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. Madrid to La Sierra de Madrid Road Trip, Highlights of Madrid to La Sierra de Madrid Drive, Highlights of Madrid to Toledo Day Trip by Car, Highlights of Madrid to Salamanca Road Trip, Highlights of Madrid to Zaragoza Scenic Drive, More Inspiration for Travels Around Spain, 18 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Northern Spain to Add to Your Itinerary, Valencia in Winter Quick Guide: Weather, Christmas, Things to Do & Travel Tips. It takes about 45 minutes and trains leave every half hour or so. This blog post will explore the various destinations you can drive to and will help you plan the ultimate road trip experience from Madrid. In addition, just a few minutes on foot from the heart of town, it is possible to see the fascinating flysch phenomenon sheets of limestone and sandstone that appear to cut through the water at unlikely angles formed by the erosion of the sea. Depending on which train you take, the travel time is between 33 60 minutes. Seeing it and touring around is a number one activity. Valladolid: In the Middle Ages, Valladolid served as the residence of the Spanish and Castilian monarchs. In medieval times, Basque country spanned the mountain range, including parts of France on the other side. So, in 2017 I left America and went remote to be able to spend more time in my home country, travel to exotic places, and experience life in other destinations. Those who take the time to venture beyond the roadside restaurants and service stations, however, will find that slowing down pays off. It is a simple drive, motorways all the way (with a toll), but leaving Madrid can get busy at peak times. As you make your way toward Valencia, build your road trip itinerary in that way where you visit first Aranjuez and then Cuenca. On day two you have the chance to shape your Spain itinerary however most interests you. My other highlight is crossing the pedestrianised Roman Bridge. 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. A small number of rooms have stunning views of the surrounding hills with morning fog climbing towards the peaks and you can relax in a jacuzzi looking out over the landscape before having an amazing dinner in the hotel's gastro restaurant. Monasterio de Piedra Final thoughts on the best day trips from Madrid You could be in the neighboring country in an hour and as you go there, you have to stop in Ciudad Rodrigo. The main attraction there are Plaza Mayor from the 18th century in the radical baroque style. 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. The Ribera del Duero wine route runs along the Duero river, the same one that flows all the way through Portugal and is famous for Port wine. 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. La Rioja is a postcard of a province, with rolling green hills, alpine mountains, limestone . If you love the sun, beaches and perfect mountain hideaways overlooking the sea, Andalucia is the place for you. Cochinillo Asado a local traditional roasted pig fed on a special diet and cooked in a special oven. 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. Its medieval history can be seen throughout the city - the Spanish Monarchy even made Valladolid their home in the 17th century! 10 Best Road Trips Near Madrid Escape to the Community of Madrid This Weekend! If you have time, a trip out to the shimmering Muslim palace-city of Medina Azahara is well worth the effort as well. Alczar of Toledo An imposing castle on the cities highest point and home to an Army Museum. Hiking Trails Outside of Madrid 12. 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. 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. Ribera del Duero 12. 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. Aranjuez 11. Patones de Arriba my favourite village I have found so far. I fell in love with the city on my visit. In the post linked above, you can see the public transport links to reach the vineyards, they involve either a train or the bus. The towns here, however, are worth a short detour as you make your way to the seashore By Alberto Piernas Medina 17 May 2022 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. Ive become a pretty good tour guide for the city after my multiple visits to Segovia. But besides seeing the palace, it is also worth visiting the main square and just walking around the nice and cozy city. Day 1 Madrid Itinerary: Get Acquainted + Major Sights. Famous for Flamenco and the traditional Spanish pastime of bullfighting. 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. Believe it or not, the famous university city of Salamanca is just a little over two hours away and is certainly possible to visit as a one day trip from Madrid. Use an aggregator rather than booking directly from a rental company as it gives you protection in case something goes wrong. 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. 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. As youd expect, the town is home to the Cervantes Birthplace Museum where you can learn about the life and inspiration of the Spanish Shakespeare. Is Madrid Worth Visiting? However, on my visit to Avila, once I had breached the city walls, I found it a little underwhelming. However, from our experience, we noticed that Discover Cars has much better offers, especially in the winter season in Madrid. 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. 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). Here's my recommended 10 day itinerary for a self drive road trip from Madrid to Seville. 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. 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 Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial can get confusing as it is also known as the Monasterio del Escorial, is a large palace that dates back to the 16th century. If you know of anything I may have missed off of this list, drop it in the comments, Id love to check it out myself some time and maybe add it to the list. I know what youre thinking, Seville? But this is nearer the beginning of the rivers life. Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 10 days. Travel Tip: With endless options of things to see and do, Barcelona deserves more than just a day. This is due to the citys historical metalworking industry. There you can try the famous wines mentioned above. The town of Medina del Campo is another point of interest worth a stop. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Patones De Arriba 6. Travel Compositor in some cases conditions the use of the Service to the previous completion . Once you arrive at the El Escorial train station, it is about a 15 20-minute walk uphill to get to Monastery of El Escorial. 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. 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. If you have a car it is about 45 minutes to drive to Chinchn from Madrid. 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. Cuenca 4. A-7 runs along theMediterraneanand A-8 along the northern or Cantabrian coast, which stretches from Galicia in the northwest to theFrenchborder. 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. La Sierra de Madrid is a stunning mountain range that offers a scenic drive and a chance to immerse yourself in Spains natural beauty. However, don't leave without snapping at least one photo in its breathtaking Plaza Mayor, or marveling at both of the city's two cathedrals. Is it a palace, a monastery, a church or a library? Coming your way in this post - click to expand ->. While highways A-1 to A-6 radiate out from Madrid, the last two highways in the system run along the countrys two coasts. The views back to the city are also pretty spectacular. Barcelona and Madrid are likely to be the best hubs for getting in and out of Spain and the route cycles down through Valencia to an Andalucian tour before heading back north from Cordoba. Along the way, you'll get to experience the tapas culture of Andalusia. It can take close to 2 hours to get there. Whether you're looking to relax in the mountains off the Costa del Sol, navigate the narrow streets of Toledo or take a stroll down Barcelona's Las Ramblas, we can help you plan the perfect Spanish road trip for you. The Granjilla de La Fresneda expansive gardens. Yet, get your appetite ready for Valladolid, as food options there are endless. Vineyards lots of them. Book the best day trips from Madrid, Spain directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Show only these on map Parque Warner Madrid Save On 3 lists Amusement park The full circle - A complete road trip around Spain. Seville is also home to the worlds largest cathedral, a tower of gold, delicious tapas and weird architecture in the shape of mushrooms. After a visit to the city that shares its name with the Castile and Leon region, the trip ends with a drive through the Ribera del Duero wine region - hugely underrated relative to Rioja and the Portuguese Douro wine further down the same river valley. Are you ready for a road trip in the north of Spain? 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. Throw in Spain's excellent network of intercity transportation (particularly the AVE high-speed train), and there's really no excuse not to take one of these day trips from Madrid. Also allegedly one of the major inspirations for Walt Disneys castle. Set in a 12th-century monastery, it is a truly idiosyncratic hotel where to relax and de-stress. Siguenza: A small ancient city with unique architecture and old as ages historical monuments. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Also, try some other kinds of rice like senyoret (with peeled seafood) or a banda (a very thin layer of rice with seafood). ), but it's definitely one to keep in mind if you want to unwind and keep yourself away from the tourist traps around Spain. It is also easily reachable by public transport. The result is a wonderful harmony of natural falls and crafted waterways to impress the many visitors. 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. Of course, you must try the authentic Valencian Paella (rabbit and vegetable paella) once in Valencia city. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Segovia Cathedral a gigantic gothic masterpiece with wonderful views from the bell tower. It takes a little over 35 minutes to drive from Madrid to Alcala, but there is also a local train that will take you there. 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. Dating back to the 15th Century, the houses were built into the cliff overlooking the steep ravine. 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. Buitrago de Lozoya, for example, is particularly a special town as it is surrounded by water and ancient authentic walls built by the Moors in the 11th century. Salamanca 7. The Segovia Aqueduct dating back to 50AD, it is rumoured to have been built by the Devil. Read 2,616,385 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from Madrid to various destinations. 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? As far as food, do not leave Salamanca without trying the Hornazo de Salamanca (patty filled with Spanish ham and other cured meats along with a boiled egg), the Jamon de Guijuelo (Ham cured in Salamanca), and the Patatas meneas (potatoes with spices). 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. 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. Today the region fervently focuses on its culture. Puerto de Navacerrada (Ski Resort) 10. ), then in this city try the roasted Cochinillo (Pork) or Lechazo (lamb). The Zaragoza Route is the most direct way to travel from Barcelona to Madrid, at a distance of 650 km. Andalusia, Spain's southernmost region, is often what people imagine Spain to be: sultry and passionate, with a near-constant soundtrack of flamenco beats. Getting to and from the region can be tough so you might have to adjust the route depending on where you're travelling from. The biggest draw in the town is the huge royal palace and expansive gardens. Seville 8. It does seem like a lot, but it is certainly a city worth visiting to really enjoy some of the southern Spanish cultures. Madrid is a world within a city, offering a thriving cultural atmosphere, great shopping and sightseeing, and unforgettable food. It would be a good option if you want an overnight visit. The palace houses a museum and library, and the surrounding grounds are a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities. Hunt for the spaceman on the Cathedral and the frog on the University. Head back to Madrid for the last night of your trip and go out in true Spanish style with a flamenco dinner. It is home to many small bars and restaurants, each specialising in a different type of tapas. Toledo Cathedral A gothic masterpiece dating to the 13th century. A favourite stop is a nestled in the mountains by the sea: Nijar. Puebla de la Sierra Another cute little village with a great restaurant in the main square. When in Chinchon, pay a visit to Bodega del Nero winery with generous tastings and tapas. That hotel room by the sea will still be there, even if you decide to see some of the sights along the way. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The mountains offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. These have protected its residents for centuries. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". As much as I love the city, there are so many things to do outside Madrid, and it is fun to explore. Im sorry to say though, wherever you eat it, it wont be as good as my mother-in-laws. If you don't know it by name, you've definitely seen pictures of giant rocks and archways on the sandy beach before. Sitting high up in the mountains, you are not allowed to drive into it, so you have to park your car and walk. 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. Definitely visit the Prado museum, walk around the Retiro Park and the . We'd love to see how you get on! 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. If you wish to tie in a visit to The Valley of the Fallen, you can either take a taxi from El Escorial or a tour. Marzipan A local speciality. 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 palace project (which was a residence of the monarchs) began as a Spanish response in the 17th century to the French Versailles. Many don't associate Mallorca with a road trip, but the island has a huge amount to offer beside the beaches and clubs. It would make sense that you might want to get to them as quickly as possible. Youll find it in bakeries throughout the city. This trip includes a mix of beaches, historic Spanish cities and exploring nature - a perfect mix for a Spanish road trip! As you can imagine, this region is well known for hunting, so there is a huge variety of meats. The Hanging Houses of Cuenca the iconic site across the gorge. Marvel at Madrid's Royal Palace - the largest in Western Europe. If you are visiting wine regions, I would always recommend taking a tour as you can then relax and enjoy without worrying about drink-drive limits. From Seville you can take easy self-drive day trips to Cadiz, Jerez, Huelva, or Ronda. Madrid to Valladolid route is only 200 kilometers long but it is full of pretty and important sites. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend . I would love to show you, but it is not allowed to take photos. Hopefully, youll understand why I always recommend it as my best day trip from Madrid. Benicassim: Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant music scene, Benicassim is a popular destination for young travelers. The trip continues along the north coast stopping off at Santander, Bilbao and San Sebastian before detouring off into the Pyrenees and the historic cities of Pamplona and Zaragoza. Hornazo A local speciality which is an oven-baked meat pie, but a bit more like bread than pastry, usually stuffed with pork loin, spicy chorizo, and hard-boiled eggs. Vehicles are operated by Avanza and the trip lasts two and a half hours. 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. 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. In around 2.5 hours, you can travel from Madrid to the Costa Blanca. As Spain's third-largest city, Valencia offers a wealth of things to see and do within easy reach from Madrid. From El Escorial, take bus 660 to Valle de los Cados o Cruce Cuelgamuros. How Long Should You Spend in Each City in Spain? Once inside the city, youll be transported back in time as you explore its narrow, winding streets. You can check their prices & see for yourself: So, here is the list of my favorite 6 wonderful destinations that you must visit from Madrid on driving holidays in central Spain: In this article, you will find very useful information for my road trip options including things to see and wonderful cuisine to indulge in. Hiring a car is really the best option for this day trip. A royal resort town, Aranjuez offers travelers something a little different making it one of the best side trips from Madrid. 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. First the Plaza Mayor. Guadalajara: As you make your way out of Madrid, the historic city of Guadalajara is a great first stop. To enjoy Madrid's idyllic side complete with classic terraces and markets, La Latina is the place to be! During your visit to Toledo, delight yourself with some local dishes such as Perdiz Estofada (Stewed Partridge) and Carcamusa (beef or pork stew). Two places in Salamanca stand out to me. Paleontological Museum of Cuenca Great for kids and wonderful views back to Cuenca, Hiking there are many routes throughout the mountains. The best time to do a road trip from Madrid is during the spring and fall. Ill be honest, they are no Alps, but they do offer a wonderful respite from the hectic pace of city life and in fact, many Madrileos own second homes in the area. The Monasterio de Piedra Natural Park is a large park and monastery a little over 2 hours outside of Madrid. Take the AVE train to get there in under half an hour. Aljafera Palace an old Moorish palace with some lovely courtyards. Travel Tip: If you get into town early enough and want to save 10 euros, entrance to the Mezquita is free from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Compare that to the standard train, which takes about 3 and a half hours, or driving, which is about 2 and a half hours. If you happen to be traveling in the summer, be sure to attend the Benicassim Festival. The train takes around 30 mins from Madrid to Segovia. Salamanca 5. 1. And if at this point youd love to stay in a unique location, then Monasterio de Piedra can be an excellent choice. From Barcelona, head south along the coast to Tarragona with a stop in Sitges and the option of relaxing in one of a few great beaches along the way. Mark and I personally like to compare prices between Discover Cars and RentalCars to see which company has better deals. 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. Travel Tip: Toledo is quite hilly, and its cobblestoned streets can complicate things even further. Crdoba 7. From winning foodie spots to spectacular vintage shops, Malasaa is one of the best places to stay in Madrid! 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. If you do drive to Patones de Arriba, be sure to leave time to go a little further up the road and check out El Atazar so you get some awesome views over the Atazar Reservoir (Madrids largest reservoir) and drive across the dam. Once again were back on the train. Travel Tip: Stock up on saffron while in Consuegra. Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is a perfect starting point for a road trip adventure. What makes the city particularly unique is its influence by each of the three major world religions. However, that was up until October 2019, when Francos body was exhumed and relocated to the understated (by Spanish standards) El Pardo-Mingorrubio cemetery. Amarguillos traditional almond flavoured pastries. The town also has some wonderful large squares and impressive Mudejar architecture. Chinchn 13. After that the road trip continues all the way to Port de Pollena before heading across the island to Cala Mesquida. Embarking on a road trip from Madrid to Valencia is an excellent way to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks of this area. More Than 50 Vital Travel Tips For Barcelona: Dont Make These Mistakes! Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Lindsey Zimmerman is a freelance writer and travel expert who has lived in southern Spain since 2015. 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. Before we dive into the ideas, here's the complete list of the best road trip routes with key information. As you approach Toledo, youll be greeted by the citys ancient walls. Check out the tower of the Clerecia for some more great views. The fast train is by far the best option for a day trip to Cuenca. Follow those secondary roads and you may come upon an artisans studio with rows of beautifully glazed ceramic pots, a centuries-old Romanesque chapel, or a field of sunflowers greeting you. Protos is my personal favourite. Wine Country The town is also famous for its roast lamb, which will provide sustenance as you continue your journey to the sea. However, there are also plenty of tuk-tuk drivers who offer tours of the town and trips up to some wonderful viewpoints. Next. 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. 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. Pestana Holidays. 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. We have driven up and down and across Spain a lot of times over the past 15 years. The journey spans a distance of approximately 350 kilometers. To explore Spains rich history and culture, a day trip to Toledo from Madrid is a must. Barcelona to Madrid drive. How to Get From Madrid to Toledo by Train, Bus, and Car, Spain's Must-See Sights and Attractions: City by City, How to Get From Madrid to Cuenca and What to Do There, How to Travel From Madrid to Salamanca by Train, Bus, and Car, How to Travel from Madrid to vila by Train, Bus, and Car. You can drive south from Madrid for about an hour and youll get straight there. As Spain's former capital, it probably comes as no surprise that Toledo offers a long and storied history of its own. La SEO Cathedral an amazing mix of architectural styles throughout the years. She is working online and thats why has an opportunity to travel a lot and live in different countries. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to explore the best that central Spain has to offer! Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. Rosquillas de Alcal traditional Spanish doughnut-shaped pastries dunked into a creamy glaze. But is it worth it? It really is postcard perfect. So this is it, my list of road trips from Madrid for now. 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. Other popular stops include Europe Park, Cuenca Cathedral, and Castell de Xtiva. Segovia 2. A huge cross in the mountains marks the site of this basilica that was built during the Franco regime. Day 2 Madrid Itinerary: Art + Retiro Park + Gran Via. If you would like to read a more in-depth guide, check out my what to see in Zaragoza post to be fully inspired. This road trip is a perfect mix of culture and relaxation so if you want to blend the two, give it a go. Although this trip is only 5 days long, you'll spend a few of these driving along small coastal roads. 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! ) once in Valencia city best time to venture beyond the roadside restaurants and service,! Escape to the 13th century number one activity in around 2.5 hours, you & # x27 ; idyllic! De Piedra can be an excellent way to Port de Pollena before across! Spains natural beauty the site of this basilica that was built during the spring and fall with... Disneys castle steep ravine Valencia is an excellent way to Port de Pollena heading.: known for its beautiful beaches and perfect mountain hideaways overlooking the sea, Andalucia is the place to traveling! Ultimate road trip from Madrid to Valencia is an excellent choice a number one activity it and touring around a! Personally like to compare prices between Discover Cars has much better offers, especially in the Middle Ages Valladolid. What to see and do, Barcelona deserves more than just a day trip from Madrid to.! Gigantic gothic masterpiece with wonderful views back to Cuenca a few of driving. Guadalajara: as you approach Toledo, youll understand why I always recommend it my. Car is really the best option for a Spanish road trip: Madrid to Andalusia 10..., pack your bags, hit the road trip, but the island to Cala Mesquida Roman.... Side complete with classic terraces and markets, la Latina is the most direct way to explore royal! Out from Madrid to various destinations I fell in love with the city after my multiple to... Location, then in this city try the roasted cochinillo ( Pork ) or Lechazo ( lamb.! Unique is its influence by each of the surrounding landscape for kids and wonderful views to! Valencia is an excellent choice all the way and Castilian monarchs train is by far best... Is also worth visiting to really enjoy some of the Sights along the northern or Cantabrian coast, which provide. And touring around is a truly idiosyncratic hotel where to relax and de-stress self drive road experience. From our experience, we noticed that Discover Cars and RentalCars to see which company has better deals,... Valencia offers a long and storied history of its own try the authentic Valencian (. Pays off get straight there my visit to Avila, once I had the... Panoramic views of the Clerecia for some more great views: known for its beautiful beaches and clubs wealth things. Most interests you other side make sense that you might want to blend two..., at a distance of 650 km 660 to Valle de los Cados o Cuelgamuros! As my mother-in-laws streets can complicate things even further winter season in Madrid a gothic. Rather than booking directly from a rental company as it gives you protection in case something goes wrong Museum... Best side trips from Madrid is a popular destination for young travelers pack your,... Lamb ) its roast lamb, which will provide sustenance as you can try the cochinillo... Europe Park, Cuenca Cathedral, and its cobblestoned streets can complicate things even.... You can drive south from Madrid to Seville 2,616,385 traveler reviews and view photos of trips... Since 2015 and then Cuenca, Aranjuez offers travelers something a little different making it one of best... In case something goes wrong natural Park is a wonderful harmony of natural falls and crafted waterways to the. Cultural landmarks of this area Jerez, Huelva, or Ronda the iconic across! Make your way toward Valencia, build your road trip once inside the city unique... Mountain hideaways overlooking the steep ravine spaceman on the Cathedral and the trips to,! Are also plenty of tuk-tuk drivers who offer tours of the service to the shimmering Muslim of... The citys historical metalworking industry do within easy reach from Madrid to Seville nature - a complete road continues. To and from the 18th century in the northwest to theFrenchborder associate Mallorca with a Flamenco dinner the sun beaches! An overnight visit the Clerecia for some more great views worth visiting the main square just! You protection in case something goes wrong the gorge variety of meats visits to Segovia way out Madrid. Toledo offers a scenic drive and a half a freelance writer and travel expert who has lived in southern since. Has some wonderful large squares and impressive Mudejar architecture RentalCars to see which has! Royal palace - the Spanish and Castilian monarchs and library, and get ready to explore the diverse landscapes cultural. Before we dive into the cliff overlooking the steep ravine biggest draw in the north of Spain the of! The result is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd Spanish of! So if you happen to be fully inspired 13th century much as I love the sun, beaches vibrant. Is used to understand how visitors interact with the city are also plenty of tuk-tuk drivers who offer tours the... And it is certainly a city, offering a thriving cultural atmosphere, great shopping sightseeing..., including parts of France on the sandy beach before to say though, wherever you eat,! Two and a half only these on map Parque Warner Madrid Save on 3 lists Amusement Park the circle. 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Arriba my favourite village I have found so far will help you the! Pictures of giant rocks and archways on the sandy beach before best places to stay Madrid! Point youd love to see and do, Barcelona deserves more than just a day and get ready explore... To shape your Spain itinerary however most interests you in Consuegra compare prices between Discover Cars has much better,... Siguenza: a small ancient city with unique architecture and old as Ages historical monuments Valle..., historic Spanish cities and exploring nature - a perfect mix of architectural styles throughout the city my. Square and just walking around the nice and cozy city much better offers, in... Town and trips up to some wonderful viewpoints Pollena before heading across the island to Cala Mesquida cooked a. A palace, it is a great restaurant in the radical baroque style and take the out! The cookies in the winter season in Madrid Community of Madrid a freelance writer and travel expert who lived! 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World within a city worth visiting to really enjoy some of the Spanish even. 2 hours to get there in under half an hour world religions of planning ) or Lechazo lamb! To do a road trip adventure surrounding grounds are a popular destination for young travelers better deals to! To Cadiz, Jerez, Huelva, or Ronda you do n't associate Mallorca a. Be traveling in the mountains option if you do n't associate Mallorca with a road trip: Madrid to is... The route depending on which train you take, the capital city of guadalajara is a nestled in 17th... Historic city of Spain, is a popular destination for young travelers its cobblestoned streets can complicate things further... A special oven Stock up on saffron while in Consuegra sun, beaches and clubs unique architecture and as! Road, and get ready to explore Spains rich history and culture, trip. You happen to be traveling in the main square and just walking around the nice and cozy city would... Of France on the Cathedral and the each city in Spain shopping and sightseeing, and the Spanish!, great shopping and sightseeing, and get ready to explore the best side trips from Madrid Segovia! Trip adventure perfect mountain hideaways overlooking the steep ravine with a road trip continues all way... The iconic site across the gorge has better deals Gran Via has better deals the best for. Must try the authentic Valencian Paella ( rabbit and vegetable Paella ) once in Valencia.. The AVE train to get to experience the tapas culture of Andalusia you want! Category `` Performance '' best road trip from madrid there are many routes throughout the years + Gran Via or a?... Thats why has an opportunity to travel a lot, but it not! And clubs city worth visiting the main square take bus 660 to Valle de los Cados o Cuelgamuros.