Great Day Trips From Madrid
As rich and wonderful as Madrid is, the surrounding cities also have so much to offer for visitors and locals alike. A day trip provides a great opportunity to step away from the hustle of a big city, see more of the natural landscapes and environment in Spain, and experience things you wouldn’t otherwise. Make the most of a trip to Spain with these day trips from Madrid:
Segovia & Avila
Segovia is a World Heritage City just outside of Madrid, and boasts the incredible Alcazar of Segovia, a Roman aqueduct, medieval walls, and a stunning cathedral, said to be the last Gothic cathedral built in Europe. It also has multiple churches, chapels, monasteries, an ancient synagogue that was converted into a convent, and multiple parks, public gardens and artworks, and museums. Nearby Avila has the highest number of Gothic and Romanesque churches per capita in Spain, surrounded by medieval town walls, and is a spectacular example of 16th century Spain. These two cities offer an abundance of history into the military and religious history of Spain, combined with a relaxed, small town atmosphere, local foods and festivals, and beautiful surrounding landscapes.
Toledo
Toledo is another World Heritage Site due to its historic preservation and importance. It was the primary venue of the court of Charles V, the Holy Roman Empire, as well as being the seat of the Visigoths who ruled Hispania. It is known as the “City of Three Cultures” due to the historic influence and importance of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism in the architecture and culture of the city. Toledo was the capital and most important city in Spain until the 1500s, when the monarchy moved the Spanish court to Madrid. Ironically, it was precisely this decline in importance that helped to preserve the ancient and historic architecture and monuments in the city, and have made it so significant today. Still famous for steel and sword-making, the castles, cathedrals, and churches offer incredible experiences to visitors. Notably the famous Alcazar fortress, the Santa Maria la Blanca, and the El Greco museum encapsulate key moments and aspects of Spanish history and culture.
El Escorial & Valle de los Caídos
The town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is home to two incredible monuments to the history of Spain. The Monasterio y Sitio de El Escorial en Madrid is an extraordinary site where the royalty of Spain and the Roman Catholic traditions were united. The grounds were at once a royal palace and a Catholic monastery. The building, known simply as El Escorial, has served as a monastery, basilica, palace, pantheon, library, museum, school, university, and even a hospital. It is the most important monument to the Spanish Renaissance, and attracts visitors from around the world. Nearby, the Valley of the Fallen holds a basilica and monument to those who died in the Spanish Civil War. The basilica is one of the world’s largest, and the cross that overlooks the valley is the tallest memorial cross in the world. Created by Francisco Franco, he is himself buried inside the basilica, and is the only person interred at the site who did not die in the Civil War. El Escorial and the Valle de los Caídos (which translates to Valley of the Fallen) offer deep insights into key transition moments in the history of Spain, with consequences and complexities that are still felt today.
Cuenca
The city of Cuenca sits at the junction of two rivers, at a site that was recognized by the Moors as strategically advantageous, where they built a fortress and founded a city. It is renowned for its famous cathedral, as well as for numerous other churches and religious sites. The striking St Paul bridge, Rococo convent of St Paul, and enigmatic Mangana Tower are just some of the fascinating sights in this little ancient town, which is also known for a distinctive cuisine that combines influences and flavors for a distinctive local gastronomy.
New Castle of Manzanares el Real
Also known as the Castle of Los Mendoza, the New Castle of Manzanares el Real is just outside of Madrid, and is an impressive fortress, with walls that dominate the landscape. Built in 1475, it was designed as a defensive fortress, but quickly converted into a residential royal palace, so the intimidating exterior protects delicate columns, tiled courtyards, and cool gardens. It is the best-preserved castle in the region of Madrid, and offers visitors incredible views and tours rich with detail. Tours not only include costumed guides, but actors perform reenactments and dramatize life in the castle. It also hosts activities and exhibitions exploring culture, music, monarchy, and the technology of the day.
Ribera del Duero
Although most people would likely prefer to make that at least an overnight visit, it is certainly possible to experience a Ribera del Duero winery or two on a day trip from Madrid if you are hard-pressed on time. We recommend hiring the services of a private driver so you enjoy your time here to the max! This is the DO with the most exclusive wine labels in Spain so why not explore it in style?
If you are on a day trip, then we recommend limiting yourself to just one tiny section of the region such as Pesquera de Duero or Valbuena de Duero. After your wine tastings, enjoy lunch at a typical “asador” restaurant to taste the regional roast meats that go so well with the local reds.
Spain is so unique and complex a country, and each of these places and destinations sheds light on different aspects of the local history and culture, in settings that are alternately impressive, pastoral, ancient, or charming… often all of them at once. Make time in your trip to Madrid to leave the city and see more of what this incredible country is about.
