Day trips from Madrid to make your trip unforgettable
The people, culture, mouthwatering foods, history, and art that infuse the design and structure of the buildings make Madrid an amazing city to visit. However, for those who want to steep themselves in Spanish beauty and cultural diversity, it would be pertinent to explore beyond Madrid on some of the easiest and most productive day trips. These outings enable you to witness some incredible historical features, taste wonderful meals and excellent wines, and to get a chance to feel the spirit of the country and charm of its geography. Here are some of the most inspiring and memorable day tours from Madrid that are worth exploring.
Toledo
Toledo is just an hour south of Madrid and offers a medieval atmosphere along with countless art treasures. A maze of alleyways meant for carriages takes you back in time as you traverse through super rich architecture such as churches and cathedrals, synagogues and walls that are more than 2000 years old. Among other attractions are the Gothic cathedral with a high tower construction from the 13th century and the rich Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes. However, the primary focus of the city is the Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada church that houses El Greco most revered artwork including the burial of the Count of Orgaz painting. Aside from the magnificent views, Toledo wins the heart for its gourmet treat with numerous shops offering delicious marzipan sweet from Toledo in various forms and in various flavors. Boasting a Roman origin, Jewish quarters in the Middle Ages and a Moors invasion in the later part of the middle ages, a condensed medieval city break in Toledo is a perfect day trip from Madrid.
Segovia
To try a combination of the royal flavor and the exquisite food, beauty of the nature and the proximity to the Spanish capital, one should head an hour northwest to Segovia. It’s definitely an enchanted town due to the beautiful sites such as the Roman Aqueduct that runs through the middle of the town and the striking Alcázar castle sitting atop of a rock surrounded by the greenery of forest. Just as Instagram-friendly is the Segovia Cathedral, a medieval cathedral with extravagant Gothic spires rising from a large central square that offers a colorful array of open-air dining options. In addition to architecture, Segovia was able to woo the visitor with a homegrown treat and trademark dish: the juicy and tender roasted baby pork known as lechón. Make sure to have one before heading to the Section of the Aqueduct for amazing look at the city from the bird’s eye, visit the park near the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso or take a tour of the city and enjoy its sights. It takes hardly any effort to imagine that Segovia is a perfect day trip destination from Madrid and so it is.
Aranjuez
When looking for royal regal luxury, exotic flower gardens, and succulent strawberries within a mere 45-minute drive from Madrid, Aranjuez is the destination of choice. What seems to be most appealing about Aranjuez is the royal palace and as a World Heritage site offers historic elegance and the atmosphere of royalty. Stroll through the extensive and ornate gardens of the well-established woods which environ the magnificent Palacio Real with a host of sumptuous fountains and captivating sculptures scattered across the entire compound. In the palace the interiors are Rococo ones with porcelain and extravagant textiles inside which represents the royal couple and their style of life. For the dessert and to quell their sweet tooth, the Strawberry Train (Tren de la Fresa) is recommended where tourists get to travel in a steam engine train through a field of flowery strawberry plants before sampling strawberries with cream. Other than being a paradise for tourists who wish to get a break from the noisy and busy Madrid, Aranjuez provides a fascinating royal history and sweet berry treats best for a royal day trip.
El Escorial
To witness art, history, majestic architecture and natural beauty all in one day and all only forty five minutes outside of Madrid, a trip to the town of El Escorial and its famous monastery is the perfect getaway. Originally a royal palace and a monastery, this granite fortress, standing six stories high, is an embodiment of majesty and superciliousness, located in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range. Here, within the great walls of this incredible property, there are many masterpieces of art, such as paintings by such renowned painters as Titian, El Greco, Velázquez, etc. In addition to the giant palace and artwork, a significant attraction within the complex is the monastic Pantheon of Kings, which a crypt containing the remains of most Spanish monarchs after Charles V As a break from cultural marination, visitors can take up a hike in the surrounding woods, which are refreshing and provide scenic views. To whichever category one belongs – the lover of history, art, or nature, El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is always an entertaining day trip from Madrid.
Avila
Leave the concrete jungle that is Madrid to see this walled city that is just 90 minutes northwest of the capital blending expansive nature with medieval architecture. The crown of all attractions belongs to the nearly completely preserved city defensive wall which was built in the 11th century and comprises nine gates, 88 towers and 1,5 km of the sightseeing trail of rugged perimeter as well as the examples of the medieval military architecture. Beyond these walls, over a thousand years of architectural history is displayed with nothing less than a splendid cathedral, picturesque old churches, Renaissance palaces, and much much more for the travelers to wander around with joy. End your step back in the centuries-old Avila by visiting the Cuatro Postes (Four Posts) which is a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the walled city and the sprawling greenery of the pine forest. The natural quiet of Avila on the outskirts lend it a completely different history from the inside making it an always good trip in day trips for tourists.
Segovia
If you are a fan of medieval castle-styled architecture, green fields, or if you have a Disney influence in your blood, then you Segovia is the place to be, just 90 minutes from Madrid. Cinderella springs to life in the Alcázar which is originally thought to have inspired Disney’s Cinderella castle, standing majestically on a hillside like a ship on the high seas. Below is the beautiful old town of Segovia that is rich in love looking like it was built for lovers with Romanesque and Gothic church buildings and tiny cobblestone roads that link them. What makes Segovia one of the more stunning sights in the city is a remarkably well-preserved 2,000-year Roman aqueduct running through the middle of the city in both ancient and modern architecture. Aside from man-made structures, the sceneries around Segovia are a natural paradise; for instance, you will be able to see 64 snowclad mountains at La Granja or the unique erosive rocks of the Hoz de Rio Duraton Natural Park. From politics to culture, from history to art, from social life to gastronomy, Segovia offers the magic, the mystery, the scenic beauty that is not far more than an hour and a half away from Madrid.
Salamanca
Salamanca – This is a historic city that can be accessed in about two hours’ drive from Madrid and is famous for its art and food. The sight of golden Medieval and Renaissance architecture is breathtaking while the older churches and the University of Salamanca – the first one in Spain, give the Old Town a real character. In addition to stunning architecture, Salamanca encourages the visitors with their stomachs to satisfy ‘tapas hopping’ from one bar to another and taste such delights as juicy grilled sardines or spicy churros with a thick, dark hot chocolate sauce. Take a walk in the Roman Bridge to try another pace in life, and enjoy unbeaten views of grand lit-up structures before ending the night at the flamenco show. To write this article, I visited Salamanca with several friends, and without a doubt, all the aspects of culture, style, flavors, and natural beauty that the city offers make it the perfect day trip from Madrid.
So I wish you to have an amazing and fulfilling experience exploring other cities during your trip to Madrid through some of these day trips. In offering incredible sights, delicious food and wine, and a rich, immersive culture with history just a few miles away, you will find that these Spanish excursions will leave you with a plethora of memorable and priceless experiences. Feel free to read more about stunning sites that are located near Madrid and reveal the spirit of Spain at its best!