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. But this is not about that, this is about Salamanca. Madrid Wine Tour 5. Check out the tower of the Clerecia for some more great views. The wooden balconies are synonymous with the city and certainly not a place for anyone with a fear of heights. The Pyrenees are an amazing mountain range that is not high on many tourists' radars. Here's where to go if you want to see a different side of this fascinating country and be back in Madrid in time for an evening tapas crawl. 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. With its central location, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, it offers an abundance of breathtaking destinations just a short drive away. Spring lasts from March to May, though the last month may sometimes be much warmer than the first two. As you approach Toledo, youll be greeted by the citys ancient walls. Here's my recommended 10 day itinerary for a self drive road trip from Madrid to Seville. The plan with this road trip is to go all the way round the Galician coastline starting from As Catedrais beach. Benicassim: Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant music scene, Benicassim is a popular destination for young travelers. Getting There: Take the high-speed AVE train from Madrid (operated by Renfe, Spain's national rail service) to get there in two and a half hours. Hike through one of the best bird reserves in the country. 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. Pestana Holidays. There is a tourist train which is a great way to get a concise history of Avila and see the main sites. Hiring a car is really the best option for this day trip. Of the countrys eight autovas, its modern toll-free highways, A-1 to A-6, extend out from the capital. The roads through the Pyrenees are fantastic and can make for really great road trips with the added bonus of hardly any other cars as you drive around. As Spain's third-largest city, Valencia offers a wealth of things to see and do within easy reach from Madrid. Welcome! 13. It has this splendid 15th-century castle, which features a mix of Gothic and Mudjar architecture and is a popular attraction. Use an aggregator rather than booking directly from a rental company as it gives you protection in case something goes wrong. Paleontological Museum of Cuenca Great for kids and wonderful views back to Cuenca, Hiking there are many routes throughout the mountains. El Postiguet is the city's main beach, just a short stroll from its old town. You can spend weeks travelling around the area and still not see dozens of amazing villages, secret beaches, mountain waterfalls or quirky museums. Escape for the holiday of a lifetime with this 10-day luxury road trip in Spain!Spain offers the ultimate luxury holiday experience for anyone up for an unforgettable adventure, in 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. The trip continues along the north coast stopping off at Santander, Bilbao and San Sebastian before detouring off into the Pyrenees and the historic cities of Pamplona and Zaragoza. Are you ready for a road trip in the north of Spain? Travel Tip: Foodies won't want to miss Valencia's massive Mercado Central, Europe's largest fresh food market and a verifiable gastronomic heaven. While it is Spains oldest producer of cava (the winery was founded in 1551), it is also known for its elegant Modernista buildings by Barcelona architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, a contemporary of Antoni Gaud. 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. Coming your way in this post - click to expand ->. It was the capital city of the Visigoth Empire, Spanish Moors and later of Spain at some points during the course of history. 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. Aranjuez has been one of the Royal Estates of the Crown of Spain since 1560 and for nearly 200 years, until 1752, only the royalty and nobility were allowed to live in the town. Puerto de Navacerrada (Ski Resort) 10. Toledo is famous as a blend of Christian, Muslim and Jewish religions and cultures. 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. On 146 hectares there are green gardens, 26 beautiful fountains, a French-style labyrinth, and a huge pond. Your email will not be provided to third parties. 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. Forgot your password? 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. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. At the seaside enclave where the Urola and Narrondo rivers meet, steep streets lead down to the harbour, the centre of activity and life. If Theme Parks are not your thing, just drop your kids there for the day while you explore the town. Keep the sea to your right as you go and you're unlikely to go too far wrong. It is home to some of Spains top winemakers and, unlike Rioja, is within reach of a day trip from Madrid. Exploring this region brings a mix of natural sights and beautiful historic Spanish cities. The drive back to Bilbao airport is a little under 2 hours to get you back home! Most beautiful towns & cities along the Bay of Biscay. Argertine peso; Salamanca 7. The main attraction there are Plaza Mayor from the 18th century in the radical baroque style. The palace project (which was a residence of the monarchs) began as a Spanish response in the 17th century to the French Versailles. The area of Aranjuez was a traditional strawberry producing powerhouse, and the Strawberry Train tries to take you back to this era. 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! 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. Travel Tip: If you get into town early enough and want to save 10 euros, entrance to the Mezquita is free from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Want to experience an amazing Spain road trip but not sure where to go? As you would expect, this gives the city a rather sophisticated feel of one steeped in academic history. You can take the direct short cut but you will miss out on a whole lot of stunning scenery, ocean-facing cliffs and spectacular locations for light houses - on the shoreline, on cliffs and even on their own islands. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. This makes it easy to plan a Spanish holiday that includes time enjoying Madrids museums,restaurants, and nightlife, followed by a few days at the beach. The historic city is also home to a medieval Alczar offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from its towers. From Madrid, you'll travel south into Andalusia and arrive at Seville, a city renowned for its Gothic . I have been there a few times now and it is such a picturesque little village. The A-3 highway leads to Madrids beach, as some call Valencia, the closest city on the sea traveling from the capital. The towns here, however, are worth a short detour as you make your way to the seashore By Alberto Piernas Medina 17 May 2022 My list will be a mixture of cities near Madrid that you can easily reach by public transport as well as things to do in surrounding towns and villages that you may need to hire a car for. Really? But if you are coming on a trip to Madrid for 5 days or longer, then you can create a more action-packed itinerary and see the surroundings after renting a car and going for a drive. Its medieval architecture, including a Roman arch unique for its triple arches and a castle, are a testament to its rich history. 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. It takes about 45 minutes and trains leave every half hour or so. 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. Bilbao 14. Travel Tip: Toledo is quite hilly, and its cobblestoned streets can complicate things even further. If you would rather take public transport, you can get buses to various towns in the region from Valladolid which is reachable from Madrid by train or intercity bus. However, on my visit to Avila, once I had breached the city walls, I found it a little underwhelming. There are tonnes of great places to stop including Roses resort, the canals of Empuriabrava, L'Escala and Begur. 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. 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. 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. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Rich in Arab, Jewish and Christian history, the former Spanish capital is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Travel Tip: Stock up on saffron while in Consuegra. As a Madrid resident myself, I have spent a lot of time exploring the fringes of the city and the nearby neighbours, so I thought I would put together some of my top recommendations and share the best day trips from Madrid. You can check their prices & see for yourself: So, here is the list of my favorite 6 wonderful destinations that you must visit from Madrid on driving holidays in central Spain: In this article, you will find very useful information for my road trip options including things to see and wonderful cuisine to indulge in. Going on one of the road trips from Madrid is a must if you enjoy driving! Spain Road Trip with Bernabu Tour from US$197. The majority of the region is set on a plateau with occasional barren hills. To explore Spains rich history and culture, a day trip to Toledo from Madrid is a must. Alicante. Getting there: The AVE train from Madrid takes about an hour and 40 minutes. 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. Info USD Dollar. Toledo 3. 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. As you travel in major cities such as Bilbao, San Sebastian and Pamplona, you will get to try the local pintxos tradition. Soak up Madrid's unbeatable atmosphere as you admire the incredible architecture and enjoy strolling along the Calle de Cava Baja. The town also has some wonderful large squares and impressive Mudejar architecture. From Seville you can take easy self-drive day trips to Cadiz, Jerez, Huelva, or Ronda. A royal resort town, Aranjuez offers travelers something a little different making it one of the best side trips from Madrid. As with most of these day trips from Madrid, the most sensible option would be the train. Day 3: Pick up Rental Car - Drive From Madrid to La Rioja. 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. Before we dive into the ideas, here's the complete list of the best road trip routes with key information. Road trip length: 11 days Total distance: 518 miles 2. Toledo 2. If you travel the A-8 along the Cantabrian coast, youll want to make a stop in this small town whose historic heart still retains its medieval layout and walks along the coast offer views of the moody seas and skies. Cuenca is perhaps best known for its gravity-defying hanging houses, which sit perilously on the edge of a steep cliff. While the massive white structures are certainly the town's biggest draw, the Moorish castle should not be overlooked, either. Where to Stay in Madrid. Drive Spain's Mediterranean coast As far as food, do not leave Salamanca without trying the Hornazo de Salamanca (patty filled with Spanish ham and other cured meats along with a boiled egg), the Jamon de Guijuelo (Ham cured in Salamanca), and the Patatas meneas (potatoes with spices). With this stay, youll spend a night in a real castle and have time to explore the historical village it is located in. 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. The best way to see Avila is either by organised tour or driving yourself. In the morning you'll pick up your rental car and begin your epic road-trip. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 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. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. A large sculpture of a tomato (perhaps the worlds largest tomato sculpture) sits atop a large pole, greeting visitors to the town, while the annual Tomate Rojo Rock festival, in early July, combines music and a celebration of the local crop. 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. 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. 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. Famous for Flamenco and the traditional Spanish pastime of bullfighting. While I do love living in the city of Madrid, one of my favourite things to do is leave it behind for a day and explore further afield. The Hanging Houses of Cuenca the iconic site across the gorge. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The Segovia train station is a bit outside of the city itself, so when you arrive you will require a quick bus or taxi ride to get into the centre. There you can see examples of the architectural style of different eras: Romanesque, Gothic, Late Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque, learn about its rich cultural heritage, and fascinating history. Thanks for the nice comment, its just the kind of thing I was thinking. Getting There: You can get to Salamanca from Madrid via bus. Dating back to the 15th Century, the houses were built into the cliff overlooking the steep ravine. Take line C-8 or C-3 which depart every hour and the journey lasts approximately one hour. If you are visiting with kids, I would certainly recommend allowing a bit of time to visit the Paleontological Museum of Cuenca. The old castle keep now houses a parador that allows access to the buildings courtyard. Its a simple motorway so little chance of getting lost, although the road does get pretty busy at rush hour. Im back with another wine region. Day 1 Madrid Itinerary: Get Acquainted + Major Sights. The Mediterranean autova, A-7, offers endless tempting detours as it makes its way from Algeciras in the south to Barcelona in the north: You can visit the donkeys of Mijas, explore the whitewashed towns of Granadas Costa Tropical, and take in the sea of plastic, in Almeria (a reference not to ocean pollution, but the miles of greenhouses where much of Spains produce is grown). Aljafera Palace an old Moorish palace with some lovely courtyards. Protos is my personal favourite. Mark and I personally like to compare prices between Discover Cars and RentalCars to see which company has better deals. As Spain's second-largest city and a thriving hub of culture and history in its own right, Barcelona has made a name for itself as one of Europe's most exciting destinations. 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. 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