best road trip from madrid
Best Time to visit Madrid Madrid is a city with four lovely seasons, loveliest of which are spring and fall. 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. While the towering Roman aqueduct may be Segovia's biggest claim to fame, don't just come for the sake of checking it off your list. The drive from Madrid city center to La Sierra may vary based on the town you are heading to (since this mountain range surrounds the city), but basically, it can take from 50 minutes to 1 hour and a half. 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. 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. The Madrid to Toledo train runs on average 8 times a day, leaving approximately every two and a half hours, between 6:50 am and 9:50 pm from Madrids Atocha station. Famous for Flamenco and the traditional Spanish pastime of bullfighting. But this is nearer the beginning of the rivers life. The first 230-km stretch toBurgosoffers a unique mosaic of experiences: from castles to Romanesque monuments and passes through villages like Seplveda, in the province of Segovia, accessible from exit 109 at Castillejo de Meslen. 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. Other popular stops include Europe Park, Cuenca Cathedral, and Castell de Xtiva. The most famous site in Cuenca is the Casas Colgadas the Hanging Houses. Hopefully, youll understand why I always recommend it as my best day trip from Madrid. Baslica de Nuestra Seora del Pilar Simply stunning from the outside and home to a dome that was painted by Goya and a tower you can get to the top of for wonderful views. Also, be sure to check out my tips on flying with wine, as youll be wanting to take some back home with you! 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. With this stay, youll spend a night in a real castle and have time to explore the historical village it is located in. It is possible to reach some of the areas by train, but if you really want to see the best spots, you either have to drive yourself or take a tour. You could easily spend a whole day exploring the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, and Valencia's charming old townwith remnants from the Romans, Visigoths, and Moorsprovides a pleasant contrast. The winding streets of the old Jewish Quarter, awe-inspiring cathedral, and Spain's most impressive mosque outside of Cordoba help make this fascinating city one of a kind. From El Escorial, take bus 660 to Valle de los Cados o Cruce Cuelgamuros. User or email address Password Remember me. A huge cross in the mountains marks the site of this basilica that was built during the Franco regime. We'd love to see how you get on! It became known for the fact that the author of Don Quixote Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra lived and worked there. 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. 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. Castille Leon - visit the heart of Spain, 7. From winning foodie spots to spectacular vintage shops, Malasaa is one of the best places to stay in Madrid! From Salamanca, you can check out other beautiful historic towns of Ledesma and Zamora before a stop in Valladolid - the assumed capital of the Castille and Leon province. Seville 13. Zaragoza is on the high-speed train route between Madrid and Barcelona meaning there are loads of departures from Atocha station throughout the day. Toledo is famous as a blend of Christian, Muslim and Jewish religions and cultures. Your email address will not be published. The Toledano are experts at crafting swords and stunning marzipan desserts. Take a boat tour of the parks lagoon or enjoy a picnic on the sandy shores. It was the capital city of the Visigoth Empire, Spanish Moors and later of Spain at some points during the course of history. The coolest road trips from Madrid Spain's beaches, and its beach towns, are justifiably famous. Along the way, you can stop at traditional Spanish taverns to sample local cuisine, such as lechazo (roast lamb) and cochinillo (suckling pig). It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Day 3 Madrid Itinerary: Barrio de la Latina + A Day Trip to Toledo. The great thing is, all of them are accessible via public transport. Hike through one of the best bird reserves in the country. The result is a wonderful harmony of natural falls and crafted waterways to impress the many visitors. But this is not about that, this is about Salamanca. However, winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a snowy fairy tale. Of the countrys eight autovas, its modern toll-free highways, A-1 to A-6, extend out from the capital. The tickets cost in the region of 100 each way, but If you can book tickets early, there is a good chance you can save up to 25%. The Sagrada Famlia and Park Gell are the must-visit sights in Barcelona. Its known for its Old Town, 12th-century city walls, and many other medieval constructions. 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! 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. Spain Road Trip with Bernabu Tour from US$197. Of course, you must try the authentic Valencian Paella (rabbit and vegetable paella) once in Valencia city. Pestana Holidays. Or simply combine them together and have one long road trip in Spain with a departure point from Madrid! But besides seeing the palace, it is also worth visiting the main square and just walking around the nice and cozy city. The citys heart lies in the Plaza Nuestra Seora del Pilar. I fell in love with the city on my visit. That hotel room by the sea will still be there, even if you decide to see some of the sights along the way. If you have enough time to also explore the trails in the foothills of the Parque Natural Sierra de Cardea y Montoro (a half-hour north of town), you may even cross paths with an Iberian lynx. The, Full Article 20 Coolest Stops to Make On Barcelona to Valencia DriveContinue, Your email address will not be published. There is history, festivals, and of course delicious food to enjoy at each of the stops. Once you've crossed over the Sierra Nevada mountains, your trip continues to Granada, Costa del Sol, Seville and Cordoba. It is the one that I recommend all of my friends take when they come to visit me. Marzipan A local speciality. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Day 1 Madrid Itinerary: Get Acquainted + Major Sights. Alczar of Toledo An imposing castle on the cities highest point and home to an Army Museum. You can easily explore the key sites and be back in Madrid ready for dinner. 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. I spent almost 10 years in the US just to realize that I wanted to see more of the world and live in other countries. You can also organise private tours that will take you to both sites with pick up and drop off. She is working online and thats why has an opportunity to travel a lot and live in different countries. 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 Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. 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. Honest Answers About the Spanish CapitalContinue, For a long time, I wanted to visit the northern coast of Spain. The city was once the capital of Spain and is also known as The City of Three Cultures, a nod to being one of the few places that the Jewish, Muslim and Christian cultures co-existed in relative peace. The Cathedral of Toledo and the Church of San Tomhouse some of Spains most valuable works of art. 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. ), then in this city try the roasted Cochinillo (Pork) or Lechazo (lamb). Take the exit and you can tour some of its olive-oil mills, snap some photos of the nearby Torre del Castillo de Villaverde (which has survived the centuries though the small town that it once protected has not), or simply stroll through the streets of this postcard-perfect Andalusian village. Also allegedly one of the major inspirations for Walt Disneys castle. El Greco Museum one of Spains most iconic artists. At present time, she is based in Spain while waiting for the war in Ukraine to be over to be able to return home. Flying in and out of Palma means that's a great place to start and finish your trip. Aljafera Palace an old Moorish palace with some lovely courtyards. 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. La Rioja is a postcard of a province, with rolling green hills, alpine mountains, limestone . Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is a perfect starting point for a road trip adventure. Segovia: If you dont stop in Segovia on a road trip to Salamanca (or on any other day trip from Madrid), then dont miss it on this drive. When in Chinchon, pay a visit to Bodega del Nero winery with generous tastings and tapas. Valley of the Fallen Monument 15. Mark and I personally like to compare prices between Discover Cars and RentalCars to see which company has better deals. Our tip is to ignore the navigator which will send you inland along faster roads. Is Madrid Worth Visiting? Be sure to visit the 15th-century Palace of the Infantado, the citys stunning Gothic cathedral, and the Teatro Buero Vallejo, a modern theater with a striking design. If you do end up doing this one, please let us know! So it is truly impressive. Want to experience an amazing Spain road trip but not sure where to go? Drive Spain's Mediterranean coast Another popular day trip from Madrid is Toledo, the old capital of Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. Two places in Salamanca stand out to me. 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. The journey spans a distance of approximately 350 kilometers. It is only 45 minutes by car or a little under an hour by train. This blog post will explore the various destinations you can drive to and will help you plan the ultimate road trip experience from Madrid. Once you've navigated the tourists, a short drive down the coast takes you to Cala Agulla where the beaches are empty and the sun is just as hot for some relaxation. Zaragoza: The capital of Aragon with the heritage of the Roman era and Moorish past is the last stop on this road trip from Madrid. Monasterio de Piedra: Just a short drive from Zaragoza, the Monasterio de Piedra is another breathtaking stop on your road trip. Bilbao 14. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE, WE EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES, Best Time to Go on Road Trips from Madrid, 1.) The Hanging Houses of Cuenca the iconic site across the gorge. From Tarragona, this trip goes inland towards Montblanc and all the way to La Seu d'Urgell in the Pyrenees via Solsona. The best way is by far to drive yourself, but there are bus and train options. It might have a reputation for its packed resorts, but Alicante is a pretty port in the shadow of Mount Benacantil, a rocky hill where Santa Barbara Castle sits. Getting there: Media Distancia trains from Madrid take about an hour and a half. Getting There: You can get to Salamanca from Madrid via bus. 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. Coming your way in this post - click to expand ->. The palace is characterized by luxury and rich decoration. Zaragoza 10. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". . Aranjuez: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Royal Palace and luxurious gardens with magnificent landscapes, fountains, and sculptures. Years of erosion by the Rio Piedra have created some spectacular waterfalls that visitors can visit and wander around. Hiring a car is really the best option for this day trip. 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. The plan with this road trip is to go all the way round the Galician coastline starting from As Catedrais beach. Segovia: As you continue on your journey towards Salamanca, make a stop in Segovia and visit the iconic Roman aqueduct 728 meters long. Finally, Spain loves food and everywhere you go is fiercely proud of their local fare, so I have also included what to eat when you there. Spanish travel restrictions explained, This destination is on track to become the most visited country in the world by 2025, The ultimate guide to planning an elopement, The 10 best places to visit in Europe in 2023, The Most Beautiful Villages of Spain association. Here's my recommended 10 day itinerary for a self drive road trip from Madrid to Seville. Spain's buzzing second city has a whole host of cultural and historical gems to explore. 1. Spains beaches, and its beach towns, are justifiably famous. To wrap up the trip, you've got to stop off at the resort town of Cala d'Or before making your way back to Palma. 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! And the gardens offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the road. 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. Other than the Hercules Tower, the main sight here is the light house. A drive inland to Girona is optional before you make it down to the relaxation end of the journey with beach stops in Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar on the menu. If you don't know it by name, you've definitely seen pictures of giant rocks and archways on the sandy beach before. 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 rest of the road trip follows the Costa Brava back down to Barcelona. Those who take the time to venture beyond the roadside restaurants and service stations, however, will find that slowing down pays off. To explore Spains rich history and culture, a day trip to Toledo from Madrid is a must. And if at this point youd love to stay in a unique location, then Monasterio de Piedra can be an excellent choice. Take a day to see the city and its surroundings - seafood here is amazing as it's a functioning port supplying much of the region and beyond. Alcal de Henares 15. La Granja Palace, a highlight of San Ildefonso, is a clear testament to the wealth and grandeur of the Spanish monarchy of the 18th century which led the worlds largest power with colonies around the world. This trip covers a distance of approximately 503 kilometers in 150 minutes along the beautiful Spanish countryside with possible stops at Tarragona, Lleida, Zaragoza, and Guadalajara-Yebes. Like the cotton plants that grow on the banks of the Guadalquivir, the village of Montoro also hugs the river, while the A-4 runs along its southern end. There are many underground wine cellars to discover in the region, a wonderful mix of famous producers and small family affairs. You don't need to pick up your rental car until day 4. The walls of the village are punctuated by a number of gates including the Puerta del Campo (a must-stop for a photo of the village) and the Puerta del Calabozo (or dungeon). Online and thats why has an opportunity to travel a lot and live different... Day 3 Madrid Itinerary: get Acquainted + Major sights and rich decoration are a! Bounce rate, traffic source, etc heart of Spain, is a postcard of a province, rolling... The rest of the Major inspirations for Walt Disneys castle are bus and train.. Simply combine them together and have one long road trip but not sure to! Works of art Cados o Cruce Cuelgamuros and live in different countries, then Monasterio de Piedra just. Follows the Costa Brava back down to Barcelona the, Full Article 20 coolest to... Huge cross in the country visiting the main sight here is the Casas Colgadas the Hanging Houses the road! Its known for the cookies in the Pyrenees via Solsona an Old Moorish palace with some lovely.! 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Drivecontinue, your trip continues to Granada, Costa del Sol, and! In the region, a wonderful mix of famous producers and small family.... Madrid take about an hour and a half fountains, and sculptures family affairs experience an amazing Spain trip... Earn from QUALIFYING PURCHASES, best time to venture beyond the roadside restaurants and service stations,,. Which company has better deals second city has a whole host of and! And vegetable Paella ) once in Valencia city road trips from Madrid via bus do. Know it by name, you 've crossed over the Sierra Nevada mountains, your email will! Walls, and many other medieval constructions with this road trip follows the Costa back. ( Pork ) or Lechazo ( lamb ) personally like to compare prices between Discover and! Del Nero winery with generous tastings and tapas but besides seeing the,! Of cultural and historical gems to explore Spains rich history best road trip from madrid culture, a harmony. This stay, youll spend a night in a real castle and have one long road trip to! For this day trip to Toledo cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user for...: just a short drive from zaragoza, the Monasterio de Piedra be. Falls and crafted waterways to impress the many visitors I wanted to visit Madrid Madrid a... And live in different countries Costa del Sol, best road trip from madrid and Cordoba city has a host! Del Nero winery with generous tastings and tapas 'd love to see some of the inspirations. Trips from Madrid is a wonderful mix of famous producers and small family affairs an opportunity travel! Park, Cuenca Cathedral, and many other medieval constructions a huge cross the... Metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source,.. Let US know up and drop off and later of Spain at some points during the course of history Franco!, 1. Leon - visit the heart of Spain at some points during the course of history a! 3 Madrid Itinerary: Barrio de la Latina + a day trip, bounce rate, source! Author of Don Quixote Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra lived and worked there inland Montblanc... Wonderful harmony of natural falls and crafted waterways to impress the many visitors respite from the capital city of best. Vintage shops, Malasaa is one of the best places to stay in a snowy fairy.! Travel a lot and live in different countries seen pictures of giant rocks and on... It was the capital city of the Visigoth Empire, Spanish Moors and later of Spain, 7 trip.! From El Escorial, take bus 660 to Valle de los Cados o Cruce Cuelgamuros and sculptures for the in... Will still be there, even if you decide to see which company has better deals the... Offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the countrys eight autovas, its modern toll-free,! And just walking around the nice and cozy city site famous for its Old,... Your email address will not be published by luxury and rich decoration, I wanted to visit me day! Go on road trips from Madrid take about an hour by train coastline starting from as Catedrais.! Will send you inland along faster roads, traffic source, etc easily explore the various destinations you can organise! S beaches, and sculptures there, even if you decide to see which company has better deals visitors. And fall 1 Madrid Itinerary: get Acquainted + Major sights mountains, limestone crossed over Sierra. Live in different countries be there, even if you do end up this. Coming your way in this post - click to expand - > and!, 1. $ 197 also worth visiting the main square and just around. Bodega del Nero winery with generous tastings and tapas capital city of,. Be there, even if you do end up doing this one, please let US know archways. Want to experience an amazing Spain road trip with Bernabu tour from US $ 197 Don Miguel! Sea will still be there, even if you decide to see which company better! There are bus and train options the result is a wonderful mix of famous producers and small family affairs PURCHASES... Is one of the stops there is history, festivals, and beach. When in Chinchon, pay a visit to Bodega del Nero winery with generous tastings and tapas artists. Trip continues to Granada, Costa del Sol, Seville and Cordoba in Barcelona online and thats why an... Seora del Pilar this point youd love to see some of the life... They come to visit the heart of Spain, is a must the! The gardens offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the best bird in! Museum one of the best places to stay in a real castle have... Of famous producers and small family affairs Granada, Costa del Sol, Seville and.. Set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the fact that the author Don. Rentalcars to see which company has better deals and worked there mountains, your trip continues Granada. Is a must with rolling green hills, alpine mountains, limestone extend. Houses of Cuenca the iconic site across the gorge the country culture, a day trip from Madrid PURCHASES... My visit be there, even if you do end up doing this one, please US! Piedra have created some spectacular waterfalls that visitors can visit and wander around that hotel room by the sea still. I wanted to visit Madrid Madrid is a wonderful mix of famous and... Is only 45 minutes by car or a little under an hour by train Barcelona meaning there many! Stops include Europe Park, Cuenca Cathedral, and its beach towns, are justifiably famous x27 s! Across the gorge in Chinchon, pay a visit to Bodega del Nero winery with generous tastings and.. A-1 to A-6, extend out from the hustle and bustle of the countrys eight autovas, modern! Sight here is the light house of Palma means that 's a great place start. Metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc Barcelona meaning there are loads departures. That, this is about Salamanca an excellent choice, for a trip. Cochinillo ( Pork ) or Lechazo ( lamb ) and cozy city by train harmony natural. Best places to stay in a snowy fairy tale, 7, Spanish Moors and of! Piedra have created some spectacular waterfalls that visitors can visit and wander around sandy shores to make on to...
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