From Salamanca, you can check out other beautiful historic towns of Ledesma and Zamora before a stop in Valladolid - the assumed capital of the Castille and Leon province. On this blog, her main goal is to inspire others to travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world while working remotely. It is only a short detour from Toledo where Martian-like mountains are located right next to the reservoir. However, from our experience, we noticed that Discover Cars has much better offers, especially in the winter season in Madrid. If you would like to read a more in-depth guide, check out my what to see in Zaragoza post to be fully inspired. 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. 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. The best way to see Avila is either by organised tour or driving yourself. In this little white town famous for its crafts (especially jarapa, a fabric that has been created with scraps of other fabrics a centuries-old recycling tradition), colourful balconies overlook the streets of the historic centre. Required fields are marked *. In the post linked above, you can see the public transport links to reach the vineyards, they involve either a train or the bus. Rich in Arab, Jewish and Christian history, the former Spanish capital is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Madrid to Valladolid route is only 200 kilometers long but it is full of pretty and important sites. Other popular stops include Pl. Wine Country It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. 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. Table of Contents 1. 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. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. 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. It wont be impossible, but it will be challenging to find vegan options in Guadalajara. 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. Compare that to the standard train, which takes about 3 and a half hours, or driving, which is about 2 and a half hours. 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. 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. The palace is characterized by luxury and rich decoration. El Escorial & The Valley of the Fallen 14. Is Madrid Worth Visiting? It is possible to drive close, but most people leave their car at the bottom in the more modern village of Patones and hike up. As you approach Avila from the outside, it looks spectacular, is it a walled city with some of the most eye-catching fortifications you will see thanks to years of restoration work. It is a simple drive, motorways all the way (with a toll), but leaving Madrid can get busy at peak times. This drive will scale mountains with breathtaking views and take you to the mesmerising Mezquita cathedral in Cordoba and the unique Moorish Alhambra complex in Granada. The manufacture of swords in the city goes back to Roman times, but it was under Moorish rule and the reconquest years, 15th to 17th centuries, that the citys sword-makers were widely recognised as the most talented around and Toledo swords came to be regarded as the best in Europe. While outside of Spain, there is no doubt Rioja is considered the best wine from the country, however, those in the know also talk about this smaller wine region named Ribera del Duero. Needless to say, sampling the winerys products should be limited to the cars passengers. This blog post will explore the various destinations you can drive to and will help you plan the ultimate road trip experience from Madrid. Sitting high up in the mountains, you are not allowed to drive into it, so you have to park your car and walk. Day 2 Madrid Itinerary: Art + Retiro Park + Gran Via. 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. Getting There: Trains from Madrid get you to Cuenca in about an hour. Im lucky to have visited the city on numerous occasions as my wifes family have a place in the Sierra de Francia mountains, one of my favourite places in Spain. It also is much better for families with kids who are better entertained hiking and doing active things than going to museums all day. Pestana Holidays. Puebla de la Sierra Another cute little village with a great restaurant in the main square. Once inside the city, youll be transported back in time as you explore its narrow, winding streets. Of course. 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. If you happen to be traveling in the summer, be sure to attend the Benicassim Festival. As with most of these day trips from Madrid, the most sensible option would be the train. 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. 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. 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. It boasts a rich history that is reflected in its Gothic architecture and cobblestone streets. The A-1 autova connects Madrid with Irn, in Guipzcoa (a province in Spains Basque country, next to the French border). Hunt for the spaceman on the Cathedral and the frog on the University. This road trip is a perfect mix of culture and relaxation so if you want to blend the two, give it a go. At first glance, it may seem boring. 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. Also, be sure to check out my tips on flying with wine, as youll be wanting to take some back home with you! 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. The main attractions of Valladolid are the 16th-century Cathedral, the National Sculpture Museum, and the Cervantes House. Aranjuez: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Royal Palace and luxurious gardens with magnificent landscapes, fountains, and sculptures. This trip includes a mix of beaches, historic Spanish cities and exploring nature - a perfect mix for a Spanish road trip! Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend . 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. 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, winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a snowy fairy tale. 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. 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. Im sorry to say though, wherever you eat it, it wont be as good as my mother-in-laws. 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. They are the municipal Cercanas Renfe lines which mean there are a lot of stops, but they are also cheap. Pestana Holidays powered by Travel Compositor Sales & Support +351 215551041. Alongside Madrid, it is one of my favourite plaza mayors in Spain. Finally, Spain loves food and everywhere you go is fiercely proud of their local fare, so I have also included what to eat when you there. If you are looking to get the most out of your time in Spain, that could be a really good option. At the seaside enclave where the Urola and Narrondo rivers meet, steep streets lead down to the harbour, the centre of activity and life. Cuenca is perhaps best known for its gravity-defying hanging houses, which sit perilously on the edge of a steep cliff. It is famous for its medieval castle, which was the site of the marriage of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand in 1469. 383 mi Coming your way in this post - click to expand ->. Getting There: Take the AVE from Madrid to get to Cordoba in under two hours. Of the countrys eight autovas, its modern toll-free highways, A-1 to A-6, extend out from the capital. 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. 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. Argertine peso; Madrid is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. 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. Medina del Campo: It is just a short drive from Coca. If you want to base yourself in Barcelona, instead of going on a road trip, check out our 40 day trips from Barcelona for inspiration on where you can get to! I am Anya, from Ukraine but in heart, I am a citizen of the world. Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. The palace houses a museum and library, and the surrounding grounds are a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities. From Barcelona, head south along the coast to Tarragona with a stop in Sitges and the option of relaxing in one of a few great beaches along the way. Hop on a train in Madrid and you can be standing beneath the arches of Cordoba's Moorish-area Mezquita in two hours. There are few parts of the world which have so much to see in such a compact region both culturally and in nature. You don't need to pick up your rental car until day 4. 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. 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. From winning foodie spots to spectacular vintage shops, Malasaa is one of the best places to stay in Madrid! Madrid is a wonderful city full of life. But the charming town of Coca is a true hidden gem in central Spain. 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. The historic city is also home to a medieval Alczar offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from its towers. The biggest draw in the town is the huge royal palace and expansive gardens. 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. The road trip starts in the capital of Spain's Basque country - Bilbao. 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. The towns rich history is reflected in churches like the 12th-century San Pedro and the 13th-century Convent of Santa Clara. It is a fantastic destination for a laid-back yet surprising trip, Full Article Valencia in Winter Quick Guide: Weather, Christmas, Things to Do & Travel TipsContinue, Barcelona is a special city. The Pyrenees are an amazing mountain range that is not high on many tourists' radars. The wall encircles the historic center, outside of which there are seven Romanesque churches. Spain Road Trip with Bernabu Tour from US$197. If your timing is right you can enjoy the wine festival in March or the garlic festival in October. It was the capital city of the Visigoth Empire, Spanish Moors and later of Spain at some points during the course of history. 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. The city is also home to the Alczar of Toledo. 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. 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. 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. 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. It dates back to the 1st century AD. If you don't know it by name, you've definitely seen pictures of giant rocks and archways on the sandy beach before. While Avila is a nice side trip from Madrid, if you allow a full day here, you may find yourself getting a little bored by the end, but it is certainly worth visiting. 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. 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. Getting there: The AVE train from Madrid takes about an hour and 40 minutes. On your route across the north of Catalonia, you are spoilt for choice with the Garrotxa volcanic national park and the village of Santa Pau worth visiting, a detour into Andorra and towns like Besalu and Castellfollit de la Roca all great options before you arrive in Figueres. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It also is much better for families with kids who are better entertained hiking doing! 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