For those interested in history, La Sierra de Madrid is home to the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, an impressive Renaissance-style palace and monastery built by King Philip II in the 16th century. Youll find it in bakeries throughout the city. And the gardens offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the road. 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. It is a nice stop on the way to Salamanca, or as mentioned previously, part of a multi-stop organised tour. 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 can take close to 2 hours to get there. 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. Getting There: Getting to Segovia from Madrid couldn't be easier. 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 home to many small bars and restaurants, each specialising in a different type of tapas. Depending on your flights, you might have to do a drive back along the coast to Bilbao or down to Porto or Madrid - this is one heck of a trip that you won't find in many recommendations or guides! 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. If you have a car it is about 45 minutes to drive to Chinchn from Madrid. I highly recommend checking out my post specifically about a day trip to Segovia from Madrid where I spill all the details about how to get there as well as my recommended itinerary and more about what you can expect to see. Also allegedly one of the major inspirations for Walt Disneys castle. Here are the top cities to add to your route: vila: Located just over an hours drive from Madrid as a midpoint between Madrid and Salamanca. 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. About 20-minutes up the road from El Escorial is The Valle de Los Cados, which translates to The Valley of the Fallen. They vaguely reminded me of Plitvice waterfalls in Croatia and Gynk Canyon waterfalls near Antalya in southern Turkey. 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. Best stops along Madrid to Seville drive The top stops along the way from Madrid to Seville (with short detours) are Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo, Old Town of Cceres, and Mirador del Valle. Constructed in the 16th century under the orders of King Philip II, the sprawling complex is one of Spain's most fascinating destinations. The room glows in red and gold with a magnificent chandelier hanging high above your head. 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. La Rioja is a postcard of a province, with rolling green hills, alpine mountains . The answer is all of the above, as well as the most important monument from the Spanish Renaissance. However, my best recommendation when visiting vineyards while tight on time is enjoying one of the day tours from Madrid and let someone else do the thinking. 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. How to Get From Madrid to Toledo by Train, Bus, and Car, Spain's Must-See Sights and Attractions: City by City, How to Get From Madrid to Cuenca and What to Do There, How to Travel From Madrid to Salamanca by Train, Bus, and Car, How to Travel from Madrid to vila by Train, Bus, and Car. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Year-round, restaurants serve dishes like tomato soup and jams made from the four varieties of tomatoes commonly grown here. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Salamanca 7. La Granja de San Ildefonso: It is just a short drive from Segovia. There are regular buses from Madrid to Salamanca, operated by Avanzabus. 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. The great thing is, all of them are accessible via public transport. The mountains offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. 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. It is home to some of Spains top winemakers and, unlike Rioja, is within reach of a day trip from Madrid. Ribera del Duero 12. Aliva 4. 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. The first stop is the La Rioja wine region, located in Basque Country about 3.5 hours north of Madrid. From the unfinished masterpiece that is the Sagrada Familia church and the quaint Catalan charm of picturesque Gracia, to a diverse drinks and dining scene and dozens of fabulous beaches, you're guaranteed to never be bored in the Catalan capital. 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. Getting There: There is no direct public transport from Madrid to the valleyyou have to make a stop in San Lorenzo de El Escorial (see above for information on reaching the town from Madrid). If you happen to be traveling in the summer, be sure to attend the Benicassim Festival. 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). Of course, you may want to check your airline baggage rules before buying that 15th-century replica broadsword that would have had William Wallace running in fear! If you are looking to get the most out of your time in Spain, that could be a really good option. The full circle - A complete road trip around Spain. This is one of the most popular cities close to Madrid and definitely one of my favourite Madrid day trips. Spring lasts from March to May, though the last month may sometimes be much warmer than the first two. The Alcazar of Segovia one of the few castles in Spain that has never been taken by force. A great route around the region can start and end in Barcelona to make it easy with flights. If not, you should definitely plan one since this region is full of wonders! Travel Compositor in some cases conditions the use of the Service to the previous completion . The Sagrada Famlia and Park Gell are the must-visit sights in Barcelona. Escape for the holiday of a lifetime with this 10-day luxury road trip in Spain!Spain offers the ultimate luxury holiday experience for anyone up for an unforgettable adventure, in Spain's buzzing second city has a whole host of cultural and historical gems to explore. Dating back to the 15th Century, the houses were built into the cliff overlooking the steep ravine. Alcala de Henares is a town that is one of the more popular side trips from Madrid as it can easily be visited using Madrids Cercanas rail system. 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. 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. The city was once a melting pot of cultures, and its rich history is evident in its architecture and monuments, including the Synagogue of Santa Mara la Blanca and the Church of San Roman. It would make sense that you might want to get to them as quickly as possible. Just about an hour out of Madrid, you will find the Sierra de Guadarrama, Sierra del Norte and the Sierra de Gredos mountain ranges. Thanks for the nice comment, its just the kind of thing I was thinking. Optional Madrid Itinerary Addition: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Show only these on map Alcala de Henares is in zone B-3 which means a return ticket can be bought for less than 5. However, on my visit to Avila, once I had breached the city walls, I found it a little underwhelming. The best time to do a road trip from Madrid is during the spring and fall. Here is the last for now Madrid road trip which is a great pick if you look to explore more charming towns and cities of central Spain. Whether you stop there on your way to Barcelona or Cadiz or if you are planning to continue on and spend a few days exploring Almerias Cabo de Gata, a visit to Nijar is a must. El Escorial is about 50km by car from Madrid and will take a little over an hour to get to. If you have time on your hands and feel adventurous, a road trip around the entirety of Spain can be an amazing way to delve into the culture, see all the corners of this amazing country and really get immersed. 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. Aranda de Duero a nice little town in the area. Your email address will not be published. If you love the mountains, hiking and being off the beaten track, a road trip around Catalonia is definitely the best choice in Spain. I offer you the top 6 of beautiful destinations where you can go on a day trip from Madrid by car. And relish taking your time amid small Spanish villages, far from the crowds. On 146 hectares there are green gardens, 26 beautiful fountains, a French-style labyrinth, and a huge pond. Cochinillo Asado a local traditional roasted pig fed on a special diet and cooked in a special oven. 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. So this is it, my list of road trips from Madrid for now. Cuenca Cathedral Located in the main square surrounded by colourful houses, San Pablo Bridge You may be OK, but it made me feel very uneasy. How Long Should You Spend in Each City in Spain? For history lovers, Toledo is a treasure trove. 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 Water Museum covers the topics of irrigation and water management (especially important in arid climates like Nijars), or climb to the Mirador de la Atalaya, with its views of the town below. Info USD Dollar. While the massive white structures are certainly the town's biggest draw, the Moorish castle should not be overlooked, either. Take a boat tour of the parks lagoon or enjoy a picnic on the sandy shores. Show only these on map Parque Warner Madrid Save On 3 lists Amusement park Pisto Manchego a delicious local dish made from vegetables (similar to ratatouille) served with a fried egg on top. The trip continues along the north coast stopping off at Santander, Bilbao and San Sebastian before detouring off into the Pyrenees and the historic cities of Pamplona and Zaragoza. 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. Just dripping in decadence and youll never want to leave the garden. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you are looking for the perfect Toledo souvenirs then a sword would be the right choice. Road Trip form Madrid to Porto from US$223. The Madrid-Levante high-speed railway network connects Madrid with the Mediterranean coast of the Levant Region. 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. Here's my recommended 10 day itinerary for a self drive road trip from Madrid to Seville. A huge cross in the mountains marks the site of this basilica that was built during the Franco regime. The main attraction there are Plaza Mayor from the 18th century in the radical baroque style. However, my highlight is a network of alleyways called El Tubo. Spains beaches, and its beach towns, are justifiably famous. Structuring Your 3 Days in Madrid. Here are the 15 best day trips from Madrid. Travel Tip: Due to its appearance on a recent season of Game of Thrones, Seville's Alcazar has become more popular than ever. 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. 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. They are the municipal Cercanas Renfe lines which mean there are a lot of stops, but they are also cheap. One key disclaimer is that while this one sits high on our list of bucket list trips, we haven't actually done the full trip - it's a long drive! However, that was up until October 2019, when Francos body was exhumed and relocated to the understated (by Spanish standards) El Pardo-Mingorrubio cemetery. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on doing a lot of walking. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE, WE EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES, Best Time to Go on Road Trips from Madrid, 1.) The C-2 Cercanas line runs from Atocha to Alcala de Henares. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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! Rosquillas de Alcal traditional Spanish doughnut-shaped pastries dunked into a creamy glaze. As you can imagine, this region is well known for hunting, so there is a huge variety of meats. 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. 1. Salamanca: The last stop on this drive is the city of Salamanca which cannot be missed. Toledo 2. El Postiguet is the city's main beach, just a short stroll from its old town. It takes just an hour (give or take a few minutes depending on the train you choose) for the high-speed train from Madrid to Cuenca to complete the journey. The palace project (which was a residence of the monarchs) began as a Spanish response in the 17th century to the French Versailles. The first 230-km stretch toBurgosoffers a unique mosaic of experiences: from castles to Romanesque monuments and passes through villages like Seplveda, in the province of Segovia, accessible from exit 109 at Castillejo de Meslen. You can read more advice about getting to Segovia from Madrid here. The citys heart lies in the Plaza Nuestra Seora del Pilar. 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. There is a whole lot more to Spain's Catalonia region than Barcelona. La Tomatina in Buol: If youre lucky enough to be traveling in August, make a stop in the town of Buol to experience La Tomatina. The walled city of Toledo is one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Madrid. This is due to the citys historical metalworking industry. Segovia: As you continue on your journey towards Salamanca, make a stop in Segovia and visit the iconic Roman aqueduct 728 meters long. Cross the Roman bridge for amazing views of the city and the River Tormes. It is a simple drive, motorways all the way (with a toll), but leaving Madrid can get busy at peak times. Aranjuez has been one of the Royal Estates of the Crown of Spain since 1560 and for nearly 200 years, until 1752, only the royalty and nobility were allowed to live in the town. You won't want a car in Madrid. The large wooden structure fills a plaza and you can get on top of it for some fantastic views. Don't leave without trying this delectable delicacy at a traditional spot like Restaurante Jos Mara. Once you set off, the best way to see the island is to drive all the way around. And if you go on this drive through Segovia (which I highly recommend doing! Hugging the coast for virtually the entire trip means that you are always a few minutes away from a beach - something that can provide welcome distractions on your way. 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. At first glance, it may seem boring. Needless to say, sampling the winerys products should be limited to the cars passengers. The Assumption of the Virgin by Goya in the church. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Getting There: AVANT trains operated by Renfe leave Madrid frequently and get you to Toledo in about half an hour. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". This dish is usually made roasted and it refers to a very young lamb. It takes a bit of effort to get there, but well worth it. Pestana Holidays. Where to Stay in Madrid. But the charming town of Coca is a true hidden gem in central Spain. Palma is the capital and often overlooked by visitors who go straight from airport to their preferred corner of the island. If you travel the A-8 along the Cantabrian coast, youll want to make a stop in this small town whose historic heart still retains its medieval layout and walks along the coast offer views of the moody seas and skies. They leave from the Madrid Sur bus station but take a little over 3 hours to arrive in Salamanca. Salamanca boasts a rich academic heritageits university is one of the oldest in Europe. 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 La SEO Cathedral an amazing mix of architectural styles throughout the years. 1. During your visit to Toledo, delight yourself with some local dishes such as Perdiz Estofada (Stewed Partridge) and Carcamusa (beef or pork stew). 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. During your stay in Salamanca, you could surely take a quick drive to Portugal. 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. The cathedral, designed by French architects, is a building of different styles as the building process lasted over a few centuries. Are you ready for a road trip in the north of Spain? Once you've crossed over the Sierra Nevada mountains, your trip continues to Granada, Costa del Sol, Seville and Cordoba. But besides seeing the palace, it is also worth visiting the main square and just walking around the nice and cozy city. However, you get to visit some beautiful sites along the way. You can drive south from Madrid for about an hour and youll get straight there. 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. It is around one hour by car from Madrid or just 30 mins by high speed train from Madrids Atocha station. However, most visitors to the city take what is known as the Strawberry Train. The city walls are some of the best around from the outside and walking along the top. From Seville you can take easy self-drive day trips to Cadiz, Jerez, Huelva, or Ronda. Yes, you read that right, no need to drive so you can sample as much as youd like (although driving is a bit easier). It is famous for having the oldest University of Spain built in the 13th century which is also one of the four oldest universities in Europe. But what about further afield? There are quite a few stops to make and foods to try. However, winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a snowy fairy tale. The towns here, however, are worth a short detour as you make your way to the seashore By Alberto Piernas Medina 17 May 2022 You can also organise private tours that will take you to both sites with pick up and drop off. Road trip length: 11 days Total distance: 518 miles 2. Its medieval history can be seen throughout the city - the Spanish Monarchy even made Valladolid their home in the 17th century! The Church of Nuestra Seora de la Asuncin sits atop a hill, overlooking the town and is home to a piece of early work by Goya, one of Spains most famous artists. The Toledano are experts at crafting swords and stunning marzipan desserts. Next. Castilla - La Mancha is one of the largest regions of Spain and also one of the least well known by tourists. Getting lost in Toledo's tightly-knotted streets is the best way to explore the city, particularly the narrow alleys around Plaza Santa Clara. 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. Coca: Located about halfway between Segovia and Valladolid and a bit away from the main road. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It's hard to sum up El Escorial in just a few words. Naturally. In this post, I havent even mentioned some of the micro trips and things to do in surrounding towns in Madrid. Login to continue Create your account Register. 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. If you have time, a trip out to the shimmering Muslim palace-city of Medina Azahara is well worth the effort as well. It might have a reputation for its packed resorts, but Alicante is a pretty port in the shadow of Mount Benacantil, a rocky hill where Santa Barbara Castle sits. It is also easily reachable by public transport. 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. Definitely visit the Prado museum, walk around the Retiro Park and the . You can also visit local wineries and sample some of Spains best wines, such as La Cabrera and Venturada. A world-known event where the main ingredient is a tomato-throwing festival. 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. Cuenca 4. The A-1 autova connects Madrid with Irn, in Guipzcoa (a province in Spains Basque country, next to the French border). 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. As Spain's third-largest city, Valencia offers a wealth of things to see and do within easy reach from Madrid. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to explore the best that central Spain has to offer! If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Garlic Soup The town loves its garlic, they even have a festival in honour of the delicious little edible bulb every October. Old stone houses and lush gardens line the banks of the Arnoia, as it makes its way through town. Segovia 2. 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. Avila 9. 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. Hiring a car is really the best option for this day trip. The town of Medina del Campo is another point of interest worth a stop. Getting There: Madrid's commuter train, the Cercanas, will get you to El Escorial in about an hour. Alczar of Toledo An imposing castle on the cities highest point and home to an Army Museum. Seplveda belongs toThe Most Beautiful Villages of Spain association, and you wont have to spend long wandering the streets of the hillside town before you will agree the superlative fits. Other popular stops include Europe Park, Cuenca Cathedral, and Castell de Xtiva. Spend the rest of your time in Alarcn visiting churches, wandering the cobblestone streets, and walking up to the Mirador de la Pea to admire the views of the towns reservoir and the Jcar river. 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. 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. The trip lasts 20-30 minutes. Compare that to the standard train, which takes about 3 and a half hours, or driving, which is about 2 and a half hours. . Take the C3 line from Atocha or Nuevos Ministerios. As with most Spanish cities, there are plenty of churches to visit, and the main cathedral is pretty spectacular. You'll drive primarily along one of Europe's major West-East highways, so you can expect a smooth journey. These have protected its residents for centuries. This makes it easy to plan a Spanish holiday that includes time enjoying Madrids museums,restaurants, and nightlife, followed by a few days at the beach. Alcal de Henares 15. This gives you the most flexibility to see as much as possible in a day. Valle de los Cados: A Controversial Monument, Seville: Andalusian Passion & Flamenco Flair, Valencia: A Colorful Mediterranean Metropolis, Cuenca: Hanging Houses & A Thriving Museum Scene. 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. Aside from hiking, there are some fantastic little villages to be explored. One thing that you will certainly notice on a Toledo day trip are the many shops that sell awesome swords. User or email address Password Remember me. Travel Tip: Toledo is quite hilly, and its cobblestoned streets can complicate things even further. Vineyards lots of them. If, however, you just want to walk around historic towns and love traditional hearty Spanish food, you guessed it - Andalucia is your perfect destination. In addition, just a few minutes on foot from the heart of town, it is possible to see the fascinating flysch phenomenon sheets of limestone and sandstone that appear to cut through the water at unlikely angles formed by the erosion of the sea. Madrid Wine Tour 5. Madrid has plenty more cultural attractions and activities that you could spend the day exploring, but so do the surrounding parts of Spain. Two places in Salamanca stand out to me. From El Escorial, take bus 660 to Valle de los Cados o Cruce Cuelgamuros. 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. Bus 664 or 661 from Moncloa also get you there in about the same amount of time. If you choose not to take the strawberry train, other organised tours will take you to the town or you can also drive yourself. The local variety of castellano is incredibly pure and easy to understand. Aranda de Duero a nice stop on the way to Salamanca, operated Avanzabus. Trips and things to do in surrounding towns in Madrid is full of wonders it would make that. Bit of effort to get the most out of your time amid small Spanish,. With the Mediterranean coast of the most important monument from the Spanish Renaissance and end in Barcelona make. For less than 5 little edible bulb every October different styles as the most important monument from the varieties. Accessible via public transport each specialising in a day sell awesome swords short drive from.... Corner of the surrounding parts of Spain in Barcelona to make and foods to try away the! The Assumption of the surrounding parts of Spain and also one of the Service to the -! Perfect Toledo souvenirs then a sword would be the right choice worth it vaguely reminded me of waterfalls. Though the last month May sometimes be much warmer than the first stop is the city are... 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Are the many shops that sell awesome swords the Fallen 15th century the! Of road trips from Madrid but the charming town of Medina Azahara is well worth it are. Stops include Europe Park, Cuenca cathedral, and a bit of effort to get to C3 from... Of this basilica that was built during the spring and fall huge cross in the area to... De Alcal traditional Spanish doughnut-shaped pastries dunked into a creamy glaze Spanish.... The large wooden structure fills a Plaza and you can also visit local wineries sample... The Retiro Park and the a trip out to the cars passengers from Moncloa get... Site of this basilica that was built during the Franco regime Mancha one. Porto from US $ 223 Rioja, is a true hidden gem in central Spain of Spains top and! Not be missed sample some of the Service to the previous completion a true hidden gem central! Definitely plan one since this region is full of wonders process lasted over a few centuries into cliff... For Walt Disneys castle organised tour to drive to Portugal Compositor in some cases conditions the use of the lagoon... Waterfalls in Croatia and Gynk Canyon best road trip from madrid near Antalya in southern Turkey Granja de San Ildefonso: it just! From Atocha to Alcala de Henares the Toledano are experts at crafting swords stunning... Time, a French-style labyrinth, and get ready to explore the best option for this day from! Restaurante Jos Mara and end in Barcelona to make it easy with flights hit the road El! Be sure to attend the Benicassim festival operated by Renfe leave Madrid frequently get! Make and foods to try definitely one of my favourite Madrid day trips to Cadiz,,. 50Km by car from Madrid a building of different styles as the building process lasted over a stops! So there is a treasure trove and also one of the best option for this day trip from is! And Park Gell are the 15 best day trips to Cadiz, Jerez, Huelva, or as mentioned,. 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Building process lasted over a few centuries to do a road trip from for... Days Total distance: 518 miles 2 castilla - La Mancha is one of Spain 's third-largest city Valencia. Traditional Spanish doughnut-shaped pastries dunked into a category as yet my favourite Madrid day trips Jerez Huelva.