Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. If traveling at any other time of the year, perhaps just outside the winter season in this part of Spain, then you can also stop at the Turche Cave with a beautiful waterfall and lake where to swim on hot days. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Cuenca: a small charming ancient city, perched atop a dramatic gorge. Are you ready for a road trip in the north of Spain? Besides the citys iconic Roman aqueduct, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is also an impressive cathedral, Alczar castle, the Jewish quarter, pretty central Plaza Mayor square with its 15th-century buildings, and more. 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). Ive become a pretty good tour guide for the city after my multiple visits to Segovia. So it is truly impressive. And if you go on this drive through Segovia (which I highly recommend doing! Book the best day trips from Madrid, Spain directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The plan with this road trip is to go all the way round the Galician coastline starting from As Catedrais beach. The city is also home to the Alczar of Toledo. Head on a Madrid road trip to discover Central Spain, an underexplored region with a rich past, lush forests, and few tourists to come across. Getting There: Buses operated by Samar take 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach Consuegra from Madrid. Today the region fervently focuses on its culture. The local variety of castellano is incredibly pure and easy to understand. User or email address Password Remember me. The area of Aranjuez was a traditional strawberry producing powerhouse, and the Strawberry Train tries to take you back to this era. Amarguillos traditional almond flavoured pastries. Spains beaches, and its beach towns, are justifiably famous. 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 citys heart lies in the Plaza Nuestra Seora del Pilar. However, my best recommendation when visiting vineyards while tight on time is enjoying one of the day tours from Madrid and let someone else do the thinking. 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. El Greco Museum one of Spains most iconic artists. Las Setas a modern architectural wonder. 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. If you are visiting with kids, I would certainly recommend allowing a bit of time to visit the Paleontological Museum of Cuenca. Take some time to explore the breathtaking cathedral and Alcazar, then head to Maria Luisa Park to row a boat along the lazy river in Plaza de Espaa when you need a breather. Vineyards lots of them. For history lovers, Toledo is a treasure trove. You can visit sites such as the unique cathedral in Mejorada Del Campo or eat olives in Campo Real. Rich in Arab, Jewish and Christian history, the former Spanish capital is a Unesco World Heritage Site. 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. 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. Stroll around the Gran Va, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor Yes, you read that right, no need to drive so you can sample as much as youd like (although driving is a bit easier). 1. For example being a native Californian, I would much rather know about Monterey or Carmel by the Sea than spend too many days in San Francisco especially as I love to hike and be in nature. Travel Compositor in some cases conditions the use of the Service to the previous completion . Youll see a different side of Spain on your escape to the seashore if you just slow down. However, that was up until October 2019, when Francos body was exhumed and relocated to the understated (by Spanish standards) El Pardo-Mingorrubio cemetery. Be sure to visit the 15th-century Palace of the Infantado, the citys stunning Gothic cathedral, and the Teatro Buero Vallejo, a modern theater with a striking design. 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. La SEO Cathedral an amazing mix of architectural styles throughout the years. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It became known for the fact that the author of Don Quixote Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra lived and worked there. The first 230-km stretch toBurgosoffers a unique mosaic of experiences: from castles to Romanesque monuments and passes through villages like Seplveda, in the province of Segovia, accessible from exit 109 at Castillejo de Meslen. 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. Besides seaside cities and national parks, there are, Full Article 18 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Northern Spain to Add to Your ItineraryContinue, Valencia in winter is a perfect warm place to visit in Spain where it is easy to recharge and have a stress-free vacation. Other attractions include the serene Convento de Santa Teresa and beautiful Catedral del Salvador. Salamanca boasts a rich academic heritageits university is one of the oldest in Europe. The most famous site in Cuenca is the Casas Colgadas the Hanging Houses. However, winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a snowy fairy tale. Day 3 Madrid Itinerary: Barrio de la Latina + A Day Trip to Toledo. Benicassim: Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant music scene, Benicassim is a popular destination for young travelers. Its medieval history can be seen throughout the city - the Spanish Monarchy even made Valladolid their home in the 17th century! 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. Historic central Spain - Castilla-La Mancha, 10. The tickets cost in the region of 100 each way, but If you can book tickets early, there is a good chance you can save up to 25%. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Embarking on a road trip from Madrid to Valencia is an excellent way to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks of this area. Our tip is to ignore the navigator which will send you inland along faster roads. However, my highlight is a network of alleyways called El Tubo. Marvel at Madrid's Royal Palace - the largest in Western Europe. This is a four-day music event that attracts thousands of visitors each year. 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. There you can try the famous wines mentioned above. As mentioned above, it can also be a nice way to break up a journey between Madrid and Barcelona. After some cultural sightseeing, head on to Cadaques on the coast - there are some great beaches and a Salvador Dali House Museum. Segovia 2. Mark and I personally like to compare prices between Discover Cars and RentalCars to see which company has better deals. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to get to Zaragoza. The royal palace and gardens of La Granja de San Ildefonso are another must-see. A road trip from Madrid to Lisbon through Salamanca is a wonderful way to see two countries without spending too much time on driving and seeing some eminent highlights. It has this splendid 15th-century castle, which features a mix of Gothic and Mudjar architecture and is a popular attraction. Soak up Madrid's unbeatable atmosphere as you admire the incredible architecture and enjoy strolling along the Calle de Cava Baja. Other than the Hercules Tower, the main sight here is the light house. Marzipan A local speciality. ), but it's definitely one to keep in mind if you want to unwind and keep yourself away from the tourist traps around Spain. 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. 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. Also, be sure to check out my tips on flying with wine, as youll be wanting to take some back home with you! Set in a 12th-century monastery, it is a truly idiosyncratic hotel where to relax and de-stress. The drive back to Bilbao airport is a little under 2 hours to get you back home! The main attractions of Valladolid are the 16th-century Cathedral, the National Sculpture Museum, and the Cervantes House. A royal resort town, Aranjuez offers travelers something a little different making it one of the best side trips from Madrid. You have to get the train back around 6pm so that only leaves you 4 hours to enjoy the city, which is not enough. 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. The mountains offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. 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. The palace is characterized by luxury and rich decoration. 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. Alcal de Henares 15. I would not recommend this as an option. In the morning you'll pick up your rental car and begin your epic road-trip. Toledo is famous for its beautiful churches. Before we dive into the ideas, here's the complete list of the best road trip routes with key information. Hop on a train in Madrid and you can be standing beneath the arches of Cordoba's Moorish-area Mezquita in two hours. The main attraction there are Plaza Mayor from the 18th century in the radical baroque style. Just some of them are Aranjuez, Cuenca, Albacete, and others. It is a simple drive, motorways all the way (with a toll), but leaving Madrid can get busy at peak times. Aranjuez: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Royal Palace and luxurious gardens with magnificent landscapes, fountains, and sculptures. A huge cross in the mountains marks the site of this basilica that was built during the Franco regime. 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. 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. What makes the city particularly unique is its influence by each of the three major world religions. Some of the most authentic dishes you should try in Zaragoza is the Ternasco de Aragon. First the Plaza Mayor. Another thing is to walk along the streets of Salamancas old town as it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. Years of erosion by the Rio Piedra have created some spectacular waterfalls that visitors can visit and wander around. Other popular stops include Europe Park, Cuenca Cathedral, and Castell de Xtiva. The Madrid-Levante high-speed railway network connects Madrid with the Mediterranean coast of the Levant Region. 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. Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Forgot your password? Wine Country If you choose not to take the strawberry train, other organised tours will take you to the town or you can also drive yourself. Other popular stops include Pl. People write songs,, Full Article More Than 50 Vital Travel Tips For Barcelona: Dont Make These Mistakes!Continue, Is Madrid worth visiting? There is a lot to see in this part of Spain including the infamous windmills made famous by Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote. They leave from the Madrid Sur bus station but take a little over 3 hours to arrive in Salamanca. The only real way is driving. Visitors can spend hours exploring the hallways and gardens, but my stand out memory was the catacombs. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Along the way, you'll get to experience the tapas culture of Andalusia. The wall encircles the historic center, outside of which there are seven Romanesque churches. Use an aggregator rather than booking directly from a rental company as it gives you protection in case something goes wrong. The towns here, however, are worth a short detour as you make your way to the seashore By Alberto Piernas Medina 17 May 2022 Road Trip form Madrid to Porto 4 Destinations 2 Nights From US$223 . 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 Perhaps no place encapsulates that image more than the regional capital, Seville, a colorful and vibrant destination that looks like a postcard come to life. While the towering Roman aqueduct may be Segovia's biggest claim to fame, don't just come for the sake of checking it off your list. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". While I do love living in the city of Madrid, one of my favourite things to do is leave it behind for a day and explore further afield. Best Time to visit Madrid Madrid is a city with four lovely seasons, loveliest of which are spring and fall. 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. When in Chinchon, pay a visit to Bodega del Nero winery with generous tastings and tapas. Seeing it and touring around is a number one activity. Really? Flying in and out of Palma means that's a great place to start and finish your trip. As you travel in major cities such as Bilbao, San Sebastian and Pamplona, you will get to try the local pintxos tradition. The majority of the region is set on a plateau with occasional barren hills. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". What I love about the city is it is super easy to get to by train and just the perfect size for a day trip. The historic city is also home to a medieval Alczar offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from its towers. Aliva 4. Royal Palace of Aranjuez 8. After a couple days of sightseeing, it's time to hit the road and head on south to Ciudad Real via Consuegra and Daimiel. Hike through one of the best bird reserves in the country. Getting There: Take the AVE from Madrid to get to Cordoba in under two hours. The Codornu Winery, for example, is located in Sant Sadurn d'Anoia, a small village in Alt Peneds (a province within Catalonia). The Castle was built by the Arabs in the 12th century as a defensive structure, but after the Reconquista, on the initiative of Cardinal Mendoza, it was converted into a residence for bishops. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The town also has some wonderful large squares and impressive Mudejar architecture. In some ways similar to tapas popular in the rest of Spain, pintxos are smaller bite-size snacks served in bars and charged by number or by plate. Road trip length: 11 days Total distance: 518 miles 2. 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. 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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Like you are visiting with kids, best road trip from madrid would certainly recommend allowing a bit of time to visit Madrid. Visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns slow down Heritage Site, are justifiably famous the Palace is by. Goes wrong embarking on a road trip length: 11 days Total:... 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