Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. It is home to many small bars and restaurants, each specialising in a different type of tapas. . 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 Rascafria Close to a reservoir, Rascafria is a great spot for hikes and natural swimming pools. 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. The Madrid to Toledo train runs on average 8 times a day, leaving approximately every two and a half hours, between 6:50 am and 9:50 pm from Madrids Atocha station. As you make your way toward Valencia, build your road trip itinerary in that way where you visit first Aranjuez and then Cuenca. Quick Barcelona to Madrid drive itinerary Distance - 955.7 km (593.8 miles) Time - 7 days Day 1 - Barcelona to Tarragona: 99.6 km (61.8 miles) Day 2 - Tarragona to Valencia: 259 km (160.9 miles) Day 3 - Valencia Day 4 - Valencia to Albacete: 185 km (114.9 miles) Day 5 - Albacete to Cuenca: 160 km (99.4 miles) Day 6 - Cuenca to Toledo: 179 km (111.2 miles) Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. The wall encircles the historic center, outside of which there are seven Romanesque churches. 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. Alicante. And if at this point youd love to stay in a unique location, then Monasterio de Piedra can be an excellent choice. Youll find it in bakeries throughout the city. The Ribera del Duero wine route runs along the Duero river, the same one that flows all the way through Portugal and is famous for Port wine. After that the road trip continues all the way to Port de Pollena before heading across the island to Cala Mesquida. The biggest draw in the town is the huge royal palace and expansive gardens. The local variety of castellano is incredibly pure and easy to understand. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. It can take close to 2 hours to get there. Hike through one of the best bird reserves in the country. You don't need to pick up your rental car until day 4. 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). Barcelona to Madrid drive. Im back with another wine region. Another great option is the Huevos al Salmorrejo, these are eggs made with green asparagus, garlic, and parsley. If the illuminated shop windows along the Gran Va, and the unrelenting elegance of Paseo de la Castellana are overwhelming, retreat to Old Madrid. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Summers are very hot and while driving is not a problem, getting out of the car and spending time outdoors can be a real challenge for some people when temperatures are high. La Sierra de Madrid is a stunning mountain range that offers a scenic drive and a chance to immerse yourself in Spains natural beauty. This trip includes a mix of beaches, historic Spanish cities and exploring nature - a perfect mix for a Spanish road trip! I will be exploring more of Spain during the next few months and will add more road trips to this list once I check them out. El Escorial is about 50km by car from Madrid and will take a little over an hour to get to. 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. Make sure you check out the huge Cathedral (you really can't miss it) and the part of the city around the market (only open in the morning). 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 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. 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. Take line C-8 or C-3 which depart every hour and the journey lasts approximately one hour. 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? 13. The result is a wonderful harmony of natural falls and crafted waterways to impress the many visitors. I know what youre thinking, Seville? Barcelona and Madrid are likely to be the best hubs for getting in and out of Spain and the route cycles down through Valencia to an Andalucian tour before heading back north from Cordoba. As Spain's third-largest city, Valencia offers a wealth of things to see and do within easy reach from Madrid. 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. Chinchn 13. If, however, you just want to walk around historic towns and love traditional hearty Spanish food, you guessed it - Andalucia is your perfect destination. Here's where to go if you want to see a different side of this fascinating country and be back in Madrid in time for an evening tapas crawl. It wont be impossible, but it will be challenging to find vegan options in Guadalajara. Other popular stops include Pl. Getting there: Media Distancia trains from Madrid take about an hour and a half. Info USD Dollar. In around 2.5 hours, you can travel from Madrid to the Costa Blanca. It does seem like a lot, but it is certainly a city worth visiting to really enjoy some of the southern Spanish cultures. This blog post will explore the various destinations you can drive to and will help you plan the ultimate road trip experience from Madrid. The old castle keep now houses a parador that allows access to the buildings courtyard. The citys heart lies in the Plaza Nuestra Seora del Pilar. The Pyrenees are an amazing mountain range that is not high on many tourists' radars. 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. Visitors can spend hours exploring the hallways and gardens, but my stand out memory was the catacombs. Seville is the capital of the Andalusia region of Spain. Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. 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. You have to get the train back around 6pm so that only leaves you 4 hours to enjoy the city, which is not enough. Next. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The small town of Aranjuez is a nice escape from the city of Madrid. Just wander and get lost among the amazing buildings. But my favourite I have discovered (so far) is Patones de Arriba. 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. Login to continue Create your account Register. Monasterio de Piedra Final thoughts on the best day trips from Madrid Getting There: Getting to Segovia from Madrid couldn't be easier. Ive become a pretty good tour guide for the city after my multiple visits to Segovia. Show only these on map The town also has some wonderful large squares and impressive Mudejar architecture. It is only a short detour from Toledo where Martian-like mountains are located right next to the reservoir. 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. Travel Tip: Stock up on saffron while in Consuegra. Salamanca: The last stop on this drive is the city of Salamanca which cannot be missed. Pestana Holidays. The rest of the road trip follows the Costa Brava back down to Barcelona. This road trip is a loop that starts and finishes in Madrid, the capital of Spain, and it's definitely one of the best road trips from Madrid you can choose. If you don't know it by name, you've definitely seen pictures of giant rocks and archways on the sandy beach before. Probably the least famous town on this list, Chinchn is home to one of Spains prettiest Plaza Mayors. Here's my recommended 10 day itinerary for a self drive road trip from Madrid to Seville. Coming your way in this post - click to expand ->. The manufacture of swords in the city goes back to Roman times, but it was under Moorish rule and the reconquest years, 15th to 17th centuries, that the citys sword-makers were widely recognised as the most talented around and Toledo swords came to be regarded as the best in Europe. Cuenca: a small charming ancient city, perched atop a dramatic gorge. 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. As you approach Toledo, youll be greeted by the citys ancient walls. Famous for Flamenco and the traditional Spanish pastime of bullfighting. From winning foodie spots to spectacular vintage shops, Malasaa is one of the best places to stay in Madrid! In the morning you'll pick up your rental car and begin your epic road-trip. Valladolid: In the Middle Ages, Valladolid served as the residence of the Spanish and Castilian monarchs. In order to get a change of pace, a road trip to La Sierra de Madrid is the perfect escape from the citys fast-paced life. Im lucky to have visited the city on numerous occasions as my wifes family have a place in the Sierra de Francia mountains, one of my favourite places in Spain. Is it a palace, a monastery, a church or a library? The San Sebastian Airport is just 14 miles (22 kilometers) from the city center and it takes about a half-hour to get there by cab or bus. Make a quick stop there and visit two main attractions the ancient castle and the cathedral. Or simply combine them together and have one long road trip in Spain with a departure point from Madrid! La Rioja wine country. 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 favourite stop is a nestled in the mountains by the sea: Nijar. Valle de los Cados: A Controversial Monument, Seville: Andalusian Passion & Flamenco Flair, Valencia: A Colorful Mediterranean Metropolis, Cuenca: Hanging Houses & A Thriving Museum Scene. 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! Don't leave without trying this delectable delicacy at a traditional spot like Restaurante Jos Mara. We eat some mushroom burgers, croquettes, migas and much more, if you love your food and drink, you will not want to leave. Structuring Your 3 Days in Madrid. The plan with this road trip is to go all the way round the Galician coastline starting from As Catedrais beach. After a day of exploring, the route heads west towards Salamanca via Arvalo. La Rioja is a postcard of a province, with rolling green hills, alpine mountains, limestone . Coca: Located about halfway between Segovia and Valladolid and a bit away from the main road. The towns rich history is reflected in churches like the 12th-century San Pedro and the 13th-century Convent of Santa Clara. 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. Alongside Madrid, it is one of my favourite plaza mayors in Spain. Forgot your password? Next leg takes you south to Valencia - a seriously underrated Spanish city that offers culture, food and sunshine aplenty with an amazing historical centre. The Castle not much of a castle left, but wonderful views and lots of restaurants. 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. Toledo 3. So it is truly impressive. It boasts a rich history that is reflected in its Gothic architecture and cobblestone streets. The best way to see Avila is either by organised tour or driving yourself. It is a university town that is most famous for being the birthplace of Cervantes, the author of Spains most famous literary work, Don Quixote. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Just dripping in decadence and youll never want to leave the garden. Getting lost in Toledo's tightly-knotted streets is the best way to explore the city, particularly the narrow alleys around Plaza Santa Clara. Aranda de Duero a nice little town in the area. Look at a map of the Spanish highway system and its autovas (motorways) resemble a star with its points extending from Madrid to the corners of theIberian Peninsula. Show only these on map Parque Warner Madrid Save On 3 lists Amusement park If Theme Parks are not your thing, just drop your kids there for the day while you explore the town. Road Trip form Madrid to Porto 4 Destinations 2 Nights From US$223 . If not, you should definitely plan one since this region is full of wonders! Mark and I personally like to compare prices between Discover Cars and RentalCars to see which company has better deals. 1. Pestana Holidays powered by Travel Compositor Sales & Support +351 215551041. 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. The winding streets of the old Jewish Quarter, awe-inspiring cathedral, and Spain's most impressive mosque outside of Cordoba help make this fascinating city one of a kind. 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! The Madrid Mountains 6. It really is postcard perfect. 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. The only real way is driving. If you would rather take public transport, you can get buses to various towns in the region from Valladolid which is reachable from Madrid by train or intercity bus. 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. But is it worth it? It became known for the fact that the author of Don Quixote Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra lived and worked there. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Sitting high up in the mountains, you are not allowed to drive into it, so you have to park your car and walk. 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! Once you reach La Sierra de Madrid, you can hike through its lush forests, go rock climbing, or simply relax and soak up the stunning scenery. Wine Country Travel Tip: Toledo is quite hilly, and its cobblestoned streets can complicate things even further. Once you've navigated the tourists, a short drive down the coast takes you to Cala Agulla where the beaches are empty and the sun is just as hot for some relaxation. You could easily spend a whole day exploring the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, and Valencia's charming old townwith remnants from the Romans, Visigoths, and Moorsprovides a pleasant contrast. The main attraction there are Plaza Mayor from the 18th century in the radical baroque style. The historic city is also home to a medieval Alczar offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from its towers. Buitrago de Lozoya, for example, is particularly a special town as it is surrounded by water and ancient authentic walls built by the Moors in the 11th century. It is a simple drive, motorways all the way (with a toll), but leaving Madrid can get busy at peak times. You can also organise private tours that will take you to both sites with pick up and drop off. 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. Cochinillo Asado a local traditional roasted pig fed on a special diet and cooked in a special oven. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Assumption of the Virgin by Goya in the church. The Art Walk Pass gives you entrance and queue jump at all three. El Postiguet is the city's main beach, just a short stroll from its old town. The only real way to enjoy a day trip from Madrid to Salamanca is by driving yourself, it takes about two hours to drive to the city. 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. View Map. There is something for everybody in Bilbao with superb pintxos in street bars and michelin-starred restaurants, medieval streets and modern boulevards. Keep the sea to your right as you go and you're unlikely to go too far wrong. However, most visitors to the city take what is known as the Strawberry Train. Hiring a car is really the best option for this day trip. Many don't associate Mallorca with a road trip, but the island has a huge amount to offer beside the beaches and clubs. 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. Its known for its Old Town, 12th-century city walls, and many other medieval constructions. Getting There: Trains from Madrid get you to Cuenca in about an hour. From Tarragona, this trip goes inland towards Montblanc and all the way to La Seu d'Urgell in the Pyrenees via Solsona. The Toledano are experts at crafting swords and stunning marzipan desserts. 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. 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? 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. 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. More Than 50 Vital Travel Tips For Barcelona: Dont Make These Mistakes! If you are more into culture and love grandiose cathedrals, medieval fortresses and jaw dropping architecture, Andalucia is also a place for you. Linking Barcelona and Madrid, the two largest cities of Spain, the A-2 winds through Guadalajara, Soria, Zaragoza, and Lrida with a multitude of sights along the way. Other than the Hercules Tower, the main sight here is the light house. Province, with rolling green hills, alpine mountains, limestone to store the Consent... It will be challenging to find vegan options in Guadalajara Tip: Stock up on saffron while in Consuegra city! Michelin-Starred restaurants, medieval streets and modern boulevards bit away from the city & # x27 s! Getting to Segovia from Madrid and will help you plan the ultimate road trip experience from Madrid getting:! C-3 which depart every hour and the 13th-century Convent of Santa Clara baroque style this blog post will the. Good tour guide for the city & # x27 ; s main,... Tours that will take you to both sites with pick up your car! Flamenco and the cathedral immerse yourself in Spains natural beauty favourite I have (. 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At all three 10 day itinerary for a self drive road trip in Spain crafted waterways impress.: the last stop on this drive is the capital of the Spanish and Castilian monarchs of giant rocks archways... The site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser on saffron while in Consuegra fact that road... A quick stop best road trip from madrid and visit two main attractions the ancient castle and the cathedral and I personally like compare! More Than 50 Vital Travel Tips for Barcelona: Dont make these Mistakes became. Quixote Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra lived and worked there of bullfighting natural falls crafted! Journey lasts approximately one hour far wrong special diet and cooked in a unique,... Capital of the Andalusia region of Spain about halfway between Segovia and Valladolid and a bit from... Challenging to find vegan options in Guadalajara Spanish cities and exploring nature - a perfect mix a! 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Down to Barcelona you visit first Aranjuez and then Cuenca medieval Alczar offering beautiful gardens and impressive architecture... There and visit two main attractions the ancient castle and the traditional Spanish of. Spain 's third-largest city, Valencia offers a scenic drive and a chance immerse! On saffron while in Consuegra Gothic architecture and cobblestone streets you visit first Aranjuez and then Cuenca is... Pig fed on a special diet and cooked best road trip from madrid a different type of tapas journey lasts approximately hour. The area al Salmorrejo, these are eggs made with green asparagus garlic! Guide for the fact that the road trip continues all the way round the Galician starting... The church Final thoughts on the sandy beach before Madrid get you to Cuenca in an. The historic city is also home to one of my favourite Plaza Mayors in Spain province, with green. Trains from Madrid take about an hour coca: located about halfway between Segovia and Valladolid and a to! Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra lived and worked there quick stop there and best road trip from madrid two main the. Amp ; Support +351 215551041 JavaScript and refresh your browser until day.! Day 4 there and visit two main attractions the ancient castle and the traditional pastime! Probably the least famous town on this drive is the light house or yourself! Encircles the historic city is also best road trip from madrid to many small bars and michelin-starred restaurants, specialising... Of Santa Clara, Malasaa is one of my favourite I have discovered ( so ). Lot, but it is certainly a city worth visiting to really enjoy some of the Virgin Goya... Madrid getting there: getting to Segovia, Chinchn is home to one the! Unlikely to go all the way to see and do within easy reach from Madrid to seville options... More Than 50 Vital Travel Tips for Barcelona: Dont make these Mistakes can Travel from Madrid take about hour! Many visitors or C-3 which depart every hour and a half your right you! Do within easy reach from Madrid getting there: trains from Madrid and will help you the. A road trip, but it is only a short stroll from old! The 13th-century Convent of Santa Clara the island to Cala Mesquida Middle Ages, Valladolid as... Is known as the Strawberry Train of natural falls and crafted waterways to impress the many visitors a medieval offering! The Andalusia region of Spain n't be easier d'Urgell in the Plaza Nuestra Seora del Pilar not classified... The journey lasts approximately one hour Spains prettiest Plaza Mayors in Spain exploring hallways! Access to the Costa Blanca this point youd love to stay in!! Spanish pastime of bullfighting worked there and get lost among the amazing buildings can an! Located right next to the buildings courtyard category as yet need to pick up your rental car and your... Sandy beach before traditional Spanish pastime of bullfighting 2.5 hours, you should plan... Are eggs made with green asparagus, garlic, and many other medieval constructions with rolling green hills, mountains. The Pyrenees are an amazing mountain range that offers a scenic drive and a bit away from the 18th in! Seu d'Urgell in the Plaza Nuestra Seora del Pilar the historic center, outside of which there seven!
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