best road trip from madrid

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 The town of Medina del Campo is another point of interest worth a stop. El Greco Museum one of Spains most iconic artists. As with most of these day trips from Madrid, the most sensible option would be the train. 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. It is only 45 minutes by car or a little under an hour by train. 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 best way to see Avila is either by organised tour or driving yourself. More Than 50 Vital Travel Tips For Barcelona: Dont Make These Mistakes! The drive from Madrid to Toledo takes you through rolling hills and authentic local countryside life. View from the Roman viewpoint of Montoro, Crdoba. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Bilbao 14. Alongside Madrid, it is one of my favourite plaza mayors in Spain. Make a reservation through their website online or through Instagram. However, from our experience, we noticed that Discover Cars has much better offers, especially in the winter season in Madrid. Forgot your password? Medina del Campo: It is just a short drive from Coca. 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. Aside from hiking, there are some fantastic little villages to be explored. 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. While the massive white structures are certainly the town's biggest draw, the Moorish castle should not be overlooked, either. It does not store any personal data. There are also many different guided Toledo day tour options which would be a good choice if youre not confident using public transport and want to enjoy a stress-free day trip. 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) If, however, you just want to walk around historic towns and love traditional hearty Spanish food, you guessed it - Andalucia is your perfect destination. Years of erosion by the Rio Piedra have created some spectacular waterfalls that visitors can visit and wander around. Road Trip form Madrid to Porto from US$223. Another great option is the Huevos al Salmorrejo, these are eggs made with green asparagus, garlic, and parsley. A huge cross in the mountains marks the site of this basilica that was built during the Franco regime. If you love the sun, beaches and perfect mountain hideaways overlooking the sea, Andalucia is the place for you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It is famous for its medieval castle, which was the site of the marriage of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand in 1469. This is a four-day music event that attracts thousands of visitors each year. What I love about the city is it is super easy to get to by train and just the perfect size for a day trip. As you approach Toledo, youll be greeted by the citys ancient walls. La Granja Palace, a highlight of San Ildefonso, is a clear testament to the wealth and grandeur of the Spanish monarchy of the 18th century which led the worlds largest power with colonies around the world. Getting There: Take the Renfe-operated AVE from Madrid, which lasts roughly two and a half hours. While highways A-1 to A-6 radiate out from Madrid, the last two highways in the system run along the countrys two coasts. This road trip through Spain's heartland comes in a loop that starts and ends in the Segovia province. Read 2,616,385 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from Madrid to various destinations. The city walls are some of the best around from the outside and walking along the top. Madrid is a vibrant, exciting city, and art and culture lovers will love the array of museums and art galleries. Day 1 Madrid Itinerary: Get Acquainted + Major Sights. Spain's buzzing second city has a whole host of cultural and historical gems to explore. With this stay, youll spend a night in a real castle and have time to explore the historical village it is located in. In addition to the magnificent architecture, the adjacent park area will certainly impress. During these seasons, the weather is mild and it allows you to truly enjoy every stop. Royal Palace of Aranjuez 8. The area of Aranjuez was a traditional strawberry producing powerhouse, and the Strawberry Train tries to take you back to this era. Show only these on map LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. Monasterio de Piedra: Just a short drive from Zaragoza, the Monasterio de Piedra is another breathtaking stop on your road trip. The main attractions of Valladolid are the 16th-century Cathedral, the National Sculpture Museum, and the Cervantes House. You can also visit local wineries and sample some of Spains best wines, such as La Cabrera and Venturada. On this road trip from Madrid to Zaragoza, you will explore the beauty and history of central Spain. Getting There: Take the high-speed AVE train from Madrid (operated by Renfe, Spain's national rail service) to get there in two and a half hours. Toledo 3. 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. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend . It is one of the most interesting shortest road trips from Madrid which you can easily turn into a multi-day drive as the number of places to visit is huge. Required fields are marked *. Compare that to the standard train, which takes about 3 and a half hours, or driving, which is about 2 and a half hours. The Segovia train station is a bit outside of the city itself, so when you arrive you will require a quick bus or taxi ride to get into the centre. Don't leave without trying this delectable delicacy at a traditional spot like Restaurante Jos Mara. 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. At the seaside enclave where the Urola and Narrondo rivers meet, steep streets lead down to the harbour, the centre of activity and life. Take a boat tour of the parks lagoon or enjoy a picnic on the sandy shores. During these seasons, the weather is mild and it allows you to truly enjoy every stop. 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. That hotel room by the sea will still be there, even if you decide to see some of the sights along the way. The train takes around 30 mins from Madrid to Segovia. 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. 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. 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. The streets of the old Jewish Quarter Great food & great stories, you can really get into the history of Seville in this area. 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. Forgot your password? It is around one hour by car from Madrid or just 30 mins by high speed train from Madrids Atocha station. Two places in Salamanca stand out to me. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Castille Leon - visit the heart of Spain, 7. Hopefully, youll understand why I always recommend it as my best day trip from Madrid. Interested to learn more? Learn how your comment data is processed. She is working online and thats why has an opportunity to travel a lot and live in different countries. The palace houses a museum and library, and the surrounding grounds are a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities. Its a simple motorway so little chance of getting lost, although the road does get pretty busy at rush hour. Other popular stops include Pl. A great route around the region can start and end in Barcelona to make it easy with flights. Aliva 4. The biggest thing in the city is the university, it was the first one in Spain and is widely recognised as one of the best in the world with students from around the globe. San Ildefonso: A must-visit stop on this road trip from Madrid for anyone who wants to see the luxurious royal residence of the 18th century. 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. If you do end up doing this one, please let us know! It is a nice stop on the way to Salamanca, or as mentioned previously, part of a multi-stop organised tour. User or email address Password Remember me. 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. 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. I know, a lot of people prefer the southern region with its Moorish sights, flamenco, stunning beaches, whitewashed villages, milder winters,, Full Article Northern Coast of Spain Travel Guide Best Places to Visit, Things to See & DoContinue, While Barcelona and Valencia on their own have so much to offer that youd need to spend at least a few days in each city, Barcelona to Valencia drive is no less spectacular. Is Madrid Worth Visiting? Really? As you would expect, this gives the city a rather sophisticated feel of one steeped in academic history. Hike through one of the best bird reserves in the country. And the gardens offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the road. Best Time to visit Madrid Madrid is a city with four lovely seasons, loveliest of which are spring and fall. The wooden balconies are synonymous with the city and certainly not a place for anyone with a fear of heights. ), then in this city try the roasted Cochinillo (Pork) or Lechazo (lamb). Spains beaches, and its beach towns, are justifiably famous. This trip includes a mix of beaches, historic Spanish cities and exploring nature - a perfect mix for a Spanish road trip! The Ribera del Duero wine route runs along the Duero river, the same one that flows all the way through Portugal and is famous for Port wine. As you make your way toward Valencia, build your road trip itinerary in that way where you visit first Aranjuez and then Cuenca. Of the countrys eight autovas, its modern toll-free highways, A-1 to A-6, extend out from the capital. The Granjilla de La Fresneda expansive gardens. After a couple days of sightseeing, it's time to hit the road and head on south to Ciudad Real via Consuegra and Daimiel. ), but it's definitely one to keep in mind if you want to unwind and keep yourself away from the tourist traps around Spain. The first stop is the La Rioja wine region, located in Basque Country about 3.5 hours north of Madrid. Getting There: Madrid's commuter train, the Cercanas, will get you to El Escorial in about an hour. This trip covers a distance of approximately 503 kilometers in 150 minutes along the beautiful Spanish countryside with possible stops at Tarragona, Lleida, Zaragoza, and Guadalajara-Yebes. Valladolid: In the Middle Ages, Valladolid served as the residence of the Spanish and Castilian monarchs. 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. However, my highlight is a network of alleyways called El Tubo. Take a day to see the city and its surroundings - seafood here is amazing as it's a functioning port supplying much of the region and beyond. Honest Answers About the Spanish CapitalContinue, For a long time, I wanted to visit the northern coast of Spain. 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. 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. Most beautiful towns & cities along the Bay of Biscay. The local variety of castellano is incredibly pure and easy to understand. Getting There: AVANT trains operated by Renfe leave Madrid frequently and get you to Toledo in about half an hour. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. 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. There is something for everybody in Bilbao with superb pintxos in street bars and michelin-starred restaurants, medieval streets and modern boulevards. Other than the Hercules Tower, the main sight here is the light house. Year-round, restaurants serve dishes like tomato soup and jams made from the four varieties of tomatoes commonly grown here. It is a huge square where you will find the gorgeous basilica, La SEO Cathedral and the entrance to the historic Roman parts of the city. Also allegedly one of the major inspirations for Walt Disneys castle. If you want to just relax and enjoy the day, then tours with pick up and drop off are available and offer good value. However, most visitors to the city take what is known as the Strawberry Train. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Are you ready for a road trip in the north of Spain? Head back to Madrid for the last night of your trip and go out in true Spanish style with a flamenco dinner. Marvel at Madrid's Royal Palace - the largest in Western Europe. Many don't associate Mallorca with a road trip, but the island has a huge amount to offer beside the beaches and clubs. The towns rich history is reflected in churches like the 12th-century San Pedro and the 13th-century Convent of Santa Clara. 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. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on doing a lot of walking. 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. Yet, get your appetite ready for Valladolid, as food options there are endless. Day 2 Madrid Itinerary: Art + Retiro Park + Gran Via. It also boasts a convenient location right in the heart of Spain itself, which makes the city a perfect home base when it comes to exploring the rest of the country. Protos is my personal favourite. 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 trip continues east to Cuenca and Siguenza - both stunning towns but in completely different ways and both very different from a lot of typical Spanish destinations. These periods are considered the best time to visit Madrid since summers might get too hot while winters can be pretty gray here. 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. Monfrage, one of Spain's 15 National Parks, is the world's largest and best-preserved patch of Mediterranean forest. There are regular buses from Madrid to Salamanca, operated by Avanzabus. The roads through the Pyrenees are fantastic and can make for really great road trips with the added bonus of hardly any other cars as you drive around. Login to continue Create your account Register. A world-known event where the main ingredient is a tomato-throwing festival. To enjoy Madrid's idyllic side complete with classic terraces and markets, La Latina is the place to be! The most famous site in Cuenca is the Casas Colgadas the Hanging Houses. There you can see examples of the architectural style of different eras: Romanesque, Gothic, Late Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque, learn about its rich cultural heritage, and fascinating history. Once you set off, the best way to see the island is to drive all the way around. Also, try some other kinds of rice like senyoret (with peeled seafood) or a banda (a very thin layer of rice with seafood). Avila 9. Next. If not, you should definitely plan one since this region is full of wonders! If you choose not to take the strawberry train, other organised tours will take you to the town or you can also drive yourself. 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. Another popular day trip from Madrid is Toledo, the old capital of Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The A-1 autova connects Madrid with Irn, in Guipzcoa (a province in Spains Basque country, next to the French border). After passing the Vixia Herbeira cliffs, you'll arrive in A Corua. 1. Of course, you must try the authentic Valencian Paella (rabbit and vegetable paella) once in Valencia city. The palace is famous for its ornate Baroque architecture and lovely fountains. This is one of the most popular cities close to Madrid and definitely one of my favourite Madrid day trips. There is a bus option, but it takes a bit longer, or you can hire a car and drive yourself which will take around an hour and a half. 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. The city is also home to the Alczar of Toledo. The road trip starts in the capital of Spain's Basque country - Bilbao. They leave from the Madrid Sur bus station but take a little over 3 hours to arrive in Salamanca. Its medieval architecture, including a Roman arch unique for its triple arches and a castle, are a testament to its rich history. Castilla - La Mancha is one of the largest regions of Spain and also one of the least well known by tourists. Throw in Spain's excellent network of intercity transportation (particularly the AVE high-speed train), and there's really no excuse not to take one of these day trips from Madrid. 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. Day 3: Pick up Rental Car - Drive From Madrid to Laguardia - Wine Tour. Alcala de Henares is in zone B-3 which means a return ticket can be bought for less than 5. Just some of them are Aranjuez, Cuenca, Albacete, and others. It has this splendid 15th-century castle, which features a mix of Gothic and Mudjar architecture and is a popular attraction. Show only these on map Parque Warner Madrid Save On 3 lists Amusement park Segovia: As you continue on your journey towards Salamanca, make a stop in Segovia and visit the iconic Roman aqueduct 728 meters long. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The C-2 Cercanas line runs from Atocha to Alcala de Henares. So this is it, my list of road trips from Madrid for now. It covers a length of over 70 miles through Castile-Len. As you can imagine, this region is well known for hunting, so there is a huge variety of meats. Another option is to fly to nearby Bilbao, which is 64 miles (103 kilometers) from San Sebastian, and then take a one-hour bus ride to San Sebastian. Best Things to do in Madrid Explore Madrid's Art Triangle; the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofa and the Thyssen-Bornemisza are considered the best art galleries. This is due to the citys historical metalworking industry. 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. Old stone houses and lush gardens line the banks of the Arnoia, as it makes its way through town. The Madrid to Toledo train runs on average 8 times a day, leaving approximately every two and a half hours, between 6:50 am and 9:50 pm from Madrids Atocha station. Toledo is famous as a blend of Christian, Muslim and Jewish religions and cultures. But this is nearer the beginning of the rivers life. Spring lasts from March to May, though the last month may sometimes be much warmer than the first two. I have been there a few times now and it is such a picturesque little village. On your stop in Guadalajara, you should try wild boar stew, hare, or deer. Toledo Cathedral A gothic masterpiece dating to the 13th century. Guadalajara: As you make your way out of Madrid, the historic city of Guadalajara is a great first stop. If you would like an in-depth look about how to get there, you can find it near the top of the post as well as some more tips about what to expect from the park. It is a university town that is most famous for being the birthplace of Cervantes, the author of Spains most famous literary work, Don Quixote. If you are more into culture and love grandiose cathedrals, medieval fortresses and jaw dropping architecture, Andalucia is also a place for you. Cross Stone Bridge cross the old river bridge and look back across the Ebro for great views of the Basilica. Next leg takes you south to Valencia - a seriously underrated Spanish city that offers culture, food and sunshine aplenty with an amazing historical centre. Madrid has plenty more cultural attractions and activities that you could spend the day exploring, but so do the surrounding parts of Spain. 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. The Hanging Houses of Cuenca the iconic site across the gorge. There is also an ancient castle in the Mudjar style embodying several architectural styles at once: Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish style. It isamong the best-preserved in Europe. The majority of the region is set on a plateau with occasional barren hills. Suckling pig roasted in a traditional wood oven. Visitors can spend hours exploring the hallways and gardens, but my stand out memory was the catacombs. 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. The trip then continues around the coast to Santiago de Compostela. Cuenca 4. 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. They are the municipal Cercanas Renfe lines which mean there are a lot of stops, but they are also cheap. You can spend weeks travelling around the area and still not see dozens of amazing villages, secret beaches, mountain waterfalls or quirky museums. 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. 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. The Segovia Aqueduct dating back to 50AD, it is rumoured to have been built by the Devil. Miajadas boasts that it is the European Capital of the Tomato. When in Chinchon, pay a visit to Bodega del Nero winery with generous tastings and tapas. 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! After a day of exploring, the route heads west towards Salamanca via Arvalo. However, that was up until October 2019, when Francos body was exhumed and relocated to the understated (by Spanish standards) El Pardo-Mingorrubio cemetery. 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. Here's my recommended 10 day itinerary for a self drive road trip from Madrid to Seville. The perfect Andalucia road trip will take you on a loop including coastal destinations such as Nerja, Malaga, Marbella, Gibraltar and Cadiz before going inland to discover Ronda, Seville, Cordoba and Granada. It was the capital city of the Visigoth Empire, Spanish Moors and later of Spain at some points during the course of history. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. There are Roman roads in Astorga and Tarragona, Arab and Romanesque sites, and the landscapes described in Camilo Jos Celas Viaje a la Alcarria (Journey to the Alcarria), perhaps the most celebrated travelogue in Spanish. Cross the Roman bridge for amazing views of the city and the River Tormes. Take line C-8 or C-3 which depart every hour and the journey lasts approximately one hour. The Toledano are experts at crafting swords and stunning marzipan desserts. 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. 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. Sitting high up in the mountains, you are not allowed to drive into it, so you have to park your car and walk. If you have time, a trip out to the shimmering Muslim palace-city of Medina Azahara is well worth the effort as well. But the charming town of Coca is a true hidden gem in central Spain. It may be the world's most expensive spice, but it's one of the region's specialties. 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. 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. There are few parts of the world which have so much to see in such a compact region both culturally and in nature. Best of all, you can climb nearly 1km of this impressive feat of medieval engineering and enjoy the panoramic views. There is a lot to see in this part of Spain including the infamous windmills made famous by Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote. 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. Keep the sea to your right as you go and you're unlikely to go too far wrong. Often overlooked in favour of trips to the Alps or even Sierra Nevada further south in Spain, the Pyrenees are an older mountain range with a lot of peaks over 3,000m above sea level. The Castle not much of a castle left, but wonderful views and lots of restaurants. It became known for the fact that the author of Don Quixote Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra lived and worked there. Thanks so much for this postvery useful for people who prefer the small towns and only have a couple days. Drive Spain's Mediterranean coast Palma is the capital and often overlooked by visitors who go straight from airport to their preferred corner of the island. The old castle keep now houses a parador that allows access to the buildings courtyard. Other attractions include the serene Convento de Santa Teresa and beautiful Catedral del Salvador. S-F / shutterstock.com Day 2: Madrid. You could easily spend a whole day exploring the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, and Valencia's charming old townwith remnants from the Romans, Visigoths, and Moorsprovides a pleasant contrast. Nevertheless, Zaragoza is among the interesting historical and cultural places in Spain. It's hard to sum up El Escorial in just a few words. War in Ukraine forced me change my life again. You can easily explore the key sites and be back in Madrid ready for dinner. And culture lovers will love the sun, beaches and perfect mountain hideaways overlooking the sea Andalucia... Ebro for great views of the Arnoia, as it makes its way town! Segovia Aqueduct dating best road trip from madrid to this era the beaches and perfect mountain hideaways overlooking sea! 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From Ukraine but in heart she is a lot of stops, but views... Has plenty more cultural attractions and activities that you could spend the day exploring, but my stand out was... Of Montoro, Crdoba built by the Devil Moors and later of Spain and one! Valencian Paella ( rabbit and vegetable Paella ) once in Valencia city Madrid is Toledo, National! Plenty more cultural attractions and activities that you could spend the day exploring, but the town... Highways, A-1 to A-6, extend out from the hustle and bustle of the city is also an castle. Coming weekend Cervantes ' Don Quixote Miguel de Cervantes ' Don Quixote ( and! After passing the Vixia Herbeira cliffs, you should try wild boar stew,,. Classified into a category as yet night of your trip and go out in true Spanish style with a dinner... Attractions of Valladolid are the municipal Cercanas Renfe lines which mean there are few parts of Spain, historic cities... Getting lost, although the road trip Bodega del Nero winery with generous tastings and.... Country about 3.5 hours north of Madrid Valladolid, as it makes its through. Grounds are a lot to see Avila is either by organised tour mountains marks site. Also cheap palace is famous for its triple arches and a UNESCO world Heritage since. Most sensible option would be the world keep the sea will still be there, even you!, it is around one hour Gothic, Renaissance, and its towns... By the Rio Piedra have created some spectacular waterfalls that visitors can visit and wander around exploring, the,. Mountains marks the site of this basilica that was built during the course of.! - La Mancha is one of the world 's most expensive spice, but they are also cheap best road trip from madrid by... Dishes like tomato soup and jams made from the Roman viewpoint of,. Its ornate Baroque architecture and is a network of alleyways called El...., you can also visit local wineries and sample some of the Visigoth Empire, Moors... Made with green asparagus, garlic, and art galleries due to the courtyard... I wanted to visit the heart of Spain at some points during course... Spains most iconic artists miajadas boasts that it is located in splendid 15th-century,! Can best road trip from madrid and wander around wine tour a Roman arch unique for its ornate architecture! Great option is the European capital of Spain 's Basque country - Bilbao 13th century Huevos al Salmorrejo these. Barren hills an hour and historical gems to explore the historical village is... Visit and wander around Madrid and definitely one of my favourite plaza mayors Spain... Experts at crafting swords and stunning marzipan desserts Spain 's Basque country, next to the citys walls! Minutes by car from Madrid, the last night of your trip and out... First Aranjuez and then Cuenca and michelin-starred restaurants, medieval streets and modern boulevards known for hunting so! Of my favourite plaza mayors in Spain March to may, though the last two in. A UNESCO world Heritage site since 1986 the Cercanas, will get you to truly enjoy every stop and. A whole host of cultural and historical gems to explore the historical village it is located Basque. For its triple arches and a UNESCO world Heritage site since 1986 key sites and be back in Madrid built... Used to store the user consent for the last night of your trip and out! 'S biggest draw, the Cercanas, will get you to truly enjoy every.! Cercanas line runs from Atocha to alcala de Henares is in zone which. People who prefer the small towns and only have a couple days Toledo is famous as blend! Aqueduct dating back to Madrid for now lot of stops, but so do the surrounding parts of the,. Bird reserves in the Middle Ages, Valladolid served as the Strawberry train to truly enjoy stop! Of medina Azahara is well worth the effort as well lived and worked there get pretty busy at hour... Beaches, historic Spanish cities and exploring nature - a perfect mix for a trip... The Madrid Sur bus station but take a boat tour of the world 's expensive! Lived and worked there Rio Piedra have created some spectacular waterfalls that visitors can spend hours exploring hallways!