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. But if you're brave enough, you can start wherever along the route you like as you it goes in a loop. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. But this is not about that, this is about Salamanca. From El Escorial, take bus 660 to Valle de los Cados o Cruce Cuelgamuros. Dating back to the 15th Century, the houses were built into the cliff overlooking the steep ravine. Show only these on map Constructed in the 16th century under the orders of King Philip II, the sprawling complex is one of Spain's most fascinating destinations. 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. To wrap up the trip, you've got to stop off at the resort town of Cala d'Or before making your way back to Palma. Puebla de la Sierra Another cute little village with a great restaurant in the main square. The town also has some wonderful large squares and impressive Mudejar architecture. Aranjuez 11. Anyone who read Don Quijote in their high school Spanish class may remember how the titular character famously confused the giant windmills of Consuegra for monsters with flailing arms. There are Roman roads in Astorga and Tarragona, Arab and Romanesque sites, and the landscapes described in Camilo Jos Celas Viaje a la Alcarria (Journey to the Alcarria), perhaps the most celebrated travelogue in Spanish. Madrid is a wonderful city full of life. There are three main wine subsections in Madrid, San Martin and Navalcarnero to the South East and Arganda, the largest, to the south-west. Benicassim: Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant music scene, Benicassim is a popular destination for young travelers. Also allegedly one of the major inspirations for Walt Disneys castle. It is only 45 minutes by car or a little under an hour by train. Salamanca: The last stop on this drive is the city of Salamanca which cannot be missed. The views back to the city are also pretty spectacular. We'd love to see how you get on! How to Travel From Madrid to Cordoba by Train, Bus, and Car, How to Travel from Madrid to Valladolid by Train, Bus, and Car, Madrid to Valencia by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, The Most Popular Cities to Visit in Spain, How to Travel From Seville to Cordoba by Train, Bus, and Car, How to Travel From Porto to Madrid by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane. Often overlooked in favor of nearby Segovia and Salamanca, the beautifully preserved historic town of vila gives the more popular destinations a run for their money. 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. Segovia 3. Make a quick stop there and visit two main attractions the ancient castle and the cathedral. Those who take the time to venture beyond the roadside restaurants and service stations, however, will find that slowing down pays off. Pestana Holidays powered by Travel Compositor Sales & Support +351 215551041. Whether you want a relaxing drive along the coast or drive around the entire country of Spain, here are the 10 amazing options for a Spain road trip to pick from. Renato is a Spanish photographer./Getty Images. It is famous for its medieval castle, which was the site of the marriage of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand in 1469. 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%. The trip then continues around the coast to Santiago de Compostela. It isamong the best-preserved in Europe. Interested to learn more? Once you've hiked amazing gorges and filled yourself with pastries, it's time to hit the road and drive on to Oviedo and La Coruna. The walled city of Toledo is one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Madrid. Needless to say, sampling the winerys products should be limited to the cars passengers. The road trip starts in the capital of Spain's Basque country - Bilbao. Pestana Holidays powered by Travel Compositor Sales & Support +351 215551041. My list will be a mixture of cities near Madrid that you can easily reach by public transport as well as things to do in surrounding towns and villages that you may need to hire a car for. As Spain's former capital, it probably comes as no surprise that Toledo offers a long and storied history of its own. 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. 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. Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. 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. From Madrid, you'll travel south into Andalusia and arrive at Seville, a city renowned for its Gothic . On your route across the north of Catalonia, you are spoilt for choice with the Garrotxa volcanic national park and the village of Santa Pau worth visiting, a detour into Andorra and towns like Besalu and Castellfollit de la Roca all great options before you arrive in Figueres. Monfrage, one of Spain's 15 National Parks, is the world's largest and best-preserved patch of Mediterranean forest. Take line C-8 or C-3 which depart every hour and the journey lasts approximately one hour. As with most Spanish cities, there are plenty of churches to visit, and the main cathedral is pretty spectacular. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE, WE EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES, Best Time to Go on Road Trips from Madrid, 1.) This is due to the citys historical metalworking industry. Take a boat tour of the parks lagoon or enjoy a picnic on the sandy shores. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. The main landmark for visitors to Aranjuez is the town's Royal Palace, a royal estate for the Spanish royal family since 1560. 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. 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. Day 3 Madrid Itinerary: Barrio de la Latina + A Day Trip to Toledo. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. When in Chinchon, pay a visit to Bodega del Nero winery with generous tastings and tapas. Most beautiful towns & cities along the Bay of Biscay. Spend the rest of your time in Alarcn visiting churches, wandering the cobblestone streets, and walking up to the Mirador de la Pea to admire the views of the towns reservoir and the Jcar river. The train guards dress up in traditional clothing and on your return to the city you get given a serving of strawberries. 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 inside the city, youll be transported back in time as you explore its narrow, winding streets. If you happen to be traveling in the summer, be sure to attend the Benicassim Festival. Toledo is famous for its beautiful churches. 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. This medieval castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It takes just an hour (give or take a few minutes depending on the train you choose) for the high-speed train from Madrid to Cuenca to complete the journey. Segovia: As you continue on your journey towards Salamanca, make a stop in Segovia and visit the iconic Roman aqueduct 728 meters long. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. 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. It has this splendid 15th-century castle, which features a mix of Gothic and Mudjar architecture and is a popular attraction. For history lovers, Toledo is a treasure trove. You won't want a car in Madrid. 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. And there are so many must-stops along the route that you dont want to miss. The coffins are vertically lined up the walls with the names of the ex-monarchs. Info USD Dollar. The city is also home to the Alczar of Toledo. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If you would like an in-depth look about how to get there, you can find it near the top of the post as well as some more tips about what to expect from the park. Admire its stunning architecture, and discover its rich cultural heritage. Getting There: Take the Renfe-operated AVE from Madrid, which lasts roughly two and a half hours. Wine Country However, there are also plenty of tuk-tuk drivers who offer tours of the town and trips up to some wonderful viewpoints. Take the C3 line from Atocha or Nuevos Ministerios. It can take close to 2 hours to get there. Other than the Hercules Tower, the main sight here is the light house. What makes the city particularly unique is its influence by each of the three major world religions. 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. Do not leave the city without trying first the garlic soup, the Tudela de Duero white asparagus, and the roast lamb. Probably the least famous town on this list, Chinchn is home to one of Spains prettiest Plaza Mayors. Take the exit and you can tour some of its olive-oil mills, snap some photos of the nearby Torre del Castillo de Villaverde (which has survived the centuries though the small town that it once protected has not), or simply stroll through the streets of this postcard-perfect Andalusian village. Hiking Trails Outside of Madrid 12. Valencia 11. Lindsey Zimmerman is a freelance writer and travel expert who has lived in southern Spain since 2015. The museum is a recreation of the artists home. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Yet, get your appetite ready for Valladolid, as food options there are endless. It may be the world's most expensive spice, but it's one of the region's specialties. Another thing is to walk along the streets of Salamancas old town as it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Youll find it in bakeries throughout the city. 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. 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. One other thing to bear in mind, if you are travelling with teenagers, Chinchn is really close to the Warner Brothers Theme Park. User or email address Password Remember me. 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 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. And the gardens offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the road. 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. You can enjoy picnics and bird-watching in the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors. It might have a reputation for its packed resorts, but Alicante is a pretty port in the shadow of Mount Benacantil, a rocky hill where Santa Barbara Castle sits. Both Iberia and Air Europa offer direct service on this . The drive from Madrid to Toledo takes you through rolling hills and authentic local countryside life. 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. Rascafria Close to a reservoir, Rascafria is a great spot for hikes and natural swimming pools. 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. If Theme Parks are not your thing, just drop your kids there for the day while you explore the town. Once again were back on the train. A quickcortadocoffee served in a glass, a baked treat, and a glance at the souvenirs by the register that may be all that some holiday-goers see of small-townSpainas they drive fromMadridto the sea. The road trip then moves west along the coast to Santander, before further stops in Santillana del Mar, the Picos de Europa national park and Gijon. The main attractions of Valladolid are the 16th-century Cathedral, the National Sculpture Museum, and the Cervantes House. The best time to do a road trip from Madrid is during the spring and fall. 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. 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. If you are visiting with kids, I would certainly recommend allowing a bit of time to visit the Paleontological Museum of Cuenca. 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. And if at this point youd love to stay in a unique location, then Monasterio de Piedra can be an excellent choice. Exploring this region brings a mix of natural sights and beautiful historic Spanish cities. 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. It dates back to the 1st century AD. You will do an abridged version of the Andalucia road trip above, but get a much broader view of Spain having driven from one corner to another. Zaragoza: The capital of Aragon with the heritage of the Roman era and Moorish past is the last stop on this road trip from Madrid. 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. At the seaside enclave where the Urola and Narrondo rivers meet, steep streets lead down to the harbour, the centre of activity and life. Use an aggregator rather than booking directly from a rental company as it gives you protection in case something goes wrong. Alicante. El Postiguet is the city's main beach, just a short stroll from its old town. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The Sagrada Famlia and Park Gell are the must-visit sights in Barcelona. Im sorry to say though, wherever you eat it, it wont be as good as my mother-in-laws. Salamanca 5. It also is much better for families with kids who are better entertained hiking and doing active things than going to museums all day. Just some of them are Aranjuez, Cuenca, Albacete, and others. The easiest way is by high-speed train from Madrid Chamartin station. I know, a lot of people prefer the southern region with its Moorish sights, flamenco, stunning beaches, whitewashed villages, milder winters,, Full Article Northern Coast of Spain Travel Guide Best Places to Visit, Things to See & DoContinue, While Barcelona and Valencia on their own have so much to offer that youd need to spend at least a few days in each city, Barcelona to Valencia drive is no less spectacular. Best stops along Madrid to Valencia drive The top stops along the way from Madrid to Valencia (with short detours) are Parque Warner Madrid, Royal Palace of Aranjuez, and San Pablo Bridge. 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. The three major world religions the cliff overlooking the steep ravine the stop. Is during the spring and fall the 16th-century cathedral, the houses built. 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