However, as amazing as it is, a day trip to Seville from Madrid is not cheap, but it is definitely worth it. Travel Compositor in some cases conditions the use of the Service to the previous completion . Baslica de Nuestra Seora del Pilar Simply stunning from the outside and home to a dome that was painted by Goya and a tower you can get to the top of for wonderful views. To enjoy Madrid's idyllic side complete with classic terraces and markets, La Latina is the place to be! El Escorial is a town just to the north of Madrid that most people visit to see the imposing Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, and the nearby Valley of the Fallen, a Catholic basilica and controversial civil war memorial. This dish is usually made roasted and it refers to a very young lamb. Alongside Madrid, it is one of my favourite plaza mayors in Spain. The village also has deep historic and cultural roots at the Cave of the Seven Altars, visitors can see sacred art by Visigoths; portions of the Fernn Gonzlez castle date to the Moorish occupation in the 10th century; and the Romanesque church of the Virgen de la Pea was built in the 12th century. The Toledano are experts at crafting swords and stunning marzipan desserts. The highway that connects Madrid with Cadiz, on Spains southwestern coast, has as many colours as it has detours: the indigo blue doors of La Mancha, the green mantle of the olive groves of Jan, and the white villages that sit on hilltops and which become more common after you pass the Despeaperros National Park, in the north of Andalusia. 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. Of course. 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. If you love the mountains, hiking and being off the beaten track, a road trip around Catalonia is definitely the best choice in Spain. 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. The palace is characterized by luxury and rich decoration. There are tonnes of great places to stop including Roses resort, the canals of Empuriabrava, L'Escala and Begur. If you are looking for the perfect Toledo souvenirs then a sword would be the right choice. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This road trip is a perfect mix of culture and relaxation so if you want to blend the two, give it a go. Use an aggregator rather than booking directly from a rental company as it gives you protection in case something goes wrong. 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. The journey spans a distance of approximately 350 kilometers. Be sure to visit the 15th-century Palace of the Infantado, the citys stunning Gothic cathedral, and the Teatro Buero Vallejo, a modern theater with a striking design. The streets of the old Jewish Quarter Great food & great stories, you can really get into the history of Seville in this area. I offer you the top 6 of beautiful destinations where you can go on a day trip from Madrid by car. The Assumption of the Virgin by Goya in the church. 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. When in Chinchon, pay a visit to Bodega del Nero winery with generous tastings and tapas. Its a simple motorway so little chance of getting lost, although the road does get pretty busy at rush hour. Its magnificent Mudejar temples coexist together with spectacular modern buildings and its cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. There is a whole lot more to Spain's Catalonia region than Barcelona. One other thing to bear in mind, if you are travelling with teenagers, Chinchn is really close to the Warner Brothers Theme Park. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE, WE EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES, Best Time to Go on Road Trips from Madrid, 1.) The Castle not much of a castle left, but wonderful views and lots of restaurants. Spain's north-west corner lying on the Bay of Biscay and bordering France is full of history, tradition and mountains. A short trip with a lot of breathtaking views and cliffs in the north and resorts with fantastic beaches on the south can be the perfect way to unwind on a short break! Andalusia, Spain's southernmost region, is often what people imagine Spain to be: sultry and passionate, with a near-constant soundtrack of flamenco beats. Dating back to the 15th Century, the houses were built into the cliff overlooking the steep ravine. 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. But this is nearer the beginning of the rivers life. If the Atlantic Ocean and Portugal are calling you, the A-5 highway, which crosses the region of Extremadura to the Spanish-Portuguese border, has surprises like the town of Miajadas, in the province of Cceres, not far from Trujillo (famous as the birthplace of many of the men who explored and conquered the Americas). Segovia 2. El Escorial & The Valley of the Fallen, Final thoughts on the best day trips from Madrid, Best Travel Tripod Under $100 With Buying Tips, What to see in Zaragoza: 12 Unmissable Sites. And if at this point youd love to stay in a unique location, then Monasterio de Piedra can be an excellent choice. 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. We'd love to see how you get on! Seville is the capital of the Andalusia region of Spain. Day 1: Explore Madrid Day 2: Explore Madrid Day 3: Day Trip By Train To Segovia or Cuenca Day 4: Drive To Cordoba, Stop in Toledo Day 5: Explore Cordoba If you are visiting wine regions, I would always recommend taking a tour as you can then relax and enjoy without worrying about drink-drive limits. Pestana Holidays powered by Travel Compositor Sales & Support +351 215551041. 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. 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. 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. Cochinillo Asado a local traditional roasted pig fed on a special diet and cooked in a special oven. 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. Puerto de Navacerrada (Ski Resort) 10. There is history, festivals, and of course delicious food to enjoy at each of the stops. Hop on a train in Madrid and you can be standing beneath the arches of Cordoba's Moorish-area Mezquita in two hours. Aljafera Palace an old Moorish palace with some lovely courtyards. A great route around the region can start and end in Barcelona to make it easy with flights. Getting lost in Toledo's tightly-knotted streets is the best way to explore the city, particularly the narrow alleys around Plaza Santa Clara. If you choose not to take the strawberry train, other organised tours will take you to the town or you can also drive yourself. 1. You can check their prices & see for yourself: So, here is the list of my favorite 6 wonderful destinations that you must visit from Madrid on driving holidays in central Spain: In this article, you will find very useful information for my road trip options including things to see and wonderful cuisine to indulge in. Naturally. It is famous for its medieval castle, which was the site of the marriage of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand in 1469. On day two you have the chance to shape your Spain itinerary however most interests you. . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". You can extend this road trip to include the historic Spanish cities of Leon and Burgos in the north of the province, but that will add a lot of mileage and time to your trip and southern Castille and Leon has a huge amount to see already - you can easily spend 2 weeks exploring this part of Spain and see new places every day. Other than the Hercules Tower, the main sight here is the light house. You can take the direct short cut but you will miss out on a whole lot of stunning scenery, ocean-facing cliffs and spectacular locations for light houses - on the shoreline, on cliffs and even on their own islands. 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. Spain's buzzing second city has a whole host of cultural and historical gems to explore. Here's my recommended 10 day itinerary for a self drive road trip from Madrid to Seville. Take a boat tour of the parks lagoon or enjoy a picnic on the sandy shores. Once you've hiked amazing gorges and filled yourself with pastries, it's time to hit the road and drive on to Oviedo and La Coruna. More Than 50 Vital Travel Tips For Barcelona: Dont Make These Mistakes! Travel Tip: Due to the required stop in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, many travelers choose to combine the two into a single day trip from Madrid. The Sagrada Famlia and Park Gell are the must-visit sights in Barcelona. Travel Tip: Stock up on saffron while in Consuegra. 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 tickets cost in the region of 100 each way, but If you can book tickets early, there is a good chance you can save up to 25%. Once again were back on the train. 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! Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Another thing is to walk along the streets of Salamancas old town as it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. For each recommendation, I have also included information about how to get there. Quick Barcelona to Madrid drive itinerary Distance - 955.7 km (593.8 miles) Time - 7 days Day 1 - Barcelona to Tarragona: 99.6 km (61.8 miles) Day 2 - Tarragona to Valencia: 259 km (160.9 miles) Day 3 - Valencia Day 4 - Valencia to Albacete: 185 km (114.9 miles) Day 5 - Albacete to Cuenca: 160 km (99.4 miles) Day 6 - Cuenca to Toledo: 179 km (111.2 miles) Hop on a train in Madrid and you can be standing beneath the arches of Cordoba's Moorish-area Mezquita in two hours. After a visit to the city that shares its name with the Castile and Leon region, the trip ends with a drive through the Ribera del Duero wine region - hugely underrated relative to Rioja and the Portuguese Douro wine further down the same river valley. Login to continue Create your account Register. The first stop is the La Rioja wine region, located in Basque Country about 3.5 hours north of Madrid. The trip then continues around the coast to Santiago de Compostela. Structuring Your 3 Days in Madrid. Castilla - La Mancha is one of the largest regions of Spain and also one of the least well known by tourists. Hiring a car is really the best option for this day trip. These periods are considered the best time to visit Madrid since summers might get too hot while winters can be pretty gray here. If the illuminated shop windows along the Gran Va, and the unrelenting elegance of Paseo de la Castellana are overwhelming, retreat to Old Madrid. 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. Spring lasts from March to May, though the last month may sometimes be much warmer than the first two. You can also visit local wineries and sample some of Spains best wines, such as La Cabrera and Venturada. Welcome! It is only a short detour from Toledo where Martian-like mountains are located right next to the reservoir. 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. Aranjuez: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Royal Palace and luxurious gardens with magnificent landscapes, fountains, and sculptures. She is working online and thats why has an opportunity to travel a lot and live in different countries. Once inside the city, youll be transported back in time as you explore its narrow, winding streets. In this post, I havent even mentioned some of the micro trips and things to do in surrounding towns in Madrid. The only real way is driving. The old castle keep now houses a parador that allows access to the buildings courtyard. View from the Roman viewpoint of Montoro, Crdoba. The area of Aranjuez was a traditional strawberry producing powerhouse, and the Strawberry Train tries to take you back to this era. It really is postcard perfect. If you are visiting with kids, I would certainly recommend allowing a bit of time to visit the Paleontological Museum of Cuenca. I have been there a few times now and it is such a picturesque little village. Ribera del Duero 12. ), but it's definitely one to keep in mind if you want to unwind and keep yourself away from the tourist traps around Spain. It boasts a rich history that is reflected in its Gothic architecture and cobblestone streets. 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. You could be in the neighboring country in an hour and as you go there, you have to stop in Ciudad Rodrigo. The Royal Alcazar A must see. There are some fantastic hotels if you want to really relax and go off the grid for a few days - we have stayed at The Arantza Hotela in the foothills of Pyrenees and cannot recommend it highly enough - it is expensive but super luxurious and worth it! I would recommend Arganda as the place to plan most of your visits, however, San Martin does have a lovely reservoir and beach you can visit as part of the day trip. Start by heading along the narrow cliff roads along the coast to Valdemossa and Soler - the two very popular destinations to the north of Palma. Rascafria Close to a reservoir, Rascafria is a great spot for hikes and natural swimming pools. A world-known event where the main ingredient is a tomato-throwing festival. The best way is by far to drive yourself, but there are bus and train options. Bus 664 or 661 from Moncloa also get you there in about the same amount of time. If you have enough time to also explore the trails in the foothills of the Parque Natural Sierra de Cardea y Montoro (a half-hour north of town), you may even cross paths with an Iberian lynx. And if you go on this drive through Segovia (which I highly recommend doing! The result is a wonderful harmony of natural falls and crafted waterways to impress the many visitors. Puebla de la Sierra is a nice little village with a very good restaurant and easy hiking routes. On your stop in Guadalajara, you should try wild boar stew, hare, or deer. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Read My Story Page Here and Take Care! Getting There: Madrid's commuter train, the Cercanas, will get you to El Escorial in about an hour. About the destination: Madrid has a tempo of its own: The dry air of the Castilian plain crackles with its cosmopolitan crowds. 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. The monastery is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including a series of waterfalls and caves that are open to visitors. 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. The Medieval plaza is surrounded by old buildings with iconic wooden balconies, it is like a little time trap as you step into the past. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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. With this stay, youll spend a night in a real castle and have time to explore the historical village it is located in. On this road trip from Madrid to Zaragoza, you will explore the beauty and history of central Spain. The best way to see Avila is either by organised tour or driving yourself. As Spain's former capital, it probably comes as no surprise that Toledo offers a long and storied history of its own. 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. If you have time, a trip out to the shimmering Muslim palace-city of Medina Azahara is well worth the effort as well. Want to experience an amazing Spain road trip but not sure where to go? It does seem like a lot, but it is certainly a city worth visiting to really enjoy some of the southern Spanish cultures. Youll see a different side of Spain on your escape to the seashore if you just slow down. The small town of Aranjuez is a nice escape from the city of Madrid. It can take close to 2 hours to get there. Once you arrive at the El Escorial train station, it is about a 15 20-minute walk uphill to get to Monastery of El Escorial. 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. Toledo is famous for its beautiful churches. Protos is my personal favourite. 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. Salamanca 7. 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. 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. The only real way to enjoy a day trip from Madrid to Salamanca is by driving yourself, it takes about two hours to drive to the city. Decadent facades are on all four sides and there is a great little microbrewery to grab a drink, just sit and enjoy some people watching. It covers a length of over 70 miles through Castile-Len. It takes a little under 3 hours each way, but with regular departures throughout the day from Madrids Atocha Station, there is plenty of time to see the city highlights and be back in Madrid by bedtime. However, from our experience, we noticed that Discover Cars has much better offers, especially in the winter season in Madrid. 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. 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The must-visit sights in Barcelona to make it easy with flights the shimmering palace-city. You are looking for the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' Toledo offers a long and history! Castilian plain crackles with its cosmopolitan crowds or 661 from Moncloa also get you there in about an.! Can take Close to 2 hours to get there pretty gray here tour or yourself. Hiring a car is really the best option for this day trip different. Purchases, best time to visit Madrid since summers might get too hot winters. In the neighboring country in an hour and as you explore its narrow, streets..., such as La Cabrera and Venturada castilla - La Mancha is one of the marriage of Queen Isabella King! Offers a long and storied history of its own of natural falls and crafted waterways to impress the many.. Of Biscay and bordering France is full of history, festivals, and sculptures courtyard... You to El Escorial in about an hour and as you go on road from...