During these seasons, the weather is mild and it allows you to truly enjoy every stop. Getting to and from the region can be tough so you might have to adjust the route depending on where you're travelling from. Finishing off with a day trip inland to Santiago de Compostela, you will travel the entire length of Spain's Bay of Biscay coastline with everything to see along the way. While the massive white structures are certainly the town's biggest draw, the Moorish castle should not be overlooked, either. 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. The Royal Alcazar A must see. 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. If your timing is right you can enjoy the wine festival in March or the garlic festival in October. Are you ready for a road trip in the north of Spain? Hop on a train in Madrid and you can be standing beneath the arches of Cordoba's Moorish-area Mezquita in two hours. Cross the Roman bridge for amazing views of the city and the River Tormes. Year-round, restaurants serve dishes like tomato soup and jams made from the four varieties of tomatoes commonly grown here. 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. The plan with this road trip is to go all the way round the Galician coastline starting from As Catedrais beach. 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. Youll find it in bakeries throughout the city. The Hanging Houses of Cuenca the iconic site across the gorge. The palace is famous for its ornate Baroque architecture and lovely fountains. 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. Medinaceli: Located about halfway between Madrid and Zaragoza, the charming village of Medinaceli, forged by different cultures, is a must-see stop on your road trip. Toledo is famous as a blend of Christian, Muslim and Jewish religions and cultures. It would be a good option if you want an overnight visit. Zaragoza is on the high-speed train route between Madrid and Barcelona meaning there are loads of departures from Atocha station throughout the day. 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. 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. You can read more advice about getting to Segovia from Madrid here. If you would like to read a more in-depth guide, check out my what to see in Zaragoza post to be fully inspired. 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. And if at this point youd love to stay in a unique location, then Monasterio de Piedra can be an excellent choice. During these seasons, the weather is mild and it allows you to truly enjoy every stop. 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. Compare that to the standard train, which takes about 3 and a half hours, or driving, which is about 2 and a half hours. 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%. 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. Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. From the world-class museums and art galleries to the lively plazas and cafs, there is plenty to keep visitors in the city entertained for way more than a weekend. Crdoba 7. Besides the citys iconic Roman aqueduct, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is also an impressive cathedral, Alczar castle, the Jewish quarter, pretty central Plaza Mayor square with its 15th-century buildings, and more. If you travel the A-8 along the Cantabrian coast, youll want to make a stop in this small town whose historic heart still retains its medieval layout and walks along the coast offer views of the moody seas and skies. Other popular stops include Pl. 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. Travel Tip: Stock up on saffron while in Consuegra. Aranjuez 11. 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 The citys heart lies in the Plaza Nuestra Seora del Pilar. Of course, you may want to check your airline baggage rules before buying that 15th-century replica broadsword that would have had William Wallace running in fear! 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. The biggest draw in the town is the huge royal palace and expansive gardens. Soak up Madrid's unbeatable atmosphere as you admire the incredible architecture and enjoy strolling along the Calle de Cava Baja. Travel Tip: Due to its appearance on a recent season of Game of Thrones, Seville's Alcazar has become more popular than ever. After passing the Vixia Herbeira cliffs, you'll arrive in A Corua. 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. It isamong the best-preserved in Europe. It is a nice stop on the way to Salamanca, or as mentioned previously, part of a multi-stop organised tour. La Granja de San Ildefonso: It is just a short drive from Segovia. Patones de Arriba my favourite village I have found so far. 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. Note Please know, some of the external links on this page are affiliate links, this means that if you purchase after following one, I make a small commission from the sale at no additional cost to yourself. Both Iberia and Air Europa offer direct service on this . Segovia 2. Hop on a train in Madrid and you can be standing beneath the arches of Cordoba's Moorish-area Mezquita in two hours. Required fields are marked *. Salamanca 5. The Zaragoza Route is the most direct way to travel from Barcelona to Madrid, at a distance of 650 km. Sat high atop a spur between the Jcar and Hucar rivers, another one of my favourite Madrid side trips is a day in Cuenca, Castilla La Mancha. Next. Login to continue Create your account Register. Optional Madrid Itinerary Addition: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Cuenca 9. 10 Best Road Trips Near Madrid Escape to the Community of Madrid This Weekend! It is around one hour by car from Madrid or just 30 mins by high speed train from Madrids Atocha station. Salamanca 7. My other highlight is crossing the pedestrianised Roman Bridge. The easiest way is by high-speed train from Madrid Chamartin station. Check out the tower of the Clerecia for some more great views. 1. If you visit Cuenca, I would recommend starting in the castle area and working your way through the steep cobbled streets down into the main town. And the gardens offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the road. Yet, get your appetite ready for Valladolid, as food options there are endless. Zaragoza 10. 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. Drive Spain's Mediterranean coast Its known for its Old Town, 12th-century city walls, and many other medieval constructions. War in Ukraine forced me change my life again. Along the way, you'll get to experience the tapas culture of Andalusia. If you get out of the tourist areas, you will find local pintxo bars where the snacks are free as long as you keep buying the drinks! Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. Alicante. There are tonnes of great places to stop including Roses resort, the canals of Empuriabrava, L'Escala and Begur. 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. One other thing to bear in mind, if you are travelling with teenagers, Chinchn is really close to the Warner Brothers Theme Park. Amarguillos traditional almond flavoured pastries. Lindsey Zimmerman is a freelance writer and travel expert who has lived in southern Spain since 2015. Puente de San Martin a picturesque medieval bridge across the River Tagus. At present time, she is based in Spain while waiting for the war in Ukraine to be over to be able to return home. As with most Spanish cities, there are plenty of churches to visit, and the main cathedral is pretty spectacular. There are some fantastic hotels if you want to really relax and go off the grid for a few days - we have stayed at The Arantza Hotela in the foothills of Pyrenees and cannot recommend it highly enough - it is expensive but super luxurious and worth it! But the charming town of Coca is a true hidden gem in central Spain. If you want to take a day trip to Seville, the high-speed train is your only real option as it is a long drive. The Castle not much of a castle left, but wonderful views and lots of restaurants. Spain Road Trip with Bernabu Tour from US$197. 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. Valle de los Cados: A Controversial Monument, Seville: Andalusian Passion & Flamenco Flair, Valencia: A Colorful Mediterranean Metropolis, Cuenca: Hanging Houses & A Thriving Museum Scene. 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. This trip includes a mix of beaches, historic Spanish cities and exploring nature - a perfect mix for a Spanish road trip! What makes the city particularly unique is its influence by each of the three major world religions. You can extend this road trip to include the historic Spanish cities of Leon and Burgos in the north of the province, but that will add a lot of mileage and time to your trip and southern Castille and Leon has a huge amount to see already - you can easily spend 2 weeks exploring this part of Spain and see new places every day. The most famous site in Cuenca is the Casas Colgadas the Hanging Houses. Also, be sure to check out my tips on flying with wine, as youll be wanting to take some back home with you! The walk around the top of the walls was a really nice experience, but other than that, I didnt find a whole lot more that really stands out about the city. 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. Of course, there is always a chance to make them longer than day trips and stay overnight in one of the authentic hotels along the road (I mention some of them in the article) as these places have a high concentration of medieval sights and unique historical monuments that you may want to explore in depth. The town also has some wonderful large squares and impressive Mudejar architecture. Nevertheless, Zaragoza is among the interesting historical and cultural places in Spain. It does seem like a lot, but it is certainly a city worth visiting to really enjoy some of the southern Spanish cultures. Ribera del Duero 12. 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. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This road trip is a perfect mix of culture and relaxation so if you want to blend the two, give it a go. Aranda de Duero a nice little town in the area. Well, stick with me here as it is totally possible to take day trips from Madrid to Seville, in fact, I have a whole post about it complete with a Seville in a day itinerary. If not, you should definitely plan one since this region is full of wonders! This blog post will explore the various destinations you can drive to and will help you plan the ultimate road trip experience from Madrid. Probably the least famous town on this list, Chinchn is home to one of Spains prettiest Plaza Mayors. Pestana Holidays powered by Travel Compositor Sales & Support +351 215551041. Sitting high up in the mountains, you are not allowed to drive into it, so you have to park your car and walk. Another great option is the Huevos al Salmorrejo, these are eggs made with green asparagus, garlic, and parsley. This might not be so much of a Spanish road trip as a gentle breeze along the coast (and there will be a lot of breeze! The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". In the morning you'll pick up your rental car and begin your epic road-trip. 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. The, Full Article 20 Coolest Stops to Make On Barcelona to Valencia DriveContinue, Your email address will not be published. Segovia 3. I have broken it all down in my other post specific to a day trip to Monasterio de Piedra. Info USD Dollar. Its a simple motorway so little chance of getting lost, although the road does get pretty busy at rush hour. The end of the trip gets you to Pedraza back in the Segovia province before taking a short drive back to Madrid's airport. You will see the world's finest architecture in Barcelona, La Mezquita in Cordoba, the Seville Cathedral and Granada's Alhambra fortress but have time to relax in Puerto Banus, lay on the beach in Nerja and roam the narrow streets of Andalucian white villages. Top rated road trips in Madrid Spain 7-Day Spain Road Trip from Madrid to Toledo Starts in Madrid Ends in Madrid Duration 7 days & 6 nights Available All Year 24/7 customer support From 8 USD Spain Cheap 10-Day Spain Road Trip Vacation from Madrid to Zaragoza, Barcelona & Valencia Starts in Madrid Ends in Madrid Duration 10 days & 9 nights Cochinillo Asado a local traditional roasted pig fed on a special diet and cooked in a special oven. You'll drive primarily along one of Europe's major West-East highways, so you can expect a smooth journey. Rascafria Close to a reservoir, Rascafria is a great spot for hikes and natural swimming pools. 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). And jams made from the hustle and bustle of the southern Spanish cultures historic... Is crossing the pedestrianised Roman bridge varieties of tomatoes commonly grown here unique location, Monasterio! It all down in my other highlight is crossing the pedestrianised Roman bridge help you plan the road... A perfect mix for a Spanish road trip is a nice stop on the high-speed train between... 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