stunning architecture and art of the monastery, make your way to the nearby Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. Here you can enjoy outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You can also visit the Valley of the Fallen, a Francoist regime monument and memorial which opened in 1959. This site marks the graves of 33,000 people who died in the Spanish Civil War.
Logistics
Located just an hour away, San Lorenzo de El Escorial can easily be reached by train or group tour. Plan to spend 2-3 hours exploring the monastery and another hour at the Valley of the Fallen. Add additional time for any outdoor pursuits you wish to pursue. If you are just interested in visiting the national park, this tour is a good option.
6. Aranjuez
Aranjuez is yet another charming town with a rich cultural heritage on our list of day trips from Madrid! Perched on the bank or the Tagus river, it is the home of the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 18th century palace was a royal residence and boasts opulent rooms and exquisite gardens.
After touring the palace, take a boat ride along the Tagus river to admire the town from the water. You can also visit other historic sites such as the Casa del Labrador country house and the Spanish Baroque style Church of San Antonio. And Aranjuez is another lovely Spanish town where you can find delicious cuisine. Its proximity to the Tagus River promises delicious freshwater fish options.
Logistics
Aranjuez is a quick 45 minute train ride from Madrid and about an hour by car. Private tours to Aranjuez from Madrid are available. Or opt for this unique opportunity to see Aranjuez from above in a hot air balloon!
7. Consuegra
Consuegra is best known for a collection of 12 windmills dating from the 16th century. These are the windmills referenced in the novel “Don Quixote.” You can tour the inside of the windmills and learn about their historical significance as well as see how they operate.
You can also explore the ruins of the medieval Castle of Consuegra. From it’s perch on the top of a hill by the iconic windmills, enjoy a panoramic view of the region’s rolling hills, vineyards, and wheat and saffron fields. Then wander through the picturesque town center filled with narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings.
Lunch in Consuegra must contain dishes made with local ingredients such as saffron, olive oil, and Manchego cheese. In fact, take some time to visit local saffron farms to learn about how the spice is deeply ingrained into the town’s cultural identity.
Logistics
Consuegra is the only place on this list of day trips from Madrid where train transportation is not possible. You can rent a car and drive there. Or you can take a guided tour combined with a visit to Toledo from Madrid.
8. Cuenca
Our final stop on our day trips from Madrid is Cuenca. One of the most amazing sites in the town are the medieval Casas Colgadas (hanging houses) clinging to the edge of a gorge overlooking the Huécar River. Enjoy a great view of these houses from Puente de San Pablo, and continue over the bridge for access to hiking trails that offer scenic viewpoints. Also visit the Museo de Arte Abstracto Español, a collection of Spanish abstract art located here.
Make sure to take time to explore Cuenca’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While you are there, visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria and San Julián. This Gothic cathedral features a stunning façade, a stained glass rose window, and a bell tower that dominates the city’s skyline. For lunch, make sure to try some regional dishes such as morteruelo (pâté), cordero al ajillo (garlic lamb), and zarajos (grilled lamb intestines).
Head outside the city to visit Ciudad Encantada, a collection of limestone rock formations sculpted by erosion. Then enjoy the many outdoor pursuits available such as hiking, rock climbing, and water sports.
Logistics
Cuenca is about two hours from Madrid via car or one hour by train. If you don’t want to go there on your own, opt for a group tour out of Madrid to see the main sites. Expect to spend 3-6 hours exploring the city.
What tops your list of day trips from Madrid
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