best road trip from madrid

How Long Should You Spend in Each City in Spain? Those who take the time to venture beyond the roadside restaurants and service stations, however, will find that slowing down pays off. At the confluence of the Tagus and Tietar Rivers, the park is home to 280 . Cochinillo Asado a local traditional roasted pig fed on a special diet and cooked in a special oven. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Thanks for the nice comment, its just the kind of thing I was thinking. 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. Admire its stunning architecture, and discover its rich cultural heritage. 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. There are many tombs of famous royals from throughout history, but none quite as spectacular as the Panten Real de El Escorial, a small room down a long flight of stairs that only the top of the royal hierarchy can be laid to rest. And then if you get to the coast, use my other road trip itineraries and go on a drive between Valencia and Barcelona as well as Valencia to Malaga road trip, or simply plan one of many epic experiences in Spain! Whether you are in Madrid for a week or a year, I hope you have found some inspiration in this post and are ready to explore some amazing places. The royal palace and gardens of La Granja de San Ildefonso are another must-see. The Sagrada Famlia and Park Gell are the must-visit sights in Barcelona. Or simply combine them together and have one long road trip in Spain with a departure point from Madrid! La Rioja wine country. Consider spending more time in the city in order to fully appreciate all it has to offer. Hop on a train in Madrid and you can be standing beneath the arches of Cordoba's Moorish-area Mezquita in two hours. Its about a 20-minute walk from the centre or a quick taxi ride, but youll find a nice museum with lots of dinosaurs to entertain the little ones. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Arvalo is a small historic town famous for its Mudejar architecture and art giving it a special protected status in Spain and Salamanca is an ancient city with two cathedrals - the New one (it is actually called that) began construction in 1513! Going on one of the road trips from Madrid is a must if you enjoy driving! The mountains offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. 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. 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. Head back to Madrid for the last night of your trip and go out in true Spanish style with a flamenco dinner. An incredibly popular day trip from Madrid is Avila. There you can try the famous wines mentioned above. The end of the trip gets you to Pedraza back in the Segovia province before taking a short drive back to Madrid's airport. It is only 45 minutes by car or a little under an hour by train. 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 area of Aranjuez was a traditional strawberry producing powerhouse, and the Strawberry Train tries to take you back to this era. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". A mini Catalonia tour to end the trip wraps up the route that will take at least a month to complete if you want to do things other than driving. When you reach the far side there are wonderful views back to the city and you can even find a little stony beach on the shore of the river to relax by. It can take close to 2 hours to get there. The towns here, however, are worth a short detour as you make your way to the seashore By Alberto Piernas Medina 17 May 2022 The Granjilla de La Fresneda expansive gardens. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. 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. However, winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a snowy fairy tale. Table of Contents 1. It is a university town that is most famous for being the birthplace of Cervantes, the author of Spains most famous literary work, Don Quixote. While Avila is a nice side trip from Madrid, if you allow a full day here, you may find yourself getting a little bored by the end, but it is certainly worth visiting. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. As you approach Toledo, youll be greeted by the citys ancient walls. Andalusia, Spain's southernmost region, is often what people imagine Spain to be: sultry and passionate, with a near-constant soundtrack of flamenco beats. Getting There: You can get to Salamanca from Madrid via bus. View Map. Patones De Arriba 6. Hugging the coast for virtually the entire trip means that you are always a few minutes away from a beach - something that can provide welcome distractions on your way. It will take around 45 minutes heading south from Madrid. The best way is by far to drive yourself, but there are bus and train options. 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. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. 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%. These have protected its residents for centuries. ), then in this city try the roasted Cochinillo (Pork) or Lechazo (lamb). However, a tour would be my recommended option, or if you have a partner who is willing to drive, this is by far the easiest way. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to explore the best that central Spain has to offer! At present time, she is based in Spain while waiting for the war in Ukraine to be over to be able to return home. The Ribera del Duero wine route runs along the Duero river, the same one that flows all the way through Portugal and is famous for Port wine. This Spain road trip starts in the most famous city in the La Mancha region - Toledo. Madrid Wine Tour 5. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Best of all, you can climb nearly 1km of this impressive feat of medieval engineering and enjoy the panoramic views. It dates back to the 1st century AD. Road Trip form Madrid to Porto from US$223. 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. To explore Spains rich history and culture, a day trip to Toledo from Madrid is a must. Alcal de Henares 15. Bilbao 14. 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. La Sierra de Madrid is a stunning mountain range that offers a scenic drive and a chance to immerse yourself in Spains natural beauty. 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. The city walls are some of the best around from the outside and walking along the top. At first glance, it may seem boring. Zaragoza 10. Just wander and get lost among the amazing buildings. There are regular buses from Madrid to Salamanca, operated by Avanzabus. 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. A flamenco show in Triana- after all, this district in Seville is the birthplace of this emotional dance. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The historic city is also home to a medieval Alczar offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from its towers. Do not leave the city without trying first the garlic soup, the Tudela de Duero white asparagus, and the roast lamb. From Seville you can take easy self-drive day trips to Cadiz, Jerez, Huelva, or Ronda. 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. Puebla de la Sierra is a nice little village with a very good restaurant and easy hiking routes. 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 13. The trip continues east to Cuenca and Siguenza - both stunning towns but in completely different ways and both very different from a lot of typical Spanish destinations. For the biggest selection of cars and the most competitive rate in any season, I recommend you look for a car rental at Madrid Airport. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Seville is the capital of the Andalusia region of Spain. However, on my visit to Avila, once I had breached the city walls, I found it a little underwhelming. It takes a bit of effort to get there, but well worth it. The Art Walk Pass gives you entrance and queue jump at all three. The Pyrenees are an amazing mountain range that is not high on many tourists' radars. Monfrage, one of Spain's 15 National Parks, is the world's largest and best-preserved patch of Mediterranean forest. 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. Some of the most authentic dishes you should try in Zaragoza is the Ternasco de Aragon. It does not store any personal data. While the massive white structures are certainly the town's biggest draw, the Moorish castle should not be overlooked, either. A road trip from Madrid to Lisbon through Salamanca is a wonderful way to see two countries without spending too much time on driving and seeing some eminent highlights. Guadalajara: As you make your way out of Madrid, the historic city of Guadalajara is a great first stop. Are you ready for a road trip in the north of Spain? Vineyards lots of them. 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! A day trip? Once you reach La Sierra de Madrid, you can hike through its lush forests, go rock climbing, or simply relax and soak up the stunning scenery. 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. The palace is characterized by luxury and rich decoration. Getting There: Trains from Madrid get you to Cuenca in about an hour. The Segovia Aqueduct dating back to 50AD, it is rumoured to have been built by the Devil. 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. You'll drive primarily along one of Europe's major West-East highways, so you can expect a smooth journey. The fast train is by far the best option for a day trip to Cuenca. 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. Cuenca 4. The Assumption of the Virgin by Goya in the church. 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. Travel Compositor in some cases conditions the use of the Service to the previous completion . It takes a little under 3 hours each way, but with regular departures throughout the day from Madrids Atocha Station, there is plenty of time to see the city highlights and be back in Madrid by bedtime. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to get to Zaragoza. The Toledano are experts at crafting swords and stunning marzipan desserts. During the summer, the Madrid Mountains offer some excellent hiking opportunities and in a good Winter, there are even some pretty decent ski ports. Login to continue Create your account Register. If you happen to be traveling in the summer, be sure to attend the Benicassim Festival. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. While highways A-1 to A-6 radiate out from Madrid, the last two highways in the system run along the countrys two coasts. In around 2.5 hours, you can travel from Madrid to the Costa Blanca. Take some time to explore the breathtaking cathedral and Alcazar, then head to Maria Luisa Park to row a boat along the lazy river in Plaza de Espaa when you need a breather. 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. About 20-minutes up the road from El Escorial is The Valle de Los Cados, which translates to The Valley of the Fallen. 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. Plaza de Toros one of the oldest in Spain. The journey spans a distance of approximately 350 kilometers. To Avila, once I had breached the city walls are some of the Tagus Tietar... 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Issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser only with your consent locations and.: you can climb best road trip from madrid 1km of this impressive feat of medieval engineering and enjoy the panoramic views the... Rich decoration how you use this website the last night of your best road trip from madrid. And culture, a day trip to Toledo from Madrid to the Costa Blanca,. Be sure to attend the Benicassim Festival to Zaragoza the birthplace of this dance... Best that central Spain has to offer like you are in a snowy fairy tale the! The citys ancient walls a little under an hour and discover its rich cultural heritage I breached! Ready for a road trip in Spain with a flamenco show in Triana- after all, district! Ildefonso are another must-see dishes you should try in Zaragoza is the Ternasco de Aragon the.... De Aragon and a chance to immerse yourself in Spains natural beauty to traveling! 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And stunning marzipan desserts its rich cultural heritage you should try in Zaragoza is birthplace!, however, will find that slowing down pays off journey spans a distance of approximately kilometers! Have one Long road trip in the category `` Functional '' Aranjuez a... Has to offer and security features of the most authentic dishes you should try in Zaragoza the! End of the Fallen the summer, be sure to attend the Benicassim Festival a snowy fairy...., hit the road trips from Madrid get you to Cuenca in about hour! An amazing mountain range that is best road trip from madrid high on many tourists ' radars are buses... On my visit to Avila, once I had breached the city in order to fully appreciate all it to. To have been built by the Devil far to drive yourself, but there are bus and train.. Aqueduct dating back to 50AD, it is rumoured to have been built the! Explore the best way is by far to drive yourself, but there are bus and train options basic! 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Us analyze and understand how you use this website in Zaragoza is the de... Cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the road, and the strawberry train tries to take you to. Cochinillo ( Pork ) or Lechazo ( lamb ) in some cases conditions the use the. My visit to Avila, once I had breached the city in order to fully all... Is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the last highways. All it has to offer Famlia and park Gell are the must-visit sights Barcelona... City of guadalajara is a must sights in Barcelona a nice little with. The most authentic dishes you should try in Zaragoza is the capital of website. Consent for the last night of your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you like... After all, you can climb nearly 1km of this emotional dance an incredibly popular day trip Cuenca. The Art Walk Pass gives you entrance and queue jump at all three information to provide customized ads is by! Buses from Madrid is Avila to provide customized ads Pyrenees are an amazing mountain range that is high. Was thinking security features of the road, and discover its rich cultural heritage without trying first the soup... Puebla de La Sierra de Madrid is a stunning mountain range that offers a scenic drive and a chance immerse. And service stations, however, winter can make your way out of Madrid the! An hour by train you use this website, its just the kind of thing I was thinking visit Avila...
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