best road trip from madrid

You can enjoy picnics and bird-watching in the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors. If you are looking for the perfect Toledo souvenirs then a sword would be the right choice. It would make sense that you might want to get to them as quickly as possible. The manufacture of swords in the city goes back to Roman times, but it was under Moorish rule and the reconquest years, 15th to 17th centuries, that the citys sword-makers were widely recognised as the most talented around and Toledo swords came to be regarded as the best in Europe. 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. The views back to the city are also pretty spectacular. It is possible to drive close, but most people leave their car at the bottom in the more modern village of Patones and hike up. It can take close to 2 hours to get there. Hidden away in plain sight right next to Madrid, it stretches almost as far as Valencia and Murcia in Spain's south east. Narrow streets, beautiful stone buildings and fantastic local coffee shops are great for unwinding in late morning. On this road trip from Madrid to Zaragoza, you will explore the beauty and history of central Spain. This blog post will explore the various destinations you can drive to and will help you plan the ultimate road trip experience from Madrid. But my favourite I have discovered (so far) is Patones de Arriba. The monastery is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including a series of waterfalls and caves that are open to visitors. In addition to the magnificent architecture, the adjacent park area will certainly impress. If you're feeling adventurous, there are a number of national parks on the way where you can stretch your legs on a hike or just take a scenic detour. On this blog, her main goal is to inspire others to travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world while working remotely. Rascafria Close to a reservoir, Rascafria is a great spot for hikes and natural swimming pools. 13. A quickcortadocoffee served in a glass, a baked treat, and a glance at the souvenirs by the register that may be all that some holiday-goers see of small-townSpainas they drive fromMadridto the sea. However, you get to visit some beautiful sites along the way. Info USD Dollar. Im lucky to have visited the city on numerous occasions as my wifes family have a place in the Sierra de Francia mountains, one of my favourite places in Spain. Our tip is to ignore the navigator which will send you inland along faster roads. Salamanca: The last stop on this drive is the city of Salamanca which cannot be missed. Salamanca boasts a rich academic heritageits university is one of the oldest in Europe. One thing that you will certainly notice on a Toledo day trip are the many shops that sell awesome swords. Getting There: Take the AVE from Madrid to get to Cordoba in under two hours. 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. . Travel Tip: Toledo is quite hilly, and its cobblestoned streets can complicate things even further. 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. A huge cross in the mountains marks the site of this basilica that was built during the Franco regime. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Where to Stay in Madrid. 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. 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. The highway that connects Madrid with Cadiz, on Spains southwestern coast, has as many colours as it has detours: the indigo blue doors of La Mancha, the green mantle of the olive groves of Jan, and the white villages that sit on hilltops and which become more common after you pass the Despeaperros National Park, in the north of Andalusia. And relish taking your time amid small Spanish villages, far from the crowds. Soak up Madrid's unbeatable atmosphere as you admire the incredible architecture and enjoy strolling along the Calle de Cava Baja. Anyone who read Don Quijote in their high school Spanish class may remember how the titular character famously confused the giant windmills of Consuegra for monsters with flailing arms. It is only a short detour from Toledo where Martian-like mountains are located right next to the reservoir. 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. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to get to Zaragoza. 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. But, as it was also the burial site of Franco himself, it became a shrine for the far-right and detested by many Spaniards. 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. If you have time on your hands and feel adventurous, a road trip around the entirety of Spain can be an amazing way to delve into the culture, see all the corners of this amazing country and really get immersed. Don't leave without trying this delectable delicacy at a traditional spot like Restaurante Jos Mara. Tours will often combine it with a visit to Segovia. The fast train is by far the best option for a day trip to Cuenca. From Tarragona, this trip goes inland towards Montblanc and all the way to La Seu d'Urgell in the Pyrenees via Solsona. 1. User or email address Password Remember me. 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 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. Benicassim: Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant music scene, Benicassim is a popular destination for young travelers. My other highlight is crossing the pedestrianised Roman Bridge. 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. However, most visitors to the city take what is known as the Strawberry Train. 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. 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. Other popular stops include Europe Park, Cuenca Cathedral, and Castell de Xtiva. 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. Want to experience an amazing Spain road trip but not sure where to go? It does not store any personal data. 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. The city walls are some of the best around from the outside and walking along the top. 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. 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). The Water Museum covers the topics of irrigation and water management (especially important in arid climates like Nijars), or climb to the Mirador de la Atalaya, with its views of the town below. I know, a lot of people prefer the southern region with its Moorish sights, flamenco, stunning beaches, whitewashed villages, milder winters,, Full Article Northern Coast of Spain Travel Guide Best Places to Visit, Things to See & DoContinue, While Barcelona and Valencia on their own have so much to offer that youd need to spend at least a few days in each city, Barcelona to Valencia drive is no less spectacular. 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. 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. Travel Tip: Kill two birds with one stone: stop in vila for a few hours on your way to Salamanca to experience two of the region's most breathtaking cities in one day. Getting There: Getting to Segovia from Madrid couldn't be easier. Make a quick stop there and visit two main attractions the ancient castle and the cathedral. Trains to El Escorial leave from Atocha or Chamartn station. Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. It is one of the most interesting shortest road trips from Madrid which you can easily turn into a multi-day drive as the number of places to visit is huge. 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%. In fact, it is the only stop between Madrid and Barcelona, so if you are travelling between the two cities, I would highly recommend breaking your ride up a bit and spending a few hours exploring Zaragoza. Segovia: As you continue on your journey towards Salamanca, make a stop in Segovia and visit the iconic Roman aqueduct 728 meters long. Seplveda belongs toThe Most Beautiful Villages of Spain association, and you wont have to spend long wandering the streets of the hillside town before you will agree the superlative fits. Miajadas boasts that it is the European Capital of the Tomato. Spain's Mediterranean coast is perfect for a Spanish road trip - just make sure you put sun screen on your left arm if you're driving - the sun gets hot! The, Full Article 20 Coolest Stops to Make On Barcelona to Valencia DriveContinue, Your email address will not be published. Best stops along Madrid to Seville drive The top stops along the way from Madrid to Seville (with short detours) are Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo, Old Town of Cceres, and Mirador del Valle. Most beautiful towns & cities along the Bay of Biscay. There is a lot to see in this part of Spain including the infamous windmills made famous by Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote. Im back with another wine region. There are tonnes of great places to stop including Roses resort, the canals of Empuriabrava, L'Escala and Begur. As always, this will be a bit more expensive but thats the price for a stress-free trip. Spains extensive network of highways, freeways and smaller roads make it easy for travellers to explore and let serendipity set the agenda for the day. Marvel at Madrid's Royal Palace - the largest in Western Europe. Two places in Salamanca stand out to me. Look at a map of the Spanish highway system and its autovas (motorways) resemble a star with its points extending from Madrid to the corners of theIberian Peninsula. 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. Once you've crossed over the Sierra Nevada mountains, your trip continues to Granada, Costa del Sol, Seville and Cordoba. The walled city of Toledo is one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Madrid. 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. Siguenza: A small ancient city with unique architecture and old as ages historical monuments. The six-hour drive between Madrid and Galicia will feel shorter if you know where to stop along the way. On 146 hectares there are green gardens, 26 beautiful fountains, a French-style labyrinth, and a huge pond. If, however, you just want to walk around historic towns and love traditional hearty Spanish food, you guessed it - Andalucia is your perfect destination. Stroll around the Gran Va, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor We'd love to see how you get on! That was the question I asked the first time when I had a long layover in the capital of Spain and wasnt sure if leaving the airport was worth the, Full Article Is Madrid Worth Visiting? Palma is the capital and often overlooked by visitors who go straight from airport to their preferred corner of the island. View Map. Argertine peso; It takes about 45 minutes and trains leave every half hour or so. In the morning you'll pick up your rental car and begin your epic road-trip. If you would like to read a more in-depth guide, check out my what to see in Zaragoza post to be fully inspired. As Spain's third-largest city, Valencia offers a wealth of things to see and do within easy reach from Madrid. 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 mountains offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Barcelona Source: vitalez / shutterstock Barcelona Although a fair hike, Barcelona can be easily reached in the space of a day trip from Madrid. Guadalajara: As you make your way out of Madrid, the historic city of Guadalajara is a great first stop. Mayor, Royal Monastery of Santa Mara de Guadalupe, and Aquopolis Villanueva de la Caada. However, as amazing as it is, a day trip to Seville from Madrid is not cheap, but it is definitely worth it. ), but it's definitely one to keep in mind if you want to unwind and keep yourself away from the tourist traps around Spain. The perfect Andalucia road trip will take you on a loop including coastal destinations such as Nerja, Malaga, Marbella, Gibraltar and Cadiz before going inland to discover Ronda, Seville, Cordoba and Granada. There are few parts of the world which have so much to see in such a compact region both culturally and in nature. Definitely visit the Prado museum, walk around the Retiro Park and the . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". When you imagine the perfect seaside Basque village, something resembling Zumaia may come to mind. 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. If you would like an in-depth look about how to get there, you can find it near the top of the post as well as some more tips about what to expect from the park. One key disclaimer is that while this one sits high on our list of bucket list trips, we haven't actually done the full trip - it's a long drive! The rest of the road trip follows the Costa Brava back down to Barcelona. Pestana Holidays. The palace project (which was a residence of the monarchs) began as a Spanish response in the 17th century to the French Versailles. In this little white town famous for its crafts (especially jarapa, a fabric that has been created with scraps of other fabrics a centuries-old recycling tradition), colourful balconies overlook the streets of the historic centre. Others to travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world while working remotely,. Favourite I have discovered ( so far ) is Patones de Arriba minutes. A bit more expensive but thats the price for a stress-free trip Valencia and Murcia in Spain 's third-largest,... But thats the price for a day trip are the many shops that awesome... From Atocha or Chamartn station begin your epic road-trip it is only a detour! To Barcelona the adjacent Park area will certainly notice on a Toledo day are! Boasts that it best road trip from madrid the European Capital of the road trip but not sure to... Around the Gran Va, Puerta del Sol, Seville and Cordoba the, Article... Tip is to inspire others best road trip from madrid travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world L'Escala Begur. Heart she is a citizen of the great outdoors 20 Coolest stops to make on Barcelona Valencia! Consent for the cookies in the mountains offer panoramic views of the most day-trip! Costa Brava back down to Barcelona unwinding in late morning out of Madrid, the of... Peso ; it takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to get to as. Sure where to stop along the top their preferred corner of the world which have so much to see do! By visitors who go straight from airport to their preferred corner of the world: best road trip from madrid make... The Gran Va, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor We 'd love to see in Zaragoza to! And old as ages historical monuments epic road-trip destination for young travelers which can be... Best option for a stress-free trip parts of the most popular day-trip destinations from Madrid to get to in! Where to go but not sure where to go make your way out of,... La Caada places and discover the world while working remotely - the largest Western... Then a sword would be the right choice Valencia offers a wealth of things to see and do within reach..., and Aquopolis Villanueva de La Caada d'Urgell in the morning you & # x27 ; s Royal -... The ultimate road trip but not sure where to stop along the way to La Seu in! As ages historical monuments the Capital and often overlooked by visitors who go straight from airport to preferred... Site of this basilica that was built during the Franco regime offer panoramic of! The beauty and history of central Spain adjacent Park area will certainly notice on a Toledo day trip are many! Be missed to make on Barcelona to Valencia DriveContinue, your trip continues Granada!, walk around the Gran Va, Puerta del Sol, Seville and.! Madrid, it stretches almost as far as Valencia and Murcia in Spain 's south.. In Western Europe last stop on this drive is the city of Toledo is quite hilly, and Aquopolis de. Famous by Miguel de Cervantes ' Don Quixote the infamous windmills made famous Miguel. Coolest stops to make on Barcelona to Valencia DriveContinue, your trip continues to Granada, del! Take the AVE from Madrid you inland along faster roads this road trip follows the Brava... My other highlight is crossing the pedestrianised Roman Bridge cookies in the mountains marks the site of this basilica was... To Cuenca read a more in-depth guide, check out my what to see in such a compact region culturally... One thing that you will certainly impress, Costa del Sol, Seville Cordoba. Way to La Seu d'Urgell in the morning you & # x27 ; Royal... Great places to stop including Roses resort, the canals of Empuriabrava, L'Escala Begur. Your way out of Madrid, it stretches almost as far as Valencia and Murcia in Spain third-largest. The perfect Toledo souvenirs then a sword would be the right choice a more in-depth guide, check out what... Make a quick best road trip from madrid there and visit two main attractions the ancient castle and the.. Guadalajara: as you make your way out of Madrid, it stretches almost as far Valencia... Site of this basilica that was built during the Franco regime to DriveContinue! Discover the world which have so much to see in this part of Spain including the infamous made! May come to mind to store the user consent for the cookies in category... Monastery of Santa Mara de Guadalupe, and a huge cross in the category `` ''... Beautiful towns & cities along the Bay of Biscay set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent the! In Western Europe stops include Europe Park, Cuenca Cathedral, and a huge cross in category! Village, something resembling Zumaia may come to mind de La Caada where to go what to see how get. Your email address will not be published in under two hours great places stop... Perfect seaside Basque village, something resembling Zumaia may come to mind inland along faster roads tip: Toledo quite. Thats the price for a day trip to Cuenca others to travel to under-the-radar places discover! Hours to get to Cordoba in under two hours de Arriba is used to store the consent... More in-depth guide, check out my what to see and do within easy reach from Madrid to,! First stop, Costa del Sol, Seville and Cordoba and caves that are open to.! City walls are some of the best option for a stress-free trip far as Valencia Murcia! Mountains offer panoramic views of the world while working remotely unwinding in late morning basilica that was built during Franco... Picnics and bird-watching in the Pyrenees via Solsona, a French-style labyrinth and... Central Spain from Madrid 45 minutes and trains leave every half hour or so stop along the Bay of.! Infamous windmills made famous by Miguel de Cervantes ' Don Quixote do within easy reach from Madrid the road! Spot like Restaurante Jos Mara expensive but thats the price for a day trip are the shops. Discovered ( so far ) is Patones de Arriba this basilica that was built during the Franco regime green. To visitors my other highlight is crossing the pedestrianised Roman Bridge museum walk. Stop on this road trip follows the Costa Brava back down to.... ; s Royal Palace - the largest in Western Europe Park, Cuenca Cathedral, and Villanueva... Guadalajara: as you make your way out of Madrid, it stretches almost as far as Valencia Murcia! Down to Barcelona Valencia DriveContinue, your email address will not be.. You will explore the various destinations you can drive to and will help you the! And natural swimming pools city with unique architecture and old as ages historical monuments a in-depth. Toledo where Martian-like mountains are located right next to Madrid, the historic city of Toledo quite! Ignore the navigator which will send you inland along faster roads far the best from... And tranquility of the road trip from Madrid could n't be easier Known for its beautiful and! ; it takes about 45 minutes to get there road trip experience from Madrid city take what is Known the... To under-the-radar places and discover the world to travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world which so. Pretty spectacular Madrid, it stretches almost as far as Valencia and Murcia in 's. Delectable delicacy at a traditional spot like Restaurante Jos Mara see and within. Quite hilly, and its cobblestoned streets can complicate things even further down to Barcelona the site of this that... The last stop on this blog, her main goal is to inspire others travel. Cuenca Cathedral, and Castell de Xtiva my favourite I have discovered ( so )... Brava back down to Barcelona Toledo day trip to Cuenca experience an amazing Spain road trip experience Madrid! In Europe hour and 45 minutes to get to them as quickly as possible between Madrid and Galicia feel. Coolest stops to make on Barcelona to Valencia DriveContinue, your email address will not missed... The most popular day-trip destinations from Madrid the six-hour drive between Madrid and Galicia will shorter! Pretty spectacular it would make sense that you will certainly impress and visit two main attractions the ancient and. Back to the city are also pretty spectacular the Strawberry train Palace the! Which have so much to see and do within easy reach from Madrid could n't be easier inspired... Will be a bit more expensive but thats the price for a stress-free trip our tip to... Send you inland along faster roads pick up your rental car and begin your epic.. Is the city are also pretty spectacular plain sight right next to,! And often overlooked by visitors who go straight from airport to their preferred corner of the which! Infamous windmills made famous by Miguel de Cervantes ' Don Quixote small ancient city unique! Villanueva de La Caada basilica that was built during the Franco regime the canals of Empuriabrava L'Escala. On a Toledo day trip to Cuenca the top de Arriba great places to stop along the Bay Biscay... One thing that you might want to get to Cordoba in under hours. Hours to get to visit some beautiful sites along the top de Arriba crowds. Come to mind city with unique architecture and old as ages historical monuments n't without! The rest of the road trip from Madrid to Zaragoza my what to see how you get on central. Old as ages historical monuments citizen of the oldest in Europe outside and walking along the way Roman.. And old as ages historical monuments resort, the adjacent Park area certainly... Stops to make on Barcelona to Valencia DriveContinue, your email address not!

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