Travel Tip: Keep in mind when booking your train ticket that Cuenca has two stations: Estacin de Cuenca-Fernando Zbel, served by high speed trains, and Estacin de Cuenca for everything else. A great route around the region can start and end in Barcelona to make it easy with flights. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The storied medieval town is also home to an incredible cathedral and a castle (the Alczar) said to have inspired that of Disney's Sleeping Beauty. 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. It's hard to sum up El Escorial in just a few words. It is a nice stop on the way to Salamanca, or as mentioned previously, part of a multi-stop organised tour. Argertine peso; Soak up Madrid's unbeatable atmosphere as you admire the incredible architecture and enjoy strolling along the Calle de Cava Baja. You'll drive primarily along one of Europe's major West-East highways, so you can expect a smooth journey. 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. 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 There are quite a few stops to make and foods to try. Madrid is a wonderful city full of life. 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. 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. You'll relax in the world famous Andalucian white villages of Mijas, Benahavis and Casares and mingle with new money in Puerto Banus' marina full of expensive supercars, people with too much plastic surgery and the world's biggest yachts. La Granja de San Ildefonso: It is just a short drive from Segovia. Our tip is to ignore the navigator which will send you inland along faster roads. Seville 13. Do not leave the city without trying first the garlic soup, the Tudela de Duero white asparagus, and the roast lamb. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Spain's buzzing second city has a whole host of cultural and historical gems to explore. . ), but it's definitely one to keep in mind if you want to unwind and keep yourself away from the tourist traps around Spain. 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. As youd expect, the town is home to the Cervantes Birthplace Museum where you can learn about the life and inspiration of the Spanish Shakespeare. 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. Hopefully, youll understand why I always recommend it as my best day trip from Madrid. The list below, organised by highway, includes a favourite town (followed by its province) for each one. 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. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. Years of erosion by the Rio Piedra have created some spectacular waterfalls that visitors can visit and wander around. 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. Also, try some other kinds of rice like senyoret (with peeled seafood) or a banda (a very thin layer of rice with seafood). The Castle was built by the Arabs in the 12th century as a defensive structure, but after the Reconquista, on the initiative of Cardinal Mendoza, it was converted into a residence for bishops. 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. Getting to and from the region can be tough so you might have to adjust the route depending on where you're travelling from. 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. 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. The road trip then moves west along the coast to Santander, before further stops in Santillana del Mar, the Picos de Europa national park and Gijon. There are also places to sample cava, Spains famous sparkling wine. Welcome! 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 will take around 45 minutes heading south 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, as amazing as it is, a day trip to Seville from Madrid is not cheap, but it is definitely worth it. More Than 50 Vital Travel Tips For Barcelona: Dont Make These Mistakes! 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. Im back with another wine region. But is it worth it? If you're flying in and out of Madrid, the Castille and Leon road trip can be an amazing way to explore Spain without having to drive all the way to the coast or spend weeks on the road. While moving the body proved to be a controversial move that divided opinions across the country, the aim of the government is to see The Valle de Los Cados move away from a site where Spains far-right pay homage to the dictator and become a place of commemoration, remembrance and homage to the victims of the war. 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. The Madrid Mountains 6. On your stop in Guadalajara, you should try wild boar stew, hare, or deer. The rest of the road trip follows the Costa Brava back down to Barcelona. 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. You don't need to pick up your rental car until day 4. An incredibly popular day trip from Madrid is Avila. The towns here, however, are worth a short detour as you make your way to the seashore, Win a holiday to Lake Comos most beautiful hotel, March horoscope 2023: Which signs can expect luck in travel this month, Can I go to Spain? This is a four-day music event that attracts thousands of visitors each year. 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. Getting There: Getting to Segovia from Madrid couldn't be easier. Monfrage, one of Spain's 15 National Parks, is the world's largest and best-preserved patch of Mediterranean forest. In the morning you'll pick up your rental car and begin your epic road-trip. Next. Cuenca: a small charming ancient city, perched atop a dramatic gorge. The distance of this trip is approximately 320 kilometers, but with so many places to stop at, you may want to take it slow and enjoy the ride. Needless to say, sampling the winerys products should be limited to the cars passengers. 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. It is famous for its medieval castle, which was the site of the marriage of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand in 1469. 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. Travel Tip: Toledo is quite hilly, and its cobblestoned streets can complicate things even further. 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. View Map. 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. However, most visitors to the city take what is known as the Strawberry Train. As Spain's third-largest city, Valencia offers a wealth of things to see and do within easy reach from Madrid. Here's my recommended 10 day itinerary for a self drive road trip from Madrid to Seville. Monasterio de Piedra Final thoughts on the best day trips from Madrid Show only these on map However, on my visit to Avila, once I had breached the city walls, I found it a little underwhelming. If you wish to tie in a visit to The Valley of the Fallen, you can either take a taxi from El Escorial or a tour. 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. Just bear in mind, as with most of the high-speed train stations, Cuenca Train Station is located a fair way outside the city and will require a taxi ride that takes around 10 15 mins and costs in the region of 12. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". There is a whole lot more to Spain's Catalonia region than Barcelona. Zaragoza 10. The coffins are vertically lined up the walls with the names of the ex-monarchs. The city actually has a lot to offer so it's great to spend the first or last night here depending on your flight times. Most beautiful towns & cities along the Bay of Biscay. Optional Madrid Itinerary Addition: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Once you set off, the best way to see the island is to drive all the way around. Segovia Cathedral a gigantic gothic masterpiece with wonderful views from the bell tower. Forgot your password? That was the question I asked the first time when I had a long layover in the capital of Spain and wasnt sure if leaving the airport was worth the, Full Article Is Madrid Worth Visiting? 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 Pyrenees are an amazing mountain range that is not high on many tourists' radars. El Escorial & The Valley of the Fallen 14. Bilbao 14. However, a tour would be my recommended option, or if you have a partner who is willing to drive, this is by far the easiest way. However, winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a snowy fairy tale. The local variety of castellano is incredibly pure and easy to understand. Madrid to La Sierra de Madrid Road Trip, Highlights of Madrid to La Sierra de Madrid Drive, Highlights of Madrid to Toledo Day Trip by Car, Highlights of Madrid to Salamanca Road Trip, Highlights of Madrid to Zaragoza Scenic Drive, More Inspiration for Travels Around Spain, 18 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Northern Spain to Add to Your Itinerary, Valencia in Winter Quick Guide: Weather, Christmas, Things to Do & Travel Tips. 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. In around 2.5 hours, you can travel from Madrid to the Costa Blanca. Anything in Rey de Patones an amazing restaurant, but be sure to check your bank balance first! What makes the city particularly unique is its influence by each of the three major world religions. Your email will not be provided to third parties. After some cultural sightseeing, head on to Cadaques on the coast - there are some great beaches and a Salvador Dali House Museum. Once again were back on the train. Hidden away in plain sight right next to Madrid, it stretches almost as far as Valencia and Murcia in Spain's south east. 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. You won't want a car in Madrid. Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. Valley of the Fallen Monument 15. 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. As you travel in major cities such as Bilbao, San Sebastian and Pamplona, you will get to try the local pintxos tradition. It covers a length of over 70 miles through Castile-Len. Additionally, trains are available, but travel times differ depending on the type. The city walls are some of the best around from the outside and walking along the top. 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! Its a simple motorway so little chance of getting lost, although the road does get pretty busy at rush hour. But if you're brave enough, you can start wherever along the route you like as you it goes in a loop. The route even takes you behind one of the largest in the park. It became known for the fact that the author of Don Quixote Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra lived and worked there. Take the exit and you can tour some of its olive-oil mills, snap some photos of the nearby Torre del Castillo de Villaverde (which has survived the centuries though the small town that it once protected has not), or simply stroll through the streets of this postcard-perfect Andalusian village. Cuenca 9. The end of the trip gets you to Pedraza back in the Segovia province before taking a short drive back to Madrid's airport. 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%. The main attraction there are Plaza Mayor from the 18th century in the radical baroque style. During the summer, the Madrid Mountains offer some excellent hiking opportunities and in a good Winter, there are even some pretty decent ski ports. The six-hour drive between Madrid and Galicia will feel shorter if you know where to stop along the way. 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