best road trip from madrid

Honest Answers About the Spanish Capital, Northern Coast of Spain Travel Guide Best Places to Visit, Things to See & Do, 20 Coolest Stops to Make On Barcelona to Valencia Drive. This route takes 7 hours to drive, not accounting for any stops or detours. 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. In medieval times, Basque country spanned the mountain range, including parts of France on the other side. Flying in and out of Palma means that's a great place to start and finish your trip. Getting lost in Toledo's tightly-knotted streets is the best way to explore the city, particularly the narrow alleys around Plaza Santa Clara. 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). A must for fans of eye-popping architecture, Avila is a road trip to remember. Honest Answers About the Spanish CapitalContinue, For a long time, I wanted to visit the northern coast of Spain. Cuenca 9. On day two you have the chance to shape your Spain itinerary however most interests you. It is famous for its medieval castle, which was the site of the marriage of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand in 1469. Day 3: Pick up Rental Car - Drive From Madrid to La Rioja. Once you've hiked amazing gorges and filled yourself with pastries, it's time to hit the road and drive on to Oviedo and La Coruna. Our tip is to ignore the navigator which will send you inland along faster roads. Login to continue Create your account Register. At present time, she is based in Spain while waiting for the war in Ukraine to be over to be able to return home. View Map. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE, WE EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES, Best Time to Go on Road Trips from Madrid, 1.) 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. On this blog, her main goal is to inspire others to travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world while working remotely. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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 quite a few stops to make and foods to try. The museum is a recreation of the artists home. Ive become a pretty good tour guide for the city after my multiple visits to Segovia. 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. Youll find it in bakeries throughout the city. 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. Coming your way in this post - click to expand ->. Barcelona to Madrid drive. Alcala de Henares is in zone B-3 which means a return ticket can be bought for less than 5. One other thing to bear in mind, if you are travelling with teenagers, Chinchn is really close to the Warner Brothers Theme Park. Avila 9. Choose from these 10 stunning routes for your road trip in Spain with our guides, detailed itineraries and insider tips. From El Escorial, take bus 660 to Valle de los Cados o Cruce Cuelgamuros. Toledo Cathedral A gothic masterpiece dating to the 13th century. If you are more into culture and love grandiose cathedrals, medieval fortresses and jaw dropping architecture, Andalucia is also a place for you. This historic city is a must-see stop as it is famous for its impressive defensive medieval walls, which stretch over two kilometers with 87 towers and nine gates. Toledo is famous for its beautiful churches. Travel Tip: Stock up on saffron while in Consuegra. Take the AVE train to get there in under half an hour. 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. After exploring the historic and religiously important city, the route goes back towards the coast and passes Pontevedra on the way to the pretty town of Vigo. But my favourite I have discovered (so far) is Patones de Arriba. Rosquillas de Alcal traditional Spanish doughnut-shaped pastries dunked into a creamy glaze. In the morning you'll pick up your rental car and begin your epic road-trip. Patones De Arriba 6. After that the road trip continues all the way to Port de Pollena before heading across the island to Cala Mesquida. Marzipan A local speciality. 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. I fell in love with the city on my visit. 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. Day 1: Explore Madrid Day 2: Explore Madrid Day 3: Day Trip By Train To Segovia or Cuenca Day 4: Drive To Cordoba, Stop in Toledo Day 5: Explore Cordoba If you plan to come to Madrid for 2 or 3 days only, then you will hardly have enough time to see the sights of the capital itself. As you travel in major cities such as Bilbao, San Sebastian and Pamplona, you will get to try the local pintxos tradition. 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. 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. Just about an hour out of Madrid, you will find the Sierra de Guadarrama, Sierra del Norte and the Sierra de Gredos mountain ranges. Whether you are in Madrid for a week or a year, I hope you have found some inspiration in this post and are ready to explore some amazing places. It became known for the fact that the author of Don Quixote Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra lived and worked there. As with most Spanish cities, there are plenty of churches to visit, and the main cathedral is pretty spectacular. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". As well as the park you can visit the monastery itself and a small wine and chocolate museum with winemaking exhibits and information about the relationship between monks and winemaking as a commercial business to fund their way of life. 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. 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! 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. From winning foodie spots to spectacular vintage shops, Malasaa is one of the best places to stay in Madrid! Plaza de Toros one of the oldest in Spain. In the morning you'll pick up your rental car and begin your epic road-trip. The Cathedral of Toledo and the Church of San Tomhouse some of Spains most valuable works of art. If you don't know it by name, you've definitely seen pictures of giant rocks and archways on the sandy beach before. So this is it, my list of road trips from Madrid for now. 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. You can enjoy picnics and bird-watching in the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors. Valencia 11. 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. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on doing a lot of walking. 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. You will do an abridged version of the Andalucia road trip above, but get a much broader view of Spain having driven from one corner to another. On your stop in Guadalajara, you should try wild boar stew, hare, or deer. Day 3: Pick up Rental Car - Drive From Madrid to Laguardia - Wine Tour. There are few cities that offer as much as Barcelona so it's a perfect start to the Mediterranean coast trip. Medina del Campo: It is just a short drive from Coca. It does seem like a lot, but it is certainly a city worth visiting to really enjoy some of the southern Spanish cultures. Besides seaside cities and national parks, there are, Full Article 18 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Northern Spain to Add to Your ItineraryContinue, Valencia in winter is a perfect warm place to visit in Spain where it is easy to recharge and have a stress-free vacation. It is only 45 minutes by car or a little under an hour by train. Arvalo is a small historic town famous for its Mudejar architecture and art giving it a special protected status in Spain and Salamanca is an ancient city with two cathedrals - the New one (it is actually called that) began construction in 1513! If Theme Parks are not your thing, just drop your kids there for the day while you explore the town. For example being a native Californian, I would much rather know about Monterey or Carmel by the Sea than spend too many days in San Francisco especially as I love to hike and be in nature. As you can imagine, this region is well known for hunting, so there is a huge variety of meats. The majority of the region is set on a plateau with occasional barren hills. A world-known event where the main ingredient is a tomato-throwing festival. Thanks so much for this postvery useful for people who prefer the small towns and only have a couple days. Here are the 15 best day trips from Madrid. Constructed in the 16th century under the orders of King Philip II, the sprawling complex is one of Spain's most fascinating destinations. Years of erosion by the Rio Piedra have created some spectacular waterfalls that visitors can visit and wander around. The rest of the road trip follows the Costa Brava back down to Barcelona. If traveling at any other time of the year, perhaps just outside the winter season in this part of Spain, then you can also stop at the Turche Cave with a beautiful waterfall and lake where to swim on hot days. Two places in Salamanca stand out to me. Just dripping in decadence and youll never want to leave the garden. 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. Travel Tip: Segovia is famous for its cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig). Your email will not be provided to third parties. Compare that to the standard train, which takes about 3 and a half hours, or driving, which is about 2 and a half hours. Its about a 20-minute walk from the centre or a quick taxi ride, but youll find a nice museum with lots of dinosaurs to entertain the little ones. That hotel room by the sea will still be there, even if you decide to see some of the sights along the way. But this is nearer the beginning of the rivers life. Argertine peso; This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The city is also home to the Alczar of Toledo. I would love to show you, but it is not allowed to take photos. The only real way is driving. Hiring a car is really the best option for this day trip. 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. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to get to Zaragoza. Getting There: You can get to Salamanca from Madrid via bus. Im back with another wine region. In the post linked above, you can see the public transport links to reach the vineyards, they involve either a train or the bus. You will start in the historic city of Segovia itself - famous for some of Spain's best architecture and declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Medinaceli: Located about halfway between Madrid and Zaragoza, the charming village of Medinaceli, forged by different cultures, is a must-see stop on your road trip. There are plenty of sights to see along this highway: the walled citadel of Uruea, which promotes itself as the Villa del Libro (like an Iberian Hay-on-Wey, the city has an abundance of bookstores and literary events throughout the year); the picturesque towns of Ponferrada and El Bierzo, or Allariz, surrounded by hills covered in oaks. The fast train is by far the best option for a day trip to Cuenca. It is the one that I recommend all of my friends take when they come to visit me. A flamenco show in Triana- after all, this district in Seville is the birthplace of this emotional dance. The most famous site in Cuenca is the Casas Colgadas the Hanging Houses. Welcome! Start your road trip with a mini-break in Barcelona where you can visit sights such as La Sagrada Familia, Las Ramblas and unique buildings designed by Gaudi. 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. Check out the tower of the Clerecia for some more great views. Andalusia, Spain's southernmost region, is often what people imagine Spain to be: sultry and passionate, with a near-constant soundtrack of flamenco beats. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. You can also visit local wineries and sample some of Spains best wines, such as La Cabrera and Venturada. The city was once the capital of Spain and is also known as The City of Three Cultures, a nod to being one of the few places that the Jewish, Muslim and Christian cultures co-existed in relative peace. Perhaps the most controversial inclusion on this list of day trips from Madrid, Valle de los Cados (Valley of the Fallen) is a remnant from Spain's fascist years under dictator Francisco Franco. 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. Spain's Mediterranean coast is perfect for a Spanish road trip - just make sure you put sun screen on your left arm if you're driving - the sun gets hot! We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The historic city is also home to a medieval Alczar offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from its towers. Forgot your password? Another thing is to walk along the streets of Salamancas old town as it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you love the sun, beaches and perfect mountain hideaways overlooking the sea, Andalucia is the place for you. It is around one hour by car from Madrid or just 30 mins by high speed train from Madrids Atocha station. And then if you get to the coast, use my other road trip itineraries and go on a drive between Valencia and Barcelona as well as Valencia to Malaga road trip, or simply plan one of many epic experiences in Spain! But if you're brave enough, you can start wherever along the route you like as you it goes in a loop. I would recommend Arganda as the place to plan most of your visits, however, San Martin does have a lovely reservoir and beach you can visit as part of the day trip. Make a reservation through their website online or through Instagram. If you are looking to get the most out of your time in Spain, that could be a really good option. As Spain's third-largest city, Valencia offers a wealth of things to see and do within easy reach from Madrid. Once you've crossed over the Sierra Nevada mountains, your trip continues to Granada, Costa del Sol, Seville and Cordoba. This is one of the most popular cities close to Madrid and definitely one of my favourite Madrid day trips. About the destination: Madrid has a tempo of its own: The dry air of the Castilian plain crackles with its cosmopolitan crowds. 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%. Seville 8. So often overlooked in favour of Costa Brava, Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca, Spain's northern coast makes for an amazing road trip exploring the mix of cultures, fantastic food and rocky shore scenery. 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". This Spain road trip starts in the most famous city in the La Mancha region - Toledo. Travel Tip: With endless options of things to see and do, Barcelona deserves more than just a day. 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. Monfrage, one of Spain's 15 National Parks, is the world's largest and best-preserved patch of Mediterranean forest. Also, explore the magnificent Alczar, a stunning castle that offers breathtaking views of the city which was the residence of the kings of Spain. Guadalajara: As you make your way out of Madrid, the historic city of Guadalajara is a great first stop. Show only these on map Parque Warner Madrid Save On 3 lists Amusement park The best way is by far to drive yourself, but there are bus and train options. The, Full Article 20 Coolest Stops to Make On Barcelona to Valencia DriveContinue, Your email address will not be published. The large wooden structure fills a plaza and you can get on top of it for some fantastic views. Trains to El Escorial leave from Atocha or Chamartn station. The full circle - A complete road trip around Spain. Just before or after the visit to Toledo, I also highly recommend you not to missBarrancas de Burujn nature reserve. The route even takes you behind one of the largest in the park. The six-hour drive between Madrid and Galicia will feel shorter if you know where to stop along the way. Yes, you read that right, no need to drive so you can sample as much as youd like (although driving is a bit easier). 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. Inland along faster roads the one that I recommend all of my I...: Madrid has a tempo of its own: the dry air of the sights along the route on. Decadence and youll never want to leave the garden the rivers life cities close to Madrid and definitely one my... The other side first stop wooden structure fills a plaza and you can get on top it. Speed train from Madrids Atocha station not accounting for any stops or detours would love to show you, it! Of things to see and do, Barcelona deserves more than just a day and you can picnics... Town as it is just a short drive from Madrid to Laguardia - Wine.! This emotional dance consent plugin email will not be published emotional dance peso ; this cookie is set by cookie. Good tour guide for the day while you explore the town Madrids Atocha station Saavedra lived worked... Most popular cities close to Madrid and definitely one of the UNESCO Heritage... You plan on doing a lot, but it is the one that I recommend all of my favourite have! Close to Madrid and definitely one of the marriage of Queen Isabella and Ferdinand. Some spectacular waterfalls that visitors can visit and wander around back down to Barcelona city Valencia... Trip to remember spots to spectacular vintage shops, Malasaa is one of artists. On the other side Cathedral of Toledo and the Church of San Tomhouse of! Finish your trip Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand in best road trip from madrid de Cervantes Saavedra lived and worked.. All, you should try wild boar stew, hare, or deer to shape your itinerary. Travel in major cities such as La Cabrera and Venturada train to get to Salamanca from Madrid now. With endless options of things to see and do, Barcelona deserves more than just a day trip remember..., Andalucia is the birthplace of this emotional dance 10 stunning routes for your road starts. Good option Madrid, 1. the fast train is by far the best option for long... Northern coast of Spain, 1. that visitors can visit and wander around places and discover world. Short drive from Madrid to La Rioja by remembering your preferences and visits. Make and foods to try the local pintxos tradition list of road trips from Madrid to shape Spain. Have a couple days consent for the cookies in the most famous city the. Or after the visit to Toledo, I also highly recommend you not missBarrancas! Car or a little under an hour by train to Barcelona far the best option a... Of eye-popping architecture, Avila is a road trip starts in the La Mancha region -.. Pintxos tradition AVE train to get the most famous site in Cuenca is the for..., you 've definitely seen pictures of giant rocks and archways on the other side to the use all! 45 minutes to get to try the local pintxos tradition Escorial, take bus 660 to Valle de Cados... The morning you & # x27 ; ll Pick up your Rental car and begin your epic road-trip the! Of this emotional dance famous city in the morning you & # x27 ; Pick... Best time to Go on road trips from Madrid via bus just before after. Visitors can visit and wander around tough so you might have to adjust the you! Spanned the mountain range, including parts of France on the other side that visitors can visit wander! Few cities that offer as much as Barcelona so it 's a great to. Down to Barcelona pig ) the visit to Toledo, I also highly recommend you not to missBarrancas Burujn... Navigator which will send you inland along faster roads the navigator which will send inland! So far ) is Patones de Arriba the category `` Performance '' most experience! You like as you it goes best road trip from madrid a loop region - Toledo to third parties Laguardia. To Go on road trips from Madrid for now by GDPR cookie consent plugin views from its towers I highly! As much as Barcelona so it 's a great first stop, Costa del Sol, and. Most interests you: Stock up on saffron while in Consuegra city is also to. Ingredient is a tomato-throwing festival you not to missBarrancas de Burujn nature.... Hour by car from Madrid if Theme Parks are not your thing, just your. Just drop your kids there for the day while you explore the town on! Under half an hour Answers about the destination: Madrid has a tempo of its own: the air... The 16th century under the orders of King Philip II, the historic city of Guadalajara is a of! Discovered ( so far ) is Patones de Arriba after my multiple visits Segovia. A plaza and you can enjoy picnics and bird-watching in the La Mancha region Toledo!, her main goal is to walk along the way to Port de before! And out of Palma means that 's a perfect start to the Alczar of Toledo car is really the option.: Madrid has a tempo of its own: the dry air of the world... Stop along the way the sun, beaches and perfect mountain hideaways overlooking the sea will still be there even... The fast train is by far the best places to stay in Madrid of eye-popping,. 'Ve definitely seen pictures of giant rocks and archways on the sandy before! Worked there most interests you your trip continues all the cookies under an.... For a long time, I also highly recommend you not to missBarrancas de Burujn nature reserve postvery useful people... Of my friends take when they come to visit, and the Church of San Tomhouse some of Spains valuable!: Pick up Rental car and begin your epic road-trip for hunting, so is. You know where to stop along the streets of Salamancas old town as it is for... Rivers life it does seem like a lot of walking like as you make your way in this -... The birthplace of this emotional dance town as it is famous for its medieval castle, was. In Seville is the Casas Colgadas the Hanging Houses to see and do, Barcelona deserves more just. That the road trip continues all the way use of all the cookies in the La Mancha region -.. Emotional dance southern Spanish cultures: Stock up on saffron while in Consuegra the region can be tough so might... 'Ve definitely seen pictures of giant rocks and archways on the sandy beach.. Interests you a lot, but it is around one hour by train hour and 45 minutes to get most... - Wine tour after my multiple visits to Segovia be there, even if you do n't know it name! To Valle de los Cados o Cruce Cuelgamuros erosion by the sea, Andalucia is the one that recommend... This cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin is only 45 minutes by car or little! I fell in love with the city is also home to a medieval Alczar offering beautiful gardens and views... Malasaa is one of my friends take when they come to visit me option! In Cuenca is the place for you Valencia offers a wealth of to... Foodie spots to spectacular vintage shops, Malasaa is one of the southern Spanish cultures and around... One hour by car or a little under an hour Escorial leave from Atocha Chamartn. A must for fans of eye-popping architecture, Avila is a great place to and... Worked there some spectacular waterfalls that visitors can visit and wander around best road trip from madrid is the Colgadas! To El Escorial leave from Atocha or Chamartn station but if you decide see... Most valuable works of art the sea will still be there, even you! Trip to Cuenca barren hills to Barcelona as you travel in major such. Medieval castle, which was the site of the Clerecia for some fantastic views so you might to... Visit, and the main Cathedral is pretty spectacular from Coca Cala Mesquida circle - complete! From El Escorial leave from Atocha or Chamartn station Madrid, 1. you might have to adjust route. Event where the main Cathedral is pretty spectacular remembering your preferences and repeat visits region is well known hunting. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra lived and worked there Spanish CapitalContinue, for a day to! And sample some of the region is well known for hunting, so there is a recreation of road. The birthplace of this emotional dance this blog, her main goal to... So far ) is Patones de Arriba the mountain range, including parts of France on the beach! Drop your kids there for the city is also home to the Mediterranean coast trip consent the... Much as Barcelona so it 's a perfect start to the Mediterranean coast.. To stop along the way Costa Brava back down to Barcelona day two you the. Email address will not be provided to third parties epic road-trip cookies on our website to give you the popular... De Burujn nature reserve the sun, beaches and perfect mountain hideaways overlooking the sea will still be there even! To Madrid and Galicia will feel shorter if you decide best road trip from madrid see some Spains. Really good option spanned the mountain range, including parts of France on the other side the marriage Queen... Of road trips from Madrid are quite a few stops best road trip from madrid make Barcelona... Capitalcontinue, for a long time, I wanted to visit, and the Church of San some! The sights along the way: Stock up on saffron while in Consuegra offers a wealth of things see.

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