best road trip from madrid
Pestana Holidays. 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. There is history, festivals, and of course delicious food to enjoy at each of the stops. Salamanca 7. Road Trip form Madrid to Porto 4 Destinations 2 Nights From US$223 . 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. 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. Take a day to see the city and its surroundings - seafood here is amazing as it's a functioning port supplying much of the region and beyond. 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 city actually has a lot to offer so it's great to spend the first or last night here depending on your flight times. On day two you have the chance to shape your Spain itinerary however most interests you. Getting lost in Toledo's tightly-knotted streets is the best way to explore the city, particularly the narrow alleys around Plaza Santa Clara. Toledo 3. It is possible to get the train, however, the first departure from Madrid leaves just after 11 am and you dont arrive in Salamanca until nearly 2 pm. Next leg takes you south to Valencia - a seriously underrated Spanish city that offers culture, food and sunshine aplenty with an amazing historical centre. Day 1 Madrid Itinerary: Get Acquainted + Major Sights. Definitely visit the Prado museum, walk around the Retiro Park and the . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Madrid-Levante high-speed railway network connects Madrid with the Mediterranean coast of the Levant Region. How Long Should You Spend in Each City in Spain? Monfrage, one of Spain's 15 National Parks, is the world's largest and best-preserved patch of Mediterranean forest. The most famous site in Cuenca is the Casas Colgadas the Hanging Houses. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. You could be in the neighboring country in an hour and as you go there, you have to stop in Ciudad Rodrigo. 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. Rich in Arab, Jewish and Christian history, the former Spanish capital is a Unesco World Heritage Site. If you travel the A-8 along the Cantabrian coast, youll want to make a stop in this small town whose historic heart still retains its medieval layout and walks along the coast offer views of the moody seas and skies. 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! In addition to the magnificent architecture, the adjacent park area will certainly impress. I visited Zaragoza recently, although I must admit I cheated, it was an overnight trip, not a day trip, however, the fact that it is a very pretty city and on the high-speed train line, certainly makes it worth considering. Salamanca 5. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Login to continue Create your account Register. Flying in and out of Palma means that's a great place to start and finish your trip. Mayor, Royal Monastery of Santa Mara de Guadalupe, and Aquopolis Villanueva de la Caada. 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. Login to continue Create your account Register. I know what youre thinking, Seville? Alcal de Henares 15. From El Escorial, take bus 660 to Valle de los Cados o Cruce Cuelgamuros. It can take close to 2 hours to get there. Admire its stunning architecture, and discover its rich cultural heritage. 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. Choose from these 10 stunning routes for your road trip in Spain with our guides, detailed itineraries and insider tips. On your stop in Guadalajara, you should try wild boar stew, hare, or deer. It may be the world's most expensive spice, but it's one of the region's specialties. Toledo is famous for its beautiful churches. The streets of the old Jewish Quarter Great food & great stories, you can really get into the history of Seville in this area. During the summer, the Madrid Mountains offer some excellent hiking opportunities and in a good Winter, there are even some pretty decent ski ports. The trip lasts 20-30 minutes. 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. The site has also been carefully landscaped over many years by the monks that live in the monastery on site. 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). If you choose not to take the strawberry train, other organised tours will take you to the town or you can also drive yourself. 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. Want to experience an amazing Spain road trip but not sure where to go? But this is not about that, this is about Salamanca. 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. Monasterio de Piedra Final thoughts on the best day trips from Madrid Royal Palace of Aranjuez 8. 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. Getting There: Buses operated by Samar take 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach Consuegra from Madrid. 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. You can read more advice about getting to Segovia from Madrid here. There is a lot to see in this part of Spain including the infamous windmills made famous by Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote. On this road trip from Madrid to Zaragoza, you will explore the beauty and history of central Spain. Head back to Madrid for the last night of your trip and go out in true Spanish style with a flamenco dinner. Is it a palace, a monastery, a church or a library? Those who take the time to venture beyond the roadside restaurants and service stations, however, will find that slowing down pays off. Another great option is the Huevos al Salmorrejo, these are eggs made with green asparagus, garlic, and parsley. 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. We'd love to see how you get on! 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. Cuenca: a small charming ancient city, perched atop a dramatic gorge. We eat some mushroom burgers, croquettes, migas and much more, if you love your food and drink, you will not want to leave. The monastery is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including a series of waterfalls and caves that are open to visitors. Seville 8. As with the Castille Leon trip, it's easy to start and finish in Madrid if that's where you can get easy flights to. Other attractions include the serene Convento de Santa Teresa and beautiful Catedral del Salvador. Travel Tip: Segovia is famous for its cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig). However, winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a snowy fairy tale. Toledo 2. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Constructed in the 16th century under the orders of King Philip II, the sprawling complex is one of Spain's most fascinating destinations. 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. You can easily explore the key sites and be back in Madrid ready for dinner. Another popular day trip from Madrid is Toledo, the old capital of Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. I want to share the top 4 resources I personally use for planning a road trip in Spain: The best time to do a road trip from Madrid is during the spring and fall. 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). Travel Tip: With endless options of things to see and do, Barcelona deserves more than just a day. 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 Our tip is to ignore the navigator which will send you inland along faster roads. If you happen to be traveling in the summer, be sure to attend the Benicassim Festival. It is only a short detour from Toledo where Martian-like mountains are located right next to the reservoir. 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. And the gardens offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the road. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. 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 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. Soak up Madrid's unbeatable atmosphere as you admire the incredible architecture and enjoy strolling along the Calle de Cava Baja. About the destination: Madrid has a tempo of its own: The dry air of the Castilian plain crackles with its cosmopolitan crowds. 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. Of course. Marvel at Madrid's Royal Palace - the largest in Western Europe. 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. A favourite stop is a nestled in the mountains by the sea: Nijar. 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. And be back in Madrid ready for dinner Madrid to Porto 4 Destinations 2 Nights from US $.. Has also been carefully landscaped over many years by the sea: Nijar World 's most fascinating Destinations cochinillo (... 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