The historic city is also home to a medieval Alczar offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from its towers. The Madrid Mountains are full of traditional villages, Spains wine country is not far away, and with the high-speed trains, it may surprise you what you can fit into a day trip. Next leg takes you south to Valencia - a seriously underrated Spanish city that offers culture, food and sunshine aplenty with an amazing historical centre. In around 2.5 hours, you can travel from Madrid to the Costa Blanca. Madrid Wine Tour 5. 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. There are few cities that offer as much as Barcelona so it's a perfect start to the Mediterranean coast trip. The drive from Madrid to Toledo takes you through rolling hills and authentic local countryside life. It would make sense that you might want to get to them as quickly as possible. Also, be sure to check out my tips on flying with wine, as youll be wanting to take some back home with you! You won't want a car in Madrid. It covers a length of over 70 miles through Castile-Len. A great route around the region can start and end in Barcelona to make it easy with flights. Consider spending more time in the city in order to fully appreciate all it has to offer. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. The drive from Madrid city center to La Sierra may vary based on the town you are heading to (since this mountain range surrounds the city), but basically, it can take from 50 minutes to 1 hour and a half. The city is also home to the Alczar of Toledo. I have been there a few times now and it is such a picturesque little village. Miajadas boasts that it is the European Capital of the Tomato. Is Madrid Worth Visiting? The town is also famous for its roast lamb, which will provide sustenance as you continue your journey to the sea. 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. Bus 664 or 661 from Moncloa also get you there in about the same amount of time. Aranjuez 11. 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. The palace is characterized by luxury and rich decoration. You can also organise private tours that will take you to both sites with pick up and drop off. The Codornu Winery, for example, is located in Sant Sadurn d'Anoia, a small village in Alt Peneds (a province within Catalonia). The, Full Article 20 Coolest Stops to Make On Barcelona to Valencia DriveContinue, Your email address will not be published. El Escorial & The Valley of the Fallen 14. Secreto Iberico a cut of pork that just melts in your mouth. The biggest draw in the town is the huge royal palace and expansive gardens. If you are more into culture and love grandiose cathedrals, medieval fortresses and jaw dropping architecture, Andalucia is also a place for you. There are quite a few stops to make and foods to try. Madrid is a world within a city, offering a thriving cultural atmosphere, great shopping and sightseeing, and unforgettable food. Seville 8. The Pyrenees are an amazing mountain range that is not high on many tourists' radars. However, you get to visit some beautiful sites along the way. If you are looking to get the most out of your time in Spain, that could be a really good option. At first glance, it may seem boring. These periods are considered the best time to visit Madrid since summers might get too hot while winters can be pretty gray here. To enjoy Madrid's idyllic side complete with classic terraces and markets, La Latina is the place to be! 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! Madrid to Valladolid route is only 200 kilometers long but it is full of pretty and important sites. They are the municipal Cercanas Renfe lines which mean there are a lot of stops, but they are also cheap. The best way to see Avila is either by organised tour or driving yourself. The rest of the road trip follows the Costa Brava back down to Barcelona. Argertine peso; On this road trip from Madrid to Zaragoza, you will explore the beauty and history of central Spain. Those who take the time to venture beyond the roadside restaurants and service stations, however, will find that slowing down pays off. 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. The citys heart lies in the Plaza Nuestra Seora del Pilar. The route even takes you behind one of the largest in the park. Its biggest is the impressive medieval city wall, but another main draw is the Convent of Santa Teresa, a magnificent religious structure built on the home where St. Teresa of vila was born. 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. Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 10 days. If you do end up doing this one, please let us know! The C-2 Cercanas line runs from Atocha to Alcala de Henares. 13. Compare that to the standard train, which takes about 3 and a half hours, or driving, which is about 2 and a half hours. Zaragoza is on the high-speed train route between Madrid and Barcelona meaning there are loads of departures from Atocha station throughout the day. 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. Travel Tip: If you get into town early enough and want to save 10 euros, entrance to the Mezquita is free from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Take line C-8 or C-3 which depart every hour and the journey lasts approximately one hour. However, my highlight is a network of alleyways called El Tubo. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Zaragoza 10. Valencia 11. 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. Mark and I personally like to compare prices between Discover Cars and RentalCars to see which company has better deals. That hotel room by the sea will still be there, even if you decide to see some of the sights along the way. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Toledano are experts at crafting swords and stunning marzipan desserts. While it is regions such as Rioja and Ribera Del Duero that dominate the Spanish wine fame, Madrid actually has their very own Denominacin de Origen Vinos De Madrid. The Zaragoza Route is the most direct way to travel from Barcelona to Madrid, at a distance of 650 km. 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. This trip includes a mix of beaches, historic Spanish cities and exploring nature - a perfect mix for a Spanish road trip! 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. 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. Show only these on map Parque Warner Madrid Save On 3 lists Amusement park Thanks for the nice comment, its just the kind of thing I was thinking. Suckling pig roasted in a traditional wood oven. 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. Cochinillo Asado a local traditional roasted pig fed on a special diet and cooked in a special oven. 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. 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. As with most Spanish cities, there are plenty of churches to visit, and the main cathedral is pretty spectacular. 1. Coming your way in this post - click to expand ->. If you choose not to take the strawberry train, other organised tours will take you to the town or you can also drive yourself. Located on the Ras Baixas highway in the Galician province of Ourense, Allariz sits on the Arnoia river and dates back to the prehistoric Castro culture; Romans and Goths later occupied it too. Drive Spain's Mediterranean coast How to Travel From Madrid to Cordoba by Train, Bus, and Car, How to Travel from Madrid to Valladolid by Train, Bus, and Car, Madrid to Valencia by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, The Most Popular Cities to Visit in Spain, How to Travel From Seville to Cordoba by Train, Bus, and Car, How to Travel From Porto to Madrid by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane. If you are looking for the perfect Toledo souvenirs then a sword would be the right choice. Getting lost in Toledo's tightly-knotted streets is the best way to explore the city, particularly the narrow alleys around Plaza Santa Clara. 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. The town of Medina del Campo is another point of interest worth a stop. 1. There you can try the famous wines mentioned above. If you would like to read a more in-depth guide, check out my what to see in Zaragoza post to be fully inspired. 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. 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. Keep the sea to your right as you go and you're unlikely to go too far wrong. Madrid has plenty more cultural attractions and activities that you could spend the day exploring, but so do the surrounding parts of Spain. But if you are coming on a trip to Madrid for 5 days or longer, then you can create a more action-packed itinerary and see the surroundings after renting a car and going for a drive. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Its a simple motorway so little chance of getting lost, although the road does get pretty busy at rush hour. 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. This road trip through Spain's heartland comes in a loop that starts and ends in the Segovia province. 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. Getting to and from the region can be tough so you might have to adjust the route depending on where you're travelling from. 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. Next. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. Some of the most authentic dishes you should try in Zaragoza is the Ternasco de Aragon. La Rioja is a postcard of a province, with rolling green hills, alpine mountains, limestone . Forgot your password? The six-hour drive between Madrid and Galicia will feel shorter if you know where to stop along the way. From winning foodie spots to spectacular vintage shops, Malasaa is one of the best places to stay in Madrid! The palace project (which was a residence of the monarchs) began as a Spanish response in the 17th century to the French Versailles. I know what youre thinking, Seville? It is only 45 minutes by car or a little under an hour by train. 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. 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. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to get to Zaragoza. The best time to do a road trip from Madrid is during the spring and fall. 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. And relish taking your time amid small Spanish villages, far from the crowds. Amarguillos traditional almond flavoured pastries. It dates back to the 1st century AD. 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. My list will be a mixture of cities near Madrid that you can easily reach by public transport as well as things to do in surrounding towns and villages that you may need to hire a car for. So this is it, my list of road trips from Madrid for now. One other thing to bear in mind, if you are travelling with teenagers, Chinchn is really close to the Warner Brothers Theme Park. 10 Best Road Trips Near Madrid Escape to the Community of Madrid This Weekend! As a Madrid resident myself, I have spent a lot of time exploring the fringes of the city and the nearby neighbours, so I thought I would put together some of my top recommendations and share the best day trips from Madrid. Once you set off, the best way to see the island is to drive all the way around. What makes the city particularly unique is its influence by each of the three major world religions. 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. These have protected its residents for centuries. Whether you want a relaxing drive along the coast or drive around the entire country of Spain, here are the 10 amazing options for a Spain road trip to pick from. In the post linked above, you can see the public transport links to reach the vineyards, they involve either a train or the bus. Im back with another wine region. This blog post will explore the various destinations you can drive to and will help you plan the ultimate road trip experience from Madrid. 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. 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. There is a bus option, but it takes a bit longer, or you can hire a car and drive yourself which will take around an hour and a half. 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. 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. Madrid is a vibrant, exciting city, and art and culture lovers will love the array of museums and art galleries. The first stop is the La Rioja wine region, located in Basque Country about 3.5 hours north of Madrid. 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. 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. Segovia Cathedral a gigantic gothic masterpiece with wonderful views from the bell tower. As always, this will be a bit more expensive but thats the price for a stress-free trip. Hiring a car is really the best option for this day trip. 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. It also is much better for families with kids who are better entertained hiking and doing active things than going to museums all day. Where to Stay in Madrid. Anyone who read Don Quijote in their high school Spanish class may remember how the titular character famously confused the giant windmills of Consuegra for monsters with flailing arms. Table of Contents 1. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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! Info USD Dollar. The Granjilla de La Fresneda expansive gardens. 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. Roadside restaurants and service stations, however, my list of road trips Madrid. Island is to drive all the way Capital of the road does pretty. 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