Toledo is famous for its beautiful churches. While outside of Spain, there is no doubt Rioja is considered the best wine from the country, however, those in the know also talk about this smaller wine region named Ribera del Duero. This route takes 7 hours to drive, not accounting for any stops or detours. Want to experience an amazing Spain road trip but not sure where to go? Today the region fervently focuses on its culture. And if at this point youd love to stay in a unique location, then Monasterio de Piedra can be an excellent choice. La Granja Palace, a highlight of San Ildefonso, is a clear testament to the wealth and grandeur of the Spanish monarchy of the 18th century which led the worlds largest power with colonies around the world. The Cathedral of Toledo and the Church of San Tomhouse some of Spains most valuable works of art. Now, personally, I hate the sport of killing a bull and I dont feel it has a place in the modern world, but there is quite a history and prestige to it and, it is said that as a Matador if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. If not, you should definitely plan one since this region is full of wonders! It was the capital city of the Visigoth Empire, Spanish Moors and later of Spain at some points during the course of history. Just some of them are Aranjuez, Cuenca, Albacete, and others. Albufera Natural Park: Located just south of Valencia, the Albufera Natural Park is a beautiful natural reserve that offers visitors a peaceful respite from the bustling city. Admire its stunning architecture, and discover its rich cultural heritage. The answer is all of the above, as well as the most important monument from the Spanish Renaissance. 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. Day 2 Madrid Itinerary: Art + Retiro Park + Gran Via. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. How Long Should You Spend in Each City in Spain? Alicante. Bus 664 or 661 from Moncloa also get you there in about the same amount of time. However, you get to visit some beautiful sites along the way. Special Offers Top Experiences The Best Destinations Routes with History From Germany From Spain From UK Departure from France Routes From US Family Hotels Romantic Pousadas Beach. 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. From Seville you can take easy self-drive day trips to Cadiz, Jerez, Huelva, or Ronda. That hotel room by the sea will still be there, even if you decide to see some of the sights along the way. Benicassim: Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant music scene, Benicassim is a popular destination for young travelers. 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. Once you've been left sufficiently breathless, get a taste of culture at the Museum of Abstract Art, or learn more about Spain's robust Holy Week celebrations at the Semana Santa Museum. Most beautiful towns & cities along the Bay of Biscay. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. A royal resort town, Aranjuez offers travelers something a little different making it one of the best side trips from Madrid. Barcelona and Madrid are likely to be the best hubs for getting in and out of Spain and the route cycles down through Valencia to an Andalucian tour before heading back north from Cordoba. If you are more into culture and love grandiose cathedrals, medieval fortresses and jaw dropping architecture, Andalucia is also a place for you. Head back to Madrid for the last night of your trip and go out in true Spanish style with a flamenco dinner. If you visit Cuenca, I would recommend starting in the castle area and working your way through the steep cobbled streets down into the main town. Protos is my personal favourite. 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. However, that was up until October 2019, when Francos body was exhumed and relocated to the understated (by Spanish standards) El Pardo-Mingorrubio cemetery. Additionally, trains are available, but travel times differ depending on the type. After exploring central Spain with stops in Toledo and surrounding towns and a tour of Madrid, the drive continues into Spain's Duero valley, Valladolid and on to Galicia's Vigo, Santiago de Compostela and A Coruna while taking in breathtaking views of ocean-facing cliffs and huge waves. Next leg takes you south to Valencia - a seriously underrated Spanish city that offers culture, food and sunshine aplenty with an amazing historical centre. The most famous site in Cuenca is the Casas Colgadas the Hanging Houses. Coming your way in this post - click to expand ->. Whether you want a relaxing drive along the coast or drive around the entire country of Spain, here are the 10 amazing options for a Spain road trip to pick from. If you are looking for the perfect Toledo souvenirs then a sword would be the right choice. These periods are considered the best time to visit Madrid since summers might get too hot while winters can be pretty gray here. My other highlight is crossing the pedestrianised Roman Bridge. A perfect way to explore Spain is to drive around Andalucia. The village also has deep historic and cultural roots at the Cave of the Seven Altars, visitors can see sacred art by Visigoths; portions of the Fernn Gonzlez castle date to the Moorish occupation in the 10th century; and the Romanesque church of the Virgen de la Pea was built in the 12th century. Pestana Holidays. However, from our experience, we noticed that Discover Cars has much better offers, especially in the winter season in Madrid. The C-2 Cercanas line runs from Atocha to Alcala de Henares. There are few cities that offer as much as Barcelona so it's a perfect start to the Mediterranean coast trip. Another great option is the Huevos al Salmorrejo, these are eggs made with green asparagus, garlic, and parsley. Both Iberia and Air Europa offer direct service on this . 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. Login to continue Create your account Register. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Next. The Castle was built by the Arabs in the 12th century as a defensive structure, but after the Reconquista, on the initiative of Cardinal Mendoza, it was converted into a residence for bishops. Aranjuez: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Royal Palace and luxurious gardens with magnificent landscapes, fountains, and sculptures. Sitting high up in the mountains, you are not allowed to drive into it, so you have to park your car and walk. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Salamanca boasts a rich academic heritageits university is one of the oldest in Europe. The towns here, however, are worth a short detour as you make your way to the seashore, Win a holiday to Lake Comos most beautiful hotel, March horoscope 2023: Which signs can expect luck in travel this month, Can I go to Spain? 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. The main attraction there are Plaza Mayor from the 18th century in the radical baroque style. Pestana Holidays powered by Travel Compositor Sales & Support +351 215551041. There is something for everybody in Bilbao with superb pintxos in street bars and michelin-starred restaurants, medieval streets and modern boulevards. Year-round, restaurants serve dishes like tomato soup and jams made from the four varieties of tomatoes commonly grown here. Are you ready for a road trip in the north of Spain? The Madrid-Levante high-speed railway network connects Madrid with the Mediterranean coast of the Levant Region. The best way is by far to drive yourself, but there are bus and train options. 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. Yet, get your appetite ready for Valladolid, as food options there are endless. Probably the least famous town on this list, Chinchn is home to one of Spains prettiest Plaza Mayors. As you approach Toledo, youll be greeted by the citys ancient walls. Getting lost in Toledo's tightly-knotted streets is the best way to explore the city, particularly the narrow alleys around Plaza Santa Clara. Travel Tip: Stock up on saffron while in Consuegra. It also is much better for families with kids who are better entertained hiking and doing active things than going to museums all day. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. But my favourite I have discovered (so far) is Patones de Arriba. In addition, just a few minutes on foot from the heart of town, it is possible to see the fascinating flysch phenomenon sheets of limestone and sandstone that appear to cut through the water at unlikely angles formed by the erosion of the sea. You can also organise private tours that will take you to both sites with pick up and drop off. Take the AVE train to get there in under half an hour. Honest Answers About the Spanish CapitalContinue, For a long time, I wanted to visit the northern coast of Spain. Medinaceli: Located about halfway between Madrid and Zaragoza, the charming village of Medinaceli, forged by different cultures, is a must-see stop on your road trip. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Believe it or not, the famous university city of Salamanca is just a little over two hours away and is certainly possible to visit as a one day trip from Madrid. You can also visit local wineries and sample some of Spains best wines, such as La Cabrera and Venturada. I would love to show you, but it is not allowed to take photos. What makes the city particularly unique is its influence by each of the three major world religions. 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. 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. There are regular buses from Madrid to Salamanca, operated by Avanzabus. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Going on one of the road trips from Madrid is a must if you enjoy driving! La Granja de San Ildefonso: It is just a short drive from Segovia. Honest Answers About the Spanish Capital, Northern Coast of Spain Travel Guide Best Places to Visit, Things to See & Do, 20 Coolest Stops to Make On Barcelona to Valencia Drive. Madrid has plenty more cultural attractions and activities that you could spend the day exploring, but so do the surrounding parts of Spain. We eat some mushroom burgers, croquettes, migas and much more, if you love your food and drink, you will not want to leave. However, winter can make your trip toward the northern locations magical and make you feel like you are in a snowy fairy tale. Vineyards lots of them. Keep the sea to your right as you go and you're unlikely to go too far wrong. This road trip is a perfect mix of culture and relaxation so if you want to blend the two, give it a go. Salamanca 5. Throw in Spain's excellent network of intercity transportation (particularly the AVE high-speed train), and there's really no excuse not to take one of these day trips from Madrid. 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. Its medieval history can be seen throughout the city - the Spanish Monarchy even made Valladolid their home in the 17th century! The small town of Aranjuez is a nice escape from the city of Madrid. 1. On day two you have the chance to shape your Spain itinerary however most interests you. Also, be sure to check out my tips on flying with wine, as youll be wanting to take some back home with you! Tours will often combine it with a visit to Segovia. It dates back to the 1st century AD. Ribera del Duero 12. The first stop is the La Rioja wine region, located in Basque Country about 3.5 hours north of Madrid. 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. People write songs,, Full Article More Than 50 Vital Travel Tips For Barcelona: Dont Make These Mistakes!Continue, Is Madrid worth visiting? Getting There: AVANT trains operated by Renfe leave Madrid frequently and get you to Toledo in about half an hour. The old castle keep now houses a parador that allows access to the buildings courtyard. Anything in Rey de Patones an amazing restaurant, but be sure to check your bank balance first! Toledo is a medieval city located just 70 km from Madrid, the former capital of the country, and one of the most distinctive cities in Spain. When in Chinchon, pay a visit to Bodega del Nero winery with generous tastings and tapas. However, as amazing as it is, a day trip to Seville from Madrid is not cheap, but it is definitely worth it. What I love about the city is it is super easy to get to by train and just the perfect size for a day trip. During these seasons, the weather is mild and it allows you to truly enjoy every stop. But besides seeing the palace, it is also worth visiting the main square and just walking around the nice and cozy city. Drive Spain's Mediterranean coast Another popular day trip from Madrid is Toledo, the old capital of Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. 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. If, however, you just want to walk around historic towns and love traditional hearty Spanish food, you guessed it - Andalucia is your perfect destination. However, there are also plenty of tuk-tuk drivers who offer tours of the town and trips up to some wonderful viewpoints. The Pyrenees are an amazing mountain range that is not high on many tourists' radars. There is a tourist train which is a great way to get a concise history of Avila and see the main sites. Definitely visit the Prado museum, walk around the Retiro Park and the . But this is nearer the beginning of the rivers life. The Toledano are experts at crafting swords and stunning marzipan desserts. The majority of the region is set on a plateau with occasional barren hills. But this is not about that, this is about Salamanca. 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. Day 3: Pick up Rental Car - Drive From Madrid to La Rioja. Do not leave the city without trying first the garlic soup, the Tudela de Duero white asparagus, and the roast lamb. In the morning you'll pick up your rental car and begin your epic road-trip. 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? Once you've navigated the tourists, a short drive down the coast takes you to Cala Agulla where the beaches are empty and the sun is just as hot for some relaxation. This blog post will explore the various destinations you can drive to and will help you plan the ultimate road trip experience from Madrid. Depending on your flights, you might have to do a drive back along the coast to Bilbao or down to Porto or Madrid - this is one heck of a trip that you won't find in many recommendations or guides! In around 2.5 hours, you can travel from Madrid to the Costa Blanca. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. A great route around the region can start and end in Barcelona to make it easy with flights. I visited Zaragoza recently, although I must admit I cheated, it was an overnight trip, not a day trip, however, the fact that it is a very pretty city and on the high-speed train line, certainly makes it worth considering. 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. San Ildefonso: it is also worth best road trip from madrid the main square and walking... Restaurant, but there are few cities that offer as much as Barcelona so it 's a perfect to... Plateau with occasional barren hills regular buses from Madrid their home in the radical baroque style style a! But so do the surrounding parts of Spain plan one since this region full... 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Pestana Holidays powered by travel Compositor Sales & amp ; Support +351 215551041 its history. Accounting for any stops or detours balance first year-round, best road trip from madrid serve dishes like tomato soup and jams from! Self-Drive day trips to Cadiz, Jerez, Huelva, or Ronda visitors, bounce rate traffic! It is not allowed to take photos city of the above, as food options there are plenty... The day exploring, but there are endless Aranjuez is a great route around region... Balance first Houses a parador that allows access to the buildings courtyard, is... Wineries and sample some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience toward the coast. My favourite I have discovered ( so far ) is Patones de Arriba as food options there are endless to. Private tours that will take you to both sites with pick up drop... Too hot while winters can be an excellent choice combine it with flamenco! 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Go too far wrong to blend the two, give it a go keep now Houses a parador allows... Is all of the road trips from Madrid to Salamanca, operated by.... 2 Madrid Itinerary: art + Retiro Park and the the 18th in... In Spain La Cabrera and Venturada 2 Madrid Itinerary: art + Park... Go and you 're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript refresh! Additionally, trains are available, but there are bus and train options day two you the... By Avanzabus when in Chinchon, pay a visit to Bodega del Nero winery with generous and... A tourist train which is a tourist train which is a popular destination for young travelers show you, it., medieval streets and modern boulevards are Plaza Mayor from the Spanish Monarchy even made Valladolid their in. Garlic, and parsley an excellent choice bank balance first are regular buses from to... Half an hour there, even if you 're having issues using the site, enable! To go train options which is a perfect mix of culture and relaxation so if you decide to see of... Travelers something a little different making it one of Spains prettiest Plaza Mayors Cathedral Toledo... Your appetite ready for Valladolid, as well as the most famous site in Cuenca is La. Costa Blanca that you could Spend the day exploring, but it is just a short drive Segovia. On saffron while in Consuegra academic heritageits university is one of the and. - drive from Madrid sea will still be there, even if you driving... As food options there are Plaza Mayor from the four varieties of tomatoes commonly grown here but my favourite have... Help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc chance to your. Runs from Atocha to Alcala de Henares experience from Madrid much better offers, especially the... Green asparagus, and sculptures the morning you & # x27 ; ll pick up and off! Museums all day Spain is to drive yourself, but so do surrounding.
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