Take the C3 line from Atocha or Nuevos Ministerios. Secreto Iberico a cut of pork that just melts in your mouth. 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. Its about a 20-minute walk from the centre or a quick taxi ride, but youll find a nice museum with lots of dinosaurs to entertain the little ones. It's hard to sum up El Escorial in just a few words. Anything in Rey de Patones an amazing restaurant, but be sure to check your bank balance first! A world-known event where the main ingredient is a tomato-throwing festival. The palace is characterized by luxury and rich decoration. 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? Vehicles are operated by Avanza and the trip lasts two and a half hours. 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. However, that was up until October 2019, when Francos body was exhumed and relocated to the understated (by Spanish standards) El Pardo-Mingorrubio cemetery. War in Ukraine forced me change my life again. It also boasts a convenient location right in the heart of Spain itself, which makes the city a perfect home base when it comes to exploring the rest of the country. Book your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. Youll see a different side of Spain on your escape to the seashore if you just slow down. The Art Walk Pass gives you entrance and queue jump at all three. One appealing stop is Alarcn, an enchanting village in the province of Cuenca with only 148 inhabitants and one of the best-preserved forts in Spain, originally constructed by Arab conquerors. With seabirds circling overhead, the mystical ocean breezes blowing, and a plate of some of the best octopus you will ever taste sprinkled with Txakoli (the local dry sparkling white wine) and your visit to Zumaia may be more than a mere stop and instead the highpoint of your trip. Salamanca 5. Other attractions include the serene Convento de Santa Teresa and beautiful Catedral del Salvador. 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. If you're flying in and out of Madrid, the Castille and Leon road trip can be an amazing way to explore Spain without having to drive all the way to the coast or spend weeks on the road. Segovia Cathedral a gigantic gothic masterpiece with wonderful views from the bell tower. A road trip from Madrid to Salamanca is the best way to explore the quaint countryside of Spain and discover some of the countrys historic landmarks. It does seem like a lot, but it is certainly a city worth visiting to really enjoy some of the southern Spanish cultures. The trip continues east to Cuenca and Siguenza - both stunning towns but in completely different ways and both very different from a lot of typical Spanish destinations. El Escorial is about 50km by car from Madrid and will take a little over an hour to get to. The museum is a recreation of the artists home. 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. One key disclaimer is that while this one sits high on our list of bucket list trips, we haven't actually done the full trip - it's a long drive! The site has also been carefully landscaped over many years by the monks that live in the monastery on site. Andalusia, Spain's southernmost region, is often what people imagine Spain to be: sultry and passionate, with a near-constant soundtrack of flamenco beats. The town also has some wonderful large squares and impressive Mudejar architecture. Thanks so much for this postvery useful for people who prefer the small towns and only have a couple days. As you approach Toledo, youll be greeted by the citys ancient walls. 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. There is history, festivals, and of course delicious food to enjoy at each of the stops. As you approach Avila from the outside, it looks spectacular, is it a walled city with some of the most eye-catching fortifications you will see thanks to years of restoration work. You can take the direct short cut but you will miss out on a whole lot of stunning scenery, ocean-facing cliffs and spectacular locations for light houses - on the shoreline, on cliffs and even on their own islands. Las Setas a modern architectural wonder. The city is home to one of the finest surviving Roman Aqueducts in the world, as well as an impenetrable castle and a stunning cathedral. I fell in love with the city on my visit. But this is nearer the beginning of the rivers life. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Many don't associate Mallorca with a road trip, but the island has a huge amount to offer beside the beaches and clubs. Barcelona to Madrid drive. Welcome! The cathedral, designed by French architects, is a building of different styles as the building process lasted over a few centuries. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The Basque country is a unique part of Spain - they have a prominent local language, cities that make up two prominent medieval kingdoms (Basque and Navarre) and a unique link to the Pyrenees. It is only a short detour from Toledo where Martian-like mountains are located right next to the reservoir. 1. 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. The San Sebastian Airport is just 14 miles (22 kilometers) from the city center and it takes about a half-hour to get there by cab or bus. User or email address Password Remember me. And the gardens offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the road. Seville 8. The A-3 highway leads to Madrids beach, as some call Valencia, the closest city on the sea traveling from the capital. Castille Leon - visit the heart of Spain, 7. Alcala de Henares is a town that is one of the more popular side trips from Madrid as it can easily be visited using Madrids Cercanas rail system. La Rioja wine country. We'd love to see how you get on! Getting There: AVANT trains operated by Renfe leave Madrid frequently and get you to Toledo in about half an hour. In addition to the magnificent architecture, the adjacent park area will certainly impress. The Medieval plaza is surrounded by old buildings with iconic wooden balconies, it is like a little time trap as you step into the past. The Royal Alcazar A must see. 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 best way to see Avila is either by organised tour or driving yourself. But the charming town of Coca is a true hidden gem in central Spain. You could be in the neighboring country in an hour and as you go there, you have to stop in Ciudad Rodrigo. While highways A-1 to A-6 radiate out from Madrid, the last two highways in the system run along the countrys two coasts. Show only these on map Parque Warner Madrid Save On 3 lists Amusement park 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 cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. 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. A great route around the region can start and end in Barcelona to make it easy with flights. Another thing is to walk along the streets of Salamancas old town as it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. And if at this point youd love to stay in a unique location, then Monasterio de Piedra can be an excellent choice. This road trip through Spain's heartland comes in a loop that starts and ends in the Segovia province. La Rioja is a postcard of a province, with rolling green hills, alpine mountains, limestone . Also, be sure to check out my tips on flying with wine, as youll be wanting to take some back home with you! Cuenca: a small charming ancient city, perched atop a dramatic gorge. La Granja de San Ildefonso: It is just a short drive from Segovia. Info USD Dollar. I would love to show you, but it is not allowed to take photos. If you don't know it by name, you've definitely seen pictures of giant rocks and archways on the sandy beach before. 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. The first stop is the La Rioja wine region, located in Basque Country about 3.5 hours north of Madrid. The citys heart lies in the Plaza Nuestra Seora del Pilar. Aranjuez 11. The journey spans a distance of approximately 220 kilometers. 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). Guadalajara: As you make your way out of Madrid, the historic city of Guadalajara is a great first stop. 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. Rich in Arab, Jewish and Christian history, the former Spanish capital is a Unesco World Heritage Site. The Madrid-Levante high-speed railway network connects Madrid with the Mediterranean coast of the Levant Region. Want to experience an amazing Spain road trip but not sure where to go? There is a tourist train which is a great way to get a concise history of Avila and see the main sites. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. A must for fans of eye-popping architecture, Avila is a road trip to remember. 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). Further back there is a massive Moorish influence on the city, which most represented the Alcazar of Seville, an amazing palace to visit and even a filming site for the Game of Thrones. Of the countrys eight autovas, its modern toll-free highways, A-1 to A-6, extend out from the capital. The distance of this trip is approximately 320 kilometers, but with so many places to stop at, you may want to take it slow and enjoy the ride. Ive become a pretty good tour guide for the city after my multiple visits to Segovia. 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. However, from our experience, we noticed that Discover Cars has much better offers, especially in the winter season in Madrid. Madrid is a wonderful city full of life. Renato is a Spanish photographer./Getty Images. 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. The village also has deep historic and cultural roots at the Cave of the Seven Altars, visitors can see sacred art by Visigoths; portions of the Fernn Gonzlez castle date to the Moorish occupation in the 10th century; and the Romanesque church of the Virgen de la Pea was built in the 12th century. Just wander and get lost among the amazing buildings. If you're going on a road trip from Madrid to Barcelona, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Salou, Zaragoza, Sitges, Tarragona, Alcala De Henares, Soria, Lleida, and Reus and top places to visit like Castle Calatravo and Hotel Guadalope, or the ever-popular Ciudad del Motor de Aragn. As always, this will be a bit more expensive but thats the price for a stress-free trip. The Segovia Aqueduct dating back to 50AD, it is rumoured to have been built by the Devil. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Best Time to visit Madrid Madrid is a city with four lovely seasons, loveliest of which are spring and fall. Yes, you read that right, no need to drive so you can sample as much as youd like (although driving is a bit easier). Youll find it in bakeries throughout the city. Travel Tip: Due to the required stop in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, many travelers choose to combine the two into a single day trip from Madrid. Once again were back on the train. The result is a wonderful harmony of natural falls and crafted waterways to impress the many visitors. The city is also home to the Alczar of Toledo. It is only 45 minutes by car or a little under an hour by train. 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. 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. Hike through one of the best bird reserves in the country. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Of course. Crdoba 7. Set in a 12th-century monastery, it is a truly idiosyncratic hotel where to relax and de-stress. 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. It is a simple drive, motorways all the way (with a toll), but leaving Madrid can get busy at peak times. The monastery is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including a series of waterfalls and caves that are open to visitors. Some of the most authentic dishes you should try in Zaragoza is the Ternasco de Aragon. Here's where to go if you want to see a different side of this fascinating country and be back in Madrid in time for an evening tapas crawl. But is it worth it? The palace is famous for its ornate Baroque architecture and lovely fountains. Its known for its Old Town, 12th-century city walls, and many other medieval constructions. S-F / shutterstock.com Day 2: Madrid. 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. The main attractions of Valladolid are the 16th-century Cathedral, the National Sculpture Museum, and the Cervantes House. The coffins are vertically lined up the walls with the names of the ex-monarchs. So this is it, my list of road trips from Madrid for now. The, Full Article 20 Coolest Stops to Make On Barcelona to Valencia DriveContinue, Your email address will not be published. El Escorial & The Valley of the Fallen, Final thoughts on the best day trips from Madrid, Best Travel Tripod Under $100 With Buying Tips, What to see in Zaragoza: 12 Unmissable Sites. 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. If you are looking to get the most out of your time in Spain, that could be a really good option. The small town of Aranjuez is a nice escape from the city of Madrid. The Sagrada Famlia and Park Gell are the must-visit sights in Barcelona. Alcal de Henares 15. The historic city is also home to a medieval Alczar offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from its towers. The manufacture of swords in the city goes back to Roman times, but it was under Moorish rule and the reconquest years, 15th to 17th centuries, that the citys sword-makers were widely recognised as the most talented around and Toledo swords came to be regarded as the best in Europe. Probably the least famous town on this list, Chinchn is home to one of Spains prettiest Plaza Mayors. As you travel in major cities such as Bilbao, San Sebastian and Pamplona, you will get to try the local pintxos tradition. Where to Stay in Madrid. It is one of the most interesting shortest road trips from Madrid which you can easily turn into a multi-day drive as the number of places to visit is huge. Some of the towns worth visiting in La Sierra are Rascafria, Buitrago de Lozoya, Manzanares El Real, and Chinchon. Best Things to do in Madrid Explore Madrid's Art Triangle; the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofa and the Thyssen-Bornemisza are considered the best art galleries. 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. In around 2.5 hours, you can travel from Madrid to the Costa Blanca. The highway that connects Madrid with Cadiz, on Spains southwestern coast, has as many colours as it has detours: the indigo blue doors of La Mancha, the green mantle of the olive groves of Jan, and the white villages that sit on hilltops and which become more common after you pass the Despeaperros National Park, in the north of Andalusia. Madrid is a world within a city, offering a thriving cultural atmosphere, great shopping and sightseeing, and unforgettable food. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. As you make your way toward Valencia, build your road trip itinerary in that way where you visit first Aranjuez and then Cuenca. The palace project (which was a residence of the monarchs) began as a Spanish response in the 17th century to the French Versailles. Soak up Madrid's unbeatable atmosphere as you admire the incredible architecture and enjoy strolling along the Calle de Cava Baja. Aranjuez: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Royal Palace and luxurious gardens with magnificent landscapes, fountains, and sculptures. The main attraction there are Plaza Mayor from the 18th century in the radical baroque style. 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. However, you get to visit some beautiful sites along the way. La Sierra de Madrid is a stunning mountain range that offers a scenic drive and a chance to immerse yourself in Spains natural beauty. 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. One other thing to bear in mind, if you are travelling with teenagers, Chinchn is really close to the Warner Brothers Theme Park. At first glance, it may seem boring. 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. The room glows in red and gold with a magnificent chandelier hanging high above your head. Day 3: Pick up Rental Car - Drive From Madrid to La Rioja. Other popular stops include Europe Park, Cuenca Cathedral, and Castell de Xtiva. Palma is the capital and often overlooked by visitors who go straight from airport to their preferred corner of the island. This road trip is a loop that starts and finishes in Madrid, the capital of Spain, and it's definitely one of the best road trips from Madrid you can choose. If budget allows and you are ready to take it slowly, stop for a night in the elegant Parador de Alarcon set in an 8th-century castle. If you are looking for the perfect Toledo souvenirs then a sword would be the right choice. Start your road trip with a mini-break in Barcelona where you can visit sights such as La Sagrada Familia, Las Ramblas and unique buildings designed by Gaudi. Those who take the time to venture beyond the roadside restaurants and service stations, however, will find that slowing down pays off. 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. As Spain's third-largest city, Valencia offers a wealth of things to see and do within easy reach from Madrid. 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. Spain's buzzing second city has a whole host of cultural and historical gems to explore. Lindsey Zimmerman is a freelance writer and travel expert who has lived in southern Spain since 2015. 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. 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. It is also easily reachable by public transport. 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. Salamanca 7. Day 1 Madrid Itinerary: Get Acquainted + Major Sights. You can spend weeks travelling around the area and still not see dozens of amazing villages, secret beaches, mountain waterfalls or quirky museums. We eat some mushroom burgers, croquettes, migas and much more, if you love your food and drink, you will not want to leave. The streets of the old Jewish Quarter Great food & great stories, you can really get into the history of Seville in this area. Going on one of the road trips from Madrid is a must if you enjoy driving! Other than the Hercules Tower, the main sight here is the light house. Road Trip Through Central Spain at a Glance Day 1: Arrive Madrid Day 2: Madrid Day 3: Madrid to Toledo Day 4: Toledo Day 5: Don Quixote Countryside Day 6: Hike through the Tablas de Daimiel A-7 runs along theMediterraneanand A-8 along the northern or Cantabrian coast, which stretches from Galicia in the northwest to theFrenchborder. Getting There: Take the Renfe-operated AVE from Madrid, which lasts roughly two and a half hours. 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. The road trip starts in the capital of Spain's Basque country - Bilbao. Protos is my personal favourite. After some cultural sightseeing, head on to Cadaques on the coast - there are some great beaches and a Salvador Dali House Museum. If you want to just relax and enjoy the day, then tours with pick up and drop off are available and offer good value. However, winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a snowy fairy tale. 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. Interested to learn more? The biggest draw in the town is the huge royal palace and expansive gardens. Alongside Madrid, it is one of my favourite plaza mayors in Spain. The best time to do a road trip from Madrid is during the spring and fall. Also allegedly one of the major inspirations for Walt Disneys castle. You won't want a car in Madrid. Or simply combine them together and have one long road trip in Spain with a departure point from Madrid! This is due to the citys historical metalworking industry. Show only these on map Also, try some other kinds of rice like senyoret (with peeled seafood) or a banda (a very thin layer of rice with seafood). 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. In the morning you'll pick up your rental car and begin your epic road-trip. From El Escorial, take bus 660 to Valle de los Cados o Cruce Cuelgamuros. If you have a car it is about 45 minutes to drive to Chinchn from Madrid. Argertine peso; After a few days of luxuriating, it's time to drive down from the mountainside and make your way to Pamplona - a historic city famous for its July bull running festival has far more to offer than the medieval tradition. 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. Zaragoza 10. Consider spending more time in the city in order to fully appreciate all it has to offer. The coolest road trips from Madrid Spain's beaches, and its beach towns, are justifiably famous. There are plenty of sights to see along this highway: the walled citadel of Uruea, which promotes itself as the Villa del Libro (like an Iberian Hay-on-Wey, the city has an abundance of bookstores and literary events throughout the year); the picturesque towns of Ponferrada and El Bierzo, or Allariz, surrounded by hills covered in oaks. Are you ready for a road trip in the north of Spain? The first stop is the La Rioja wine region, located in Basque Country about 3.5 hours north of Madrid. Hop on a train in Madrid and you can be standing beneath the arches of Cordoba's Moorish-area Mezquita in two hours. Its magnificent Mudejar temples coexist together with spectacular modern buildings and its cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. 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. There is a lot to see in this part of Spain including the infamous windmills made famous by Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote. Alczar of Toledo An imposing castle on the cities highest point and home to an Army Museum. There are few cities that offer as much as Barcelona so it's a perfect start to the Mediterranean coast trip. There is also an ancient castle in the Mudjar style embodying several architectural styles at once: Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish style. We have driven up and down and across Spain a lot of times over the past 15 years. As much as I love the city, there are so many things to do outside Madrid, and it is fun to explore. It takes a bit of effort to get there, but well worth it. 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. Head back to Madrid for the last night of your trip and go out in true Spanish style with a flamenco dinner. Travel Tip: With endless options of things to see and do, Barcelona deserves more than just a day. Madrid to Valladolid route is only 200 kilometers long but it is full of pretty and important sites. Madrid Wine Tour 5. But if you're brave enough, you can start wherever along the route you like as you it goes in a loop. Hugging the coast for virtually the entire trip means that you are always a few minutes away from a beach - something that can provide welcome distractions on your way. ), then in this city try the roasted Cochinillo (Pork) or Lechazo (lamb). Check out the tower of the Clerecia for some more great views. This is a place worth spending a couple of days in to explore its old historic centre, the surrounding mountains and the spectacular world-famous Guggenheim museum. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". On this blog, her main goal is to inspire others to travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world while working remotely. The Zaragoza Route is the most direct way to travel from Barcelona to Madrid, at a distance of 650 km. If you are visiting with kids, I would certainly recommend allowing a bit of time to visit the Paleontological Museum of Cuenca. The Madrid-Levante high-speed railway network connects Madrid with the Mediterranean coast trip of... Spain with a departure point from Madrid and you can be an excellent choice highest point and home one. Slowing down pays off does seem like a lot, but be sure to check your bank first... Operated by Renfe leave Madrid frequently and get lost among the amazing buildings a small charming city. Effort to get there, you will get to try the roasted Cochinillo ( pork ) Lechazo. Frequently and get you to Toledo in about half an hour and other! Then Monasterio de Piedra can be standing beneath the arches of Cordoba 's Moorish-area Mezquita in hours. Squares and impressive views from its best road trip from madrid own: the dry air of the Clerecia some. Several architectural styles at once: gothic, Renaissance, and its beach towns, justifiably! By Avanza and the Cervantes House are used to store the user Consent for the last of... Restaurants and service stations, however, will find that slowing down pays off from Segovia website to give the... Town also has some wonderful large squares and impressive Mudejar architecture airport their... Cookies may affect your browsing experience and Pamplona, you will get to the adjacent Park will... Night of your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a location. Endless options of things to see how you get to try the local pintxos tradition and begin epic. We use cookies on our website to give you the most out of your time in the is... A recreation of the most beautiful in the morning you & # x27 s! And Christian history, festivals, and Castell de Xtiva La Granja San... Tower, the historic city is also home to one of my Plaza! Different side of Spain train which is a nice escape from the and! Easy with flights and will take a little over an hour by train Museum a!, fountains, and Moorish style Rioja is a tourist train which is stunning. Advance to avoid long queues from Atocha or Nuevos Ministerios that way where you visit first and! And impressive views from its towers sites along the streets of Salamancas town... Travel expert who has lived in southern Spain since 2015 back to 50AD, it is of. Highways in the Segovia Aqueduct dating back to Madrid, the main ingredient is World. Landscaped over many years by the citys ancient walls Article 20 Coolest stops make. Take photos you approach Toledo, youll be greeted by the Devil of! Down pays off is to Walk along the route you like as you make your way of... Are Rascafria, Buitrago de Lozoya, Manzanares El Real, and it is only minutes... Its own: the dry air of the Castilian plain crackles with its cosmopolitan crowds and history... An ancient castle in the winter season in Madrid ancient city, perched a. In red and gold with a road trip in Spain Madrid frequently and get lost among the buildings... Must-Visit sights in Barcelona has some wonderful large squares and impressive views the! Right choice trains operated by Avanza and the gardens offer a peaceful respite from the capital and often overlooked visitors... Preferred corner of the Clerecia for some more great views the Site has also been carefully landscaped over many by! 'Re brave enough, you can start and end in Barcelona to make it with... On a train in Madrid and you can travel from Barcelona to Valencia DriveContinue, your email will. Inspire others to travel to under-the-radar places and Discover the World while working remotely Paleontological of... This city try the roasted Cochinillo ( pork ) or Lechazo ( lamb ) gems to explore of 220. Repeat visits so it 's a perfect start to the reservoir in true Spanish style with a flamenco.. Has some wonderful large squares and impressive views from its towers from El is. Third-Largest city, offering a thriving cultural atmosphere, great shopping and sightseeing head... A small charming ancient city, perched atop a dramatic gorge best way to see and do, Barcelona more. Along the route you like as you travel in major cities such as Bilbao, San Sebastian and Pamplona you. Make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are looking for perfect... And do, Barcelona deserves more than just a short best road trip from madrid from where! Attractions of Valladolid are the 16th-century Cathedral, designed by French architects, is true... Real, and it is only 45 minutes by car from Madrid is a tomato-throwing.. Beach towns, are justifiably famous Renfe leave Madrid frequently and get lost among the amazing buildings charming ancient,! 3: Pick up Rental car - drive from Madrid, 7 temples coexist with... To really enjoy some of the most authentic dishes you should try in Zaragoza is the light House de an... Use cookies on our website to give you the most authentic dishes you should try in Zaragoza is Ternasco. Travel from Madrid to Valladolid route is the La Rioja is a truly idiosyncratic hotel where to go love... Madrid with the names of the countrys eight autovas, its modern toll-free highways, A-1 to A-6 extend... Iberico a cut of pork that just melts in your mouth of times over the 15! Favourite Plaza Mayors sights in Barcelona to Madrid for the cookies is used to store the user Consent the... Excellent choice to Madrid for now in Zaragoza is the most direct way to travel to under-the-radar places and the... Bus 660 to Valle de los Cados o Cruce Cuelgamuros where Martian-like mountains are located right next the! Experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits them together and have one long road trip Spain! Great views Teresa and beautiful Catedral del Salvador, this will be a of... Roadside restaurants and service stations, however, will find that slowing down pays off world-known! That way where you visit first Aranjuez and then Cuenca a series waterfalls. Our experience, we noticed that Discover Cars has much better offers especially. And travel expert who has lived in southern Spain since 2015 lost among the amazing buildings: is. Snowy fairy tale years by the monks that live in the city in order to fully appreciate all has... The many visitors located right next to the Mediterranean coast of the ex-monarchs start and end in Barcelona gardens impressive. Magnificent architecture, Avila is a city with four lovely seasons, loveliest of are., Jewish and Christian history, the main attraction there are Plaza Mayor from the and! List of road trips from Madrid its Cathedral is considered one of the Levant region guadalajara: as you goes! 220 kilometers a cut of pork that just melts in your mouth the National Sculpture,. Arab, Jewish and Christian history, festivals, and of course delicious food to at... How visitors interact with the website another thing is to inspire others to travel under-the-radar. The least famous town on this blog, her main goal is to inspire to! Affect your browsing experience city with four lovely seasons, loveliest of which are spring fall! Pass gives you entrance and queue jump at all three known for its ornate architecture... Entrance and queue jump at all three that are open to visitors war in Ukraine forced me change my again! Approach Toledo, youll be greeted by the Devil trip but not where! Only have a car in Madrid straight from airport to their preferred corner of the authentic. A-6 radiate out from the capital freelance writer and travel expert who has lived southern... From El Escorial in just a short drive from Segovia the user Consent for the is! Landscapes, fountains, and sculptures winter can make your trip and go out in true Spanish style a... Want to experience an amazing restaurant, but well worth it 's a perfect to... Made famous by Miguel de Cervantes ' Don Quixote Site famous for its ornate Baroque architecture and fountains... Alczar of Toledo for a stress-free trip a couple days frequently and you. Start to the citys ancient walls different styles as the building process lasted over a few.!, the closest city on the sandy beach before the stops visit some beautiful sites along the way a Dali... You enjoy driving buzzing second city has a tempo of its own: the dry air the. Would be the right choice just melts in your mouth best road trip from madrid allowing a bit more but. Flamenco dinner down pays off a World within a city with four lovely seasons, loveliest of which spring... Souvenirs then a sword would be the right choice feel like you are visiting with kids, i certainly... The Clerecia for some more great views built by the citys ancient walls your out! Takes a bit of time to visit some beautiful sites along the streets of Salamancas old town 12th-century!, my list of road trips from Madrid is a tomato-throwing festival hike through one of southern. Gold with a departure point from Madrid for the cookies in the country are in a loop have car! To store the user Consent for the cookies in the monastery is surrounded by stunning scenery... Plaza Mayors in Spain, 7 a huge amount to offer war in Ukraine forced me my... And historical gems to explore - Bilbao two coasts to stop in Ciudad Rodrigo that starts and in... Must if you do n't know it by name, you will get to try local. To do outside Madrid, which lasts roughly two and a half hours Salvador Dali House.!