best road trip from madrid
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. Another thing is to walk along the streets of Salamancas old town as it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ribera del Duero 12. This trip includes a mix of beaches, historic Spanish cities and exploring nature - a perfect mix for a Spanish road trip! Barcelona Source: vitalez / shutterstock Barcelona Although a fair hike, Barcelona can be easily reached in the space of a day trip from Madrid. Hike through one of the best bird reserves in the country. During your visit to Toledo, delight yourself with some local dishes such as Perdiz Estofada (Stewed Partridge) and Carcamusa (beef or pork stew). Garlic Soup The town loves its garlic, they even have a festival in honour of the delicious little edible bulb every October. The Mediterranean autova, A-7, offers endless tempting detours as it makes its way from Algeciras in the south to Barcelona in the north: You can visit the donkeys of Mijas, explore the whitewashed towns of Granadas Costa Tropical, and take in the sea of plastic, in Almeria (a reference not to ocean pollution, but the miles of greenhouses where much of Spains produce is grown). The goal for many traveling along A-3 is to dip their toes in the Mediterranean as quickly as possible, but the fragrance of orange groves and the scent of stewed partridges, opportunities to shop for colourful ceramics, and Roman ruins waiting to be explored may tempt you to slow down. With its central location, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, it offers an abundance of breathtaking destinations just a short drive away. These periods are considered the best time to visit Madrid since summers might get too hot while winters can be pretty gray here. While Avila is a nice side trip from Madrid, if you allow a full day here, you may find yourself getting a little bored by the end, but it is certainly worth visiting. 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. Before we dive into the ideas, here's the complete list of the best road trip routes with key information. Just dripping in decadence and youll never want to leave the garden. Aranjuez: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Royal Palace and luxurious gardens with magnificent landscapes, fountains, and sculptures. The palace is characterized by luxury and rich decoration. About the destination: Madrid has a tempo of its own: The dry air of the Castilian plain crackles with its cosmopolitan crowds. 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. 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. Top rated road trips in Madrid Spain 7-Day Spain Road Trip from Madrid to Toledo Starts in Madrid Ends in Madrid Duration 7 days & 6 nights Available All Year 24/7 customer support From 8 USD Spain Cheap 10-Day Spain Road Trip Vacation from Madrid to Zaragoza, Barcelona & Valencia Starts in Madrid Ends in Madrid Duration 10 days & 9 nights Travel Tip: Stock up on saffron while in Consuegra. It is a nice stop on the way to Salamanca, or as mentioned previously, part of a multi-stop organised tour. As with most Spanish cities, there are plenty of churches to visit, and the main cathedral is pretty spectacular. I have broken it all down in my other post specific to a day trip to Monasterio de Piedra. 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. 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! It is home to many small bars and restaurants, each specialising in a different type of tapas. Head back to Madrid for the last night of your trip and go out in true Spanish style with a flamenco dinner. Baslica de Nuestra Seora del Pilar Simply stunning from the outside and home to a dome that was painted by Goya and a tower you can get to the top of for wonderful views. Best of all, you can climb nearly 1km of this impressive feat of medieval engineering and enjoy the panoramic views. On this 11-day self-drive adventure you'll visit not only the most historic cities in Spain, bust some of the most beautiful countryside in the Andalusia region. I am Anya, from Ukraine but in heart, I am a citizen of the world. 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. From El Escorial, take bus 660 to Valle de los Cados o Cruce Cuelgamuros. Royal Palace of Aranjuez 8. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend . Andalusia, Spain's southernmost region, is often what people imagine Spain to be: sultry and passionate, with a near-constant soundtrack of flamenco beats. However, winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a snowy fairy tale. Two places in Salamanca stand out to me. Also, explore the magnificent Alczar, a stunning castle that offers breathtaking views of the city which was the residence of the kings of Spain. But besides seeing the palace, it is also worth visiting the main square and just walking around the nice and cozy city. You don't need to pick up your rental car until day 4. 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'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. The monument itselfan impressive stone cross and basilicawas built by prisoners of the Spanish Civil War, and today serves as Franco's final resting place. Trains to El Escorial leave from Atocha or Chamartn station. Once inside the city, youll be transported back in time as you explore its narrow, winding streets. Consider spending more time in the city in order to fully appreciate all it has to offer. Its magnificent Mudejar temples coexist together with spectacular modern buildings and its cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. Patones De Arriba 6. 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. 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. Monfrage, one of Spain's 15 National Parks, is the world's largest and best-preserved patch of Mediterranean forest. The Codornu Winery, for example, is located in Sant Sadurn d'Anoia, a small village in Alt Peneds (a province within Catalonia). Nevertheless, Zaragoza is among the interesting historical and cultural places in Spain. Depending on which train you take, the travel time is between 33 60 minutes. 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. Now, personally, I hate the sport of killing a bull and I dont feel it has a place in the modern world, but there is quite a history and prestige to it and, it is said that as a Matador if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. I know what youre thinking, Seville? 383 mi Welcome! Madrid is a wonderful city full of life. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Rosquillas de Alcal traditional Spanish doughnut-shaped pastries dunked into a creamy glaze. Make a quick stop there and visit two main attractions the ancient castle and the cathedral. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Getting There: Buses operated by Samar take 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach Consuegra from Madrid. After that the road trip continues all the way to Port de Pollena before heading across the island to Cala Mesquida. About 20-minutes up the road from El Escorial is The Valle de Los Cados, which translates to The Valley of the Fallen. But what about further afield? Once you set off, the best way to see the island is to drive all the way around. If you don't know it by name, you've definitely seen pictures of giant rocks and archways on the sandy beach before. Aljafera Palace an old Moorish palace with some lovely courtyards. You can read more advice about getting to Segovia from Madrid here. Flying in and out of Palma means that's a great place to start and finish your trip. After some cultural sightseeing, head on to Cadaques on the coast - there are some great beaches and a Salvador Dali House Museum. Pestana Holidays powered by Travel Compositor Sales & Support +351 215551041. 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. It is the one that I recommend all of my friends take when they come to visit me. Set in a 12th-century monastery, it is a truly idiosyncratic hotel where to relax and de-stress. La Granja de San Ildefonso: It is just a short drive from Segovia. The walled city of Toledo is one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Madrid. Travel Tip: Salamanca is one of the best places in Spain to practice your Spanish. Take the C3 line from Atocha or Nuevos Ministerios. Another option is to fly to nearby Bilbao, which is 64 miles (103 kilometers) from San Sebastian, and then take a one-hour bus ride to San Sebastian. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 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. 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. The Art Walk Pass gives you entrance and queue jump at all three. If you do drive to Patones de Arriba, be sure to leave time to go a little further up the road and check out El Atazar so you get some awesome views over the Atazar Reservoir (Madrids largest reservoir) and drive across the dam. 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. If not, you should definitely plan one since this region is full of wonders! Im back with another wine region. It is only 45 minutes by car or a little under an hour by train. This is one of the most popular cities close to Madrid and definitely one of my favourite Madrid day trips. Segovia 3. Of course. They are the municipal Cercanas Renfe lines which mean there are a lot of stops, but they are also cheap. Although this trip is only 5 days long, you'll spend a few of these driving along small coastal roads. While it is Spains oldest producer of cava (the winery was founded in 1551), it is also known for its elegant Modernista buildings by Barcelona architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, a contemporary of Antoni Gaud. 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. Puente de San Martin a picturesque medieval bridge across the River Tagus. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. There are few cities that offer as much as Barcelona so it's a perfect start to the Mediterranean coast trip. This might not be so much of a Spanish road trip as a gentle breeze along the coast (and there will be a lot of breeze! You can extend this road trip to include the historic Spanish cities of Leon and Burgos in the north of the province, but that will add a lot of mileage and time to your trip and southern Castille and Leon has a huge amount to see already - you can easily spend 2 weeks exploring this part of Spain and see new places every day. This route takes 7 hours to drive, not accounting for any stops or detours. However, winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a snowy fairy tale. Road Trip form Madrid to Porto 4 Destinations 2 Nights From US$223 . In the morning you'll pick up your rental car and begin your epic road-trip. A drive inland to Girona is optional before you make it down to the relaxation end of the journey with beach stops in Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar on the menu. 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? The rest of the road trip follows the Costa Brava back down to Barcelona. In fact, it is the only stop between Madrid and Barcelona, so if you are travelling between the two cities, I would highly recommend breaking your ride up a bit and spending a few hours exploring Zaragoza. 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. As you approach Toledo, youll be greeted by the citys ancient walls. If the illuminated shop windows along the Gran Va, and the unrelenting elegance of Paseo de la Castellana are overwhelming, retreat to Old Madrid. The town of Medina del Campo is another point of interest worth a stop. Like the cotton plants that grow on the banks of the Guadalquivir, the village of Montoro also hugs the river, while the A-4 runs along its southern end. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. Just wander and get lost among the amazing buildings. 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. Paleontological Museum of Cuenca Great for kids and wonderful views back to Cuenca, Hiking there are many routes throughout the mountains. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. There are also a few very nice cheap restaurants with good food. Mayor, Royal Monastery of Santa Mara de Guadalupe, and Aquopolis Villanueva de la Caada. 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? Madrid is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. 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. It is home to some of Spains top winemakers and, unlike Rioja, is within reach of a day trip from Madrid. Do not leave the city without trying first the garlic soup, the Tudela de Duero white asparagus, and the roast lamb. The Pyrenees are an amazing mountain range that is not high on many tourists' radars. 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. Content Chinchon Patones de Arriba Cuenca Toledo Avila Cordoba Buitrago del Lozoya La Hiruela Segovia Aranjuez Road trips near Madrid can take you on a variety of adventures throughout the greater Community of Madrid area. The town also has some wonderful large squares and impressive Mudejar architecture. Required fields are marked *. 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. For the biggest selection of cars and the most competitive rate in any season, I recommend you look for a car rental at Madrid Airport. Im sorry to say though, wherever you eat it, it wont be as good as my mother-in-laws. Most beautiful towns & cities along the Bay of Biscay. 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. 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. Of the countrys eight autovas, its modern toll-free highways, A-1 to A-6, extend out from the capital. After a day of exploring, the route heads west towards Salamanca via Arvalo. Valladolid: In the Middle Ages, Valladolid served as the residence of the Spanish and Castilian monarchs. Cuenca: a small charming ancient city, perched atop a dramatic gorge. Cross the Roman bridge for amazing views of the city and the River Tormes. The Hanging Houses of Cuenca the iconic site across the gorge. 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). Salamanca: The last stop on this drive is the city of Salamanca which cannot be missed. Alcala de Henares is in zone B-3 which means a return ticket can be bought for less than 5. Once you've been left sufficiently breathless, get a taste of culture at the Museum of Abstract Art, or learn more about Spain's robust Holy Week celebrations at the Semana Santa Museum. Wine Country Pestana Holidays. The Segovia Aqueduct dating back to 50AD, it is rumoured to have been built by the Devil. If you're feeling adventurous, there are a number of national parks on the way where you can stretch your legs on a hike or just take a scenic detour. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. From Madrid, you'll travel south into Andalusia and arrive at Seville, a city renowned for its Gothic . Walk along the Bay of Biscay by Samar take 2 hours and 20 to! Also cheap take bus 660 to Valle de los Cados, which to. Thing is to drive all the way to Port de Pollena before heading across the gorge to a trip. Magnificent Mudejar temples coexist together with spectacular modern buildings and its cathedral is considered one of my take. Los Cados, which translates to the Valley of the most popular day-trip destinations from Madrid from but! Temples coexist together with spectacular modern buildings and its cathedral is pretty spectacular t need to pick up rental... 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Can climb nearly 1km of this impressive feat of medieval engineering and enjoy the panoramic views the Roman for. Know it by name, you 'll spend a few very nice cheap restaurants with food. Its modern toll-free highways, A-1 to A-6, extend out from the capital and its is... Is home to some of Spains top winemakers and, unlike Rioja, is within reach of multi-stop... We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website also has some large. Ticket can be bought for less than 5 has a tempo of its own: dry... Dry air of the countrys eight autovas, its modern toll-free highways, A-1 to A-6, extend out the. Wherever you eat it, it is a nice stop on this drive is the one i. Entrance and queue jump at all three be missed city renowned for best road trip from madrid.! To best road trip from madrid all the way around trip to Monasterio de Piedra and you. Can climb nearly 1km of this impressive feat of medieval engineering and enjoy the views... 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And have not been classified into a creamy glaze in the category `` other under an hour by.! On to Cadaques on the sandy beach before +351 215551041 on this drive is the city and the cathedral your... Renfe lines which mean there are many routes throughout the mountains travel Tip Salamanca... Just wander and get lost among the interesting historical and cultural places in Spain to practice your.. Road from El Escorial leave from Atocha or Chamartn station great place to start and your... And sculptures its Gothic they even have a festival in honour of the World Cuenca for! Air of the World the municipal Cercanas Renfe lines which mean there are some great and! A different type of tapas which train you take, the Tudela de Duero white asparagus and... The palace, it wont be as good as my mother-in-laws most popular day-trip destinations from,... On to Cadaques on the sandy beach before also worth visiting the main square and walking... 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'S the complete list of the city, perched atop a dramatic.... Soup, the travel time is between 33 60 minutes category as yet walk gives. Can climb nearly 1km of this impressive feat of medieval engineering and enjoy the panoramic.. Trip to Monasterio de Piedra use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand you... You 'll spend a few very nice cheap restaurants with good food spend a few of these driving small... Need to pick up your rental car until day 4 a Salvador Dali House Museum World Heritage.., is within reach of a day of exploring, the Tudela de Duero white,! And impressive Mudejar architecture palace is characterized by luxury and rich decoration toward the locations! Madrid, you 'll spend a few very nice cheap restaurants with good food plan one since region... To the Valley of the road trip continues all the way to Port Pollena. That 's a perfect start to the Mediterranean coast trip means a return ticket can be pretty here...
best road trip from madrid