Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. A must for fans of eye-popping architecture, Avila is a road trip to remember. I fell in love with the city on my visit. Alczar of Toledo An imposing castle on the cities highest point and home to an Army Museum. These periods are considered the best time to visit Madrid since summers might get too hot while winters can be pretty gray here. 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. My other highlight is crossing the pedestrianised Roman Bridge. In around 2.5 hours, you can travel from Madrid to the Costa Blanca. It is around one hour by car from Madrid or just 30 mins by high speed train from Madrids Atocha station. The rest of the road trip follows the Costa Brava back down to Barcelona. The old castle keep now houses a parador that allows access to the buildings courtyard. The Segovia train station is a bit outside of the city itself, so when you arrive you will require a quick bus or taxi ride to get into the centre. And relish taking your time amid small Spanish villages, far from the crowds. Getting there: Media Distancia trains from Madrid take about an hour and a half. 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. 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. If you want to take a day trip to Seville, the high-speed train is your only real option as it is a long drive. El Escorial is a town just to the north of Madrid that most people visit to see the imposing Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, and the nearby Valley of the Fallen, a Catholic basilica and controversial civil war memorial. However, you get to visit some beautiful sites along the way. 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. The Castle not much of a castle left, but wonderful views and lots of restaurants. I am Anya, from Ukraine but in heart, I am a citizen of the world. This medieval castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. They are the municipal Cercanas Renfe lines which mean there are a lot of stops, but they are also cheap. However, on my visit to Avila, once I had breached the city walls, I found it a little underwhelming. Andalusia, Spain's southernmost region, is often what people imagine Spain to be: sultry and passionate, with a near-constant soundtrack of flamenco beats. Segovia 3. Travel Tip: Salamanca is one of the best places in Spain to practice your Spanish. The small town of Aranjuez is a nice escape from the city of Madrid. The first stop is the La Rioja wine region, located in Basque Country about 3.5 hours north of Madrid. About the destination: Madrid has a tempo of its own: The dry air of the Castilian plain crackles with its cosmopolitan crowds. Valladolid: In the Middle Ages, Valladolid served as the residence of the Spanish and Castilian monarchs. Is Madrid Worth Visiting? 1. 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. It is the one that I recommend all of my friends take when they come to visit me. Aranjuez: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Royal Palace and luxurious gardens with magnificent landscapes, fountains, and sculptures. For history lovers, Toledo is a treasure trove. If you want to base yourself in Barcelona, instead of going on a road trip, check out our 40 day trips from Barcelona for inspiration on where you can get to! While outside of Spain, there is no doubt Rioja is considered the best wine from the country, however, those in the know also talk about this smaller wine region named Ribera del Duero. The Royal Alcazar A must see. It can take close to 2 hours to get there. It covers a length of over 70 miles through Castile-Len. 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. With its central location, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, it offers an abundance of breathtaking destinations just a short drive away. Stroll around the Gran Va, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor Spains beaches, and its beach towns, are justifiably famous. 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. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. In the morning you'll pick up your rental car and begin your epic road-trip. Getting There: Getting to Segovia from Madrid couldn't be easier. If Theme Parks are not your thing, just drop your kids there for the day while you explore the town. Madrid is a vibrant, exciting city, and art and culture lovers will love the array of museums and art galleries. At present time, she is based in Spain while waiting for the war in Ukraine to be over to be able to return home. There is history, festivals, and of course delicious food to enjoy at each of the stops. At the seaside enclave where the Urola and Narrondo rivers meet, steep streets lead down to the harbour, the centre of activity and life. 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! 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) Segovia: As you continue on your journey towards Salamanca, make a stop in Segovia and visit the iconic Roman aqueduct 728 meters long. The walls of the village are punctuated by a number of gates including the Puerta del Campo (a must-stop for a photo of the village) and the Puerta del Calabozo (or dungeon). It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. There are some fantastic hotels if you want to really relax and go off the grid for a few days - we have stayed at The Arantza Hotela in the foothills of Pyrenees and cannot recommend it highly enough - it is expensive but super luxurious and worth it! They leave from the Madrid Sur bus station but take a little over 3 hours to arrive in Salamanca. Seville 13. Its known for its Old Town, 12th-century city walls, and many other medieval constructions. The C-2 Cercanas line runs from Atocha to Alcala de Henares. Finally, Spain loves food and everywhere you go is fiercely proud of their local fare, so I have also included what to eat when you there. 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. El Greco Museum one of Spains most iconic artists. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Seplveda belongs toThe Most Beautiful Villages of Spain association, and you wont have to spend long wandering the streets of the hillside town before you will agree the superlative fits. If you did want to plan your own itinerary, Id recommend reading this post that I have written for the website Winerist, it has all the details you need to know about reaching Madrids vineyards via public transport. You can read more advice about getting to Segovia from Madrid here. Take the AVE train to get there in under half an hour. The city actually has a lot to offer so it's great to spend the first or last night here depending on your flight times. Get lost in the winding streets and old buildings of Jewish District. The main landmark for visitors to Aranjuez is the town's Royal Palace, a royal estate for the Spanish royal family since 1560. Cochinillo Asado a local traditional roasted pig fed on a special diet and cooked in a special oven. Once again were back on the train. You will see the world's finest architecture in Barcelona, La Mezquita in Cordoba, the Seville Cathedral and Granada's Alhambra fortress but have time to relax in Puerto Banus, lay on the beach in Nerja and roam the narrow streets of Andalucian white villages. Next. It is famous for its medieval castle, which was the site of the marriage of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand in 1469. Getting There: Take the high-speed AVE train from Madrid (operated by Renfe, Spain's national rail service) to get there in two and a half hours. Soak up Madrid's unbeatable atmosphere as you admire the incredible architecture and enjoy strolling along the Calle de Cava Baja. The historic city is also home to a medieval Alczar offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from its towers. The palace project (which was a residence of the monarchs) began as a Spanish response in the 17th century to the French Versailles. I offer you the top 6 of beautiful destinations where you can go on a day trip from Madrid by car. Day 3: Pick up Rental Car - Drive From Madrid to Laguardia - Wine Tour. Travel Tip: Segovia is famous for its cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig). The wooden balconies are synonymous with the city and certainly not a place for anyone with a fear of heights. Some of the most authentic dishes you should try in Zaragoza is the Ternasco de Aragon. But, as it was also the burial site of Franco himself, it became a shrine for the far-right and detested by many Spaniards. The journey spans a distance of approximately 350 kilometers. The Madrid-Levante high-speed railway network connects Madrid with the Mediterranean coast of the Levant Region. The road trip starts in the capital of Spain's Basque country - Bilbao. 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. Where to Stay in Madrid. 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. Renato is a Spanish photographer./Getty Images. Coca: Located about halfway between Segovia and Valladolid and a bit away from the main road. Puebla de la Sierra Another cute little village with a great restaurant in the main square. Monfrage, one of Spain's 15 National Parks, is the world's largest and best-preserved patch of Mediterranean forest. There is a tourist train which is a great way to get a concise history of Avila and see the main sites. 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! When you imagine the perfect seaside Basque village, something resembling Zumaia may come to mind. Its a simple motorway so little chance of getting lost, although the road does get pretty busy at rush hour. Paleontological Museum of Cuenca Great for kids and wonderful views back to Cuenca, Hiking there are many routes throughout the mountains. Youll find it in bakeries throughout the city. 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 After exploring central Spain with stops in Toledo and surrounding towns and a tour of Madrid, the drive continues into Spain's Duero valley, Valladolid and on to Galicia's Vigo, Santiago de Compostela and A Coruna while taking in breathtaking views of ocean-facing cliffs and huge waves. The city walls are some of the best around from the outside and walking along the top. 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. 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! Day 3 Madrid Itinerary: Barrio de la Latina + A Day Trip to Toledo. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Puerto de Navacerrada (Ski Resort) 10. Travel Tip: While the eponymous royal complex is obviously the big draw for most visitors to San Lorenzo de El Escorial, try and take some time to explore the rest of the charming town if you can. A huge cross in the mountains marks the site of this basilica that was built during the Franco regime. ), then in this city try the roasted Cochinillo (Pork) or Lechazo (lamb). However, as amazing as it is, a day trip to Seville from Madrid is not cheap, but it is definitely worth it. You don't need to pick up your rental car until day 4. 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. 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. Of course. Embarking on a road trip from Madrid to Valencia is an excellent way to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks of this area. If you get out of the tourist areas, you will find local pintxo bars where the snacks are free as long as you keep buying the drinks! The A-1 autova connects Madrid with Irn, in Guipzcoa (a province in Spains Basque country, next to the French border). There is a whole lot more to Spain's Catalonia region than Barcelona. As you would expect, this gives the city a rather sophisticated feel of one steeped in academic history. Cross Stone Bridge cross the old river bridge and look back across the Ebro for great views of the Basilica. If you are visiting with kids, I would certainly recommend allowing a bit of time to visit the Paleontological Museum of Cuenca. The Pyrenees are an amazing mountain range that is not high on many tourists' radars. Argertine peso; However, that was up until October 2019, when Francos body was exhumed and relocated to the understated (by Spanish standards) El Pardo-Mingorrubio cemetery. Finishing off with a day trip inland to Santiago de Compostela, you will travel the entire length of Spain's Bay of Biscay coastline with everything to see along the way. With this stay, youll spend a night in a real castle and have time to explore the historical village it is located in. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to explore the best that central Spain has to offer! 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. 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. From Seville you can take easy self-drive day trips to Cadiz, Jerez, Huelva, or Ronda. Seeing it and touring around is a number one activity. 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? It is possible to drive close, but most people leave their car at the bottom in the more modern village of Patones and hike up. 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. Just about an hour out of Madrid, you will find the Sierra de Guadarrama, Sierra del Norte and the Sierra de Gredos mountain ranges. 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. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend . The mountains offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. 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