18 Best Day Trips From Madrid in 2023

Madrid is the glitzy but industrial Spanish capital. Cutting edge and trendy, but famed for being the royal residence of the Spanish Royal Family, it’s a metropolis with one foot in the previous and conventional and the opposite leaping ahead with trendy developments and forward-thinking attitudes. There are many issues to do in Madrid; it is without doubt one of the greatest cities to go to in Spain. 

Don’t let that dissuade you from the fabulous Madrid day journeys on provide, although. This main metropolis is surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage websites and even the citadel that impressed Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. A day journey from Madrid is without doubt one of the greatest methods to raised perceive Spanish tradition and harness a brand new admiration of the nation whereas having fun with a Madrid metropolis break. This information will cowl one of the best day journeys from Madrid, inspiring you on wonderful one-day journey experiences.

Best Day Trips From Madrid

We love Spain, and we’ve already compiled a Spain journey information that you should utilize to plan the Spanish vacation of a lifetime. But for Madrid specifics, this information is your bread and butter for one of the best day journeys from Madrid. Weekend journeys are nice, however you don’t want a weekend journey to get pleasure from these high locations close to Madrid – with simply someday, you might be heading to a UNESCO World Heritage Site or a surprising mountain vary. Draw away from Madrid’s Plaza Mayor and revel in a number of of those high 18 day journeys from Madrid.

1. Valencia

If you have a look at Google Maps, Valencia may seem like an formidable day journey from Madrid. It is without doubt one of the most handy mid-length day journeys from Madrid. This is because of the high-speed prepare community that connects the 2, which means you could be in Valencia in as little as 2 hours. Easy.

Valencia is the capital of Spain’s Valencia area and, in reality, was as soon as the Spanish capital. While it suffered heavy injury through the Spanish Civil War, it stays one of many prettiest and most historic locations to go to in Spain for a metropolis break. With a day to benefit from the metropolis, it’s best to see the cathedral (climb to the bell tower), seize meals on the Central Market, and admire the Carmen Street Art. There’s rather a lot to see, so plan your itinerary earlier than departing. Luckily, Valencia is very walkable.

Distance from Madrid: 2 hours by prepare

2. Royal Palace of Aranjuez

The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is an attractive day journey vacation spot from the 18th century. Just an hour away from Madrid’s metropolis heart by public transportation, it is without doubt one of the best but most rewarding day journeys from Madrid. The Spanish Royal Family nonetheless visits this royal web site, normally for state ceremonies. While it’s not an official royal residence, guests can tour its inside on set days. The Royal Palace is gorgeous and set inside over 100 hectares of manicured gardens. Its magnificence is well-celebrated, and also you received’t be shocked to listen to it holds UNESCO World Heritage Site standing.

Visiting the Royal Palace of Aranjuez is a superb factor to do. Because it’s so near the capital metropolis, you may spend hours exploring the grounds with out occupied with speeding again. Jump on a guided tour right here.

Distance from Madrid: 1 hour by bus

3. Cuenca

Cuenca is a surprising little metropolis and one of the crucial wonderful day journeys from Madrid. It is famed for its ‘Hanging Houses’, aka ‘Casa Colgadas de Cuenca’. These Hanging Houses are centuries previous and hold off the sting of a cliff face, suspended above a gorge. The Hanging Houses have wood balconies and are ridiculously photogenic. For conventional structure with a novelty twist, they’re sensible to go to. Aside from the Hanging Houses, Cuenca additionally has the San Pablo Bridge, the Spanish Abstract Art Museum, and the Cuenca Cathedral. It is a walkable metropolis and the right sightseeing day journey from Madrid.

Madrid to Cuenca is without doubt one of the best and quickest prepare journeys, taking simply an hour. Catching the prepare is way sooner, so we advocate avoiding driving to Cuenca. The previous city is tremendous compact, too, so that you’ll simply discover on foot.

Distance from Madrid: 1 hour by prepare

4. Avila

Avila is the capital of its province and is about scenically inside medieval metropolis partitions. With 80 towers and prolonged sections of walkable partitions, it’s stunning to go to and admire the previous city’s medieval format. It will get much more stunning at evening as the town partitions are lit up. It is without doubt one of the greatest day journeys from Madrid in order for you someplace with a very magical environment. The drive is affordable, taking on an hour. And you may detour by way of certainly one of two regional parks.

We recommend hitting Avila mid-afternoon so to wander the partitions and benefit from the surroundings after darkish. The journey takes hardly any time when driving. You can take so long as you’d like since you aren’t restricted to a public transportation schedule. For us, Avila has that magical, Disney-style environment. Its metropolis partitions and historical structure make it so in style amongst different guests.

Distance from Madrid: 1 hour and quarter-hour

5. Toledo

Toledo is nicknamed the town of ‘three cultures’. This couldn’t be extra correct, as the traditional metropolis was shaped with Christian, Jewish, and Arab influences, and you may nonetheless see traces of every all through the compact metropolis heart. Toledo dates again to the Middle Ages, and it’s no marvel it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contemplating all its historical past and remaining structure. You can cease by the Jewish Quarter, near its gorgeous Gothic cathedral, or go to the El Greco Museum. There are many issues to do in Toledo – together with visiting the attractive Toledo Cathedral.

Just one hour away from Madrid by automotive or 35 minutes by prepare, Toledo is without doubt one of the greatest day journeys from Madrid in order for you a straightforward journey. It is in style due to its proximity to Madrid and interesting mix of three cultural influences. History buffs will love this present day journey vacation spot, and we simply had so as to add it due to all its historical past.

Distance from Madrid: 1 hour by automotive or 35 minutes by prepare

6. Salamanca

Salamanca is well the most effective day journeys from Madrid, so what precisely earns that grand title? Well, firstly the town has tons of Celtic historical past. Secondly, it has been a part of the mental motion in Spain because the Fifteenth century. The University of Salamanca is certainly one of Spain’s oldest universities and was based in the 1100s. Today, it provides the town a ‘university town’ really feel, with pleasant and sociable vibes. The University of Salamanca attracts loads of Spanish and worldwide college students.

As a day journey from Madrid, Salamanca is simply a type of Spanish cities that welcomes you with open arms. It has an attractive historic heart with points of interest like Casa de las Conchas – an attractive Sixteenth-century Gothic constructing coated in seashells that’s used for exhibitions. However, it additionally has an easygoing café tradition and in addition nice nightlife. Its riverside location can also be stunning, and there are lots of points of interest to get pleasure from mooching round. If you need one of many least daunting day journeys from Madrid, Salamanca is without doubt one of the most ‘gentle’ day journeys to interrupt your enamel on.

Distance from Madrid: 1 hour and 40 minutes by direct prepare

7. Colmenar Viejo

Colmenar Viejo is without doubt one of the most non secular day journeys you may take from Madrid. It is an excellent day journey selection in case you are intrigued by non secular historical past. There’s a surprising Fifteenth or Sixteenth century-built basilica known as the Basilica de la Asuncion de Nuestra Senora. To go to an precise Spanish hermitage, you may go to Ermita de Nuestra Senora de los Remedios, which dates again to the seventh century. Colmenar Viejo is someplace most individuals overlook, and it’s predominantly surrounded by cattle farms – even operating a conventional cattle migration competition initially of the 12 months. However, it affords uncooked and distinctive perception into rural Spanish tradition. For those that wish to dig deeper than superficial vacationer points of interest, it is without doubt one of the greatest day journeys from Madrid.

Getting to Colmenar Viejo is surprisingly a breeze. It is both a half-hour’s journey on the prepare or a 40-minute drive. The selection is yours.

Distance from Madrid: half-hour by prepare or 40 minutes by automotive

8. Manzanares el Real

Manzanares de Real is a surprising little city set in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, which we additionally point out as a day journey vacation spot in this information. The city is most well-known for its stunning Manzanares El Real Castle, which dates again to the Fifteenth century. The citadel is so eye-catching and a number one motivation for individuals to go to. It is decked out in quite a few vintage furnishings and has an onsite museum.

Aside from the citadel, Manzanares de Real has an enormous synthetic lake that fishermen use for carp and pike fishing. There are additionally river seashores simply outdoors its city heart, making it one of many closest ‘beach’ locations to Madrid. Just 50 minutes away by automotive, it’s an absolute breeze to achieve.

Distance from Madrid: 50 minutes by automotive or 1.5 hours by public transport.

9. Siguenza

Many describe Siguenza as sleepy. Its centuries-old structure has certainly fallen into retirement in many circumstances – its citadel is now only a vacationer attraction. However, regardless of its retired heritage websites and laidback environment, we’d argue that Siguenza is something however sleepy. The sheer scale of vacationer points of interest means you’ll have a full day of motion if you happen to select this as certainly one of your day journeys from Madrid. You may also go to extra lively points of interest outdoors the town heart, like Barranco del Rio Dulce Natural Park, which has trails linking limestone rock formations and waterfalls.

Siguenza is out of the way in which however undoubtedly price a detour as a day journey vacation spot. This is the right journey if you happen to fancy stunning structure, refreshing waterfalls, and loads of heritage websites.

Distance from Madrid: 2 hours by prepare or 1.5 hours by automotive

10. Chinchon

Chinchon is a way more rural day journey from Madrid. Instead of an enormous metropolis environment, it’s a small city set on a hilltop. Its points of interest embrace museums like Museo Etnologico La Posada, which preserves conventional farming instruments and strategies. So, if you happen to fancy embracing Spanish countryside tradition, a day journey from Madrid to Chinchon is ideal. Remember to go to the medieval sq., Playa Mayor, too. The sq. is surrounded by conventional buildings with wood balconies – a photogenic spot to get pleasure from a takeout espresso or cooling ice cream.

Chinchon is in style as a result of it showcases a distinct tempo of life. You simply can’t get that very same expertise in metropolitan Madrid, so including it to our information was a no brainer.

Distance from Madrid: 1 hour by automotive or simply over 1 hour by bus

11. El Alcazar

Are you prepared for an journey? Seville won’t be one of the crucial traditional day journeys from Madrid, however it’s undoubtedly possible. As a right away disclaimer, this may contain round 6 hours of touring. However, you’ll be sat on a direct prepare, the place you may get pleasure from WiFi, deliver books, and obtain motion pictures forward of time. Besides, many guided day journeys have you ever on coaches all day, so what’s the distinction? If you might be up for the problem, it’s best to catch a 6 a.m. prepare to get to Seville good and early.

Seville is the capital of Andalusia and is broadly praised for being essentially the most genuine place to expertise Spanish tradition. While there, you may get pleasure from issues like El Alcazar – the Royal Alcazar of Spain – the attractive Plaza de Espana, and dozens of museums starting from trendy artwork museums to area of interest historical past museums. It is straightforward to see why everybody loves Seville. And if you happen to fancy a change from Madrid, it’s a stunning day journey vacation spot.

Distance from Madrid: Just below 3 hours by prepare

12. Caceres

Caceres is an extended distance from Madrid however is so aesthetic that it warrants the drive. In 3 hours, you’ll head west in direction of the Portuguese border and have arrived in the attractive city of Caceres. It appears to be like like one thing straight out of Game of Thrones or some medieval fantasy movie, and its historical previous city has lingering Gothic and Renaissance structure. You’ll be strolling by way of cobbled streets and in the shadow of looming Twelfth-century metropolis partitions, the place if you happen to look rigorously, you may spot nesting storks. The complete metropolis is a ready-made movie set, particularly in the previous city.

Caceres is well certainly one of Spain’s most historic cities. The further journey time is worth it when you’ve got a number of drivers on the rental automotive insurance coverage. Set off early and go away as late as doable to maximise your day journey to Caceres.

Distance from Madrid: 3 hours drive

13. Zaragoza

Zaragoza is Aragon’s capital and has over 2,000 years of historical past squeezed into its metropolis heart. Zaragoza is the right day journey for Roman historical past, with ruins that embrace boards, metropolis partitions, and an historical theater. This is a perfect resolution in order for you a slice of Roman historical past with out truly visiting Italy. We love what number of Roman-related points of interest you may see in such a small Zaragoza space; it looks like a unbelievable solution to broaden your sightseeing expertise. As a facet word, Zaragoza can also be recognized to have scrumptious delicacies – and who doesn’t love tucking into Spanish meals?

Zaragoza is simply 1 and a half hour’s prepare journey from Madrid, a lot sooner than the choice driving time of over 3.5 hours. We recommend catching the prepare as an alternative.

Distance from Madrid: 1.5 hours by prepare

14. El Escorial

El Escorial is a surprising little city. It was primarily constructed for its monastery and royal palace. It is certainly one of Spain’s most well-known royal websites, with some small neighborhoods of residential areas round it. El Escorial’s Casita del Principe is good in order for you a substitute for the Royal Palace of Aranjuez. It is a little bit quieter, rather less well-known, and is open to vacationers on set days. You can admire manicured royal gardens and personal vintage shows of nice arts. It is without doubt one of the greatest day journeys from Madrid for a royal time out.

Just an hour from Madrid by prepare or automotive, El Escorial is tremendous straightforward to squeeze right into a busy metropolis break itinerary. It is a much-loved possibility for royal sightseeing for these in the know.

Distance from Madrid: 1 hour by prepare or automotive

15. Ciudad Real

Beautiful Ciudad Real is a hotspot for literary historical past and structure. You can wander the compact metropolis’s streets simply on foot, admiring a Thirteenth-century cathedral, Gothic church buildings, and 14th-century gates. And if you fancy extra of a museum-style expertise, there’s the Quixote Museum – devoted to the novel Don Quixote, written by Miguel de Cervantes. Ciudad Real is a very diversified day journey from Madrid. Still, it’s particularly suited to followers of Cervantes’ work, structure, and historical past followers. For such a small metropolis, it actually packs a punch.

Ciudad Real is simply an hour away from Madrid by prepare, so getting there’s a breeze. The prepare is way faster than driving (which takes 2.5 hours). Stick to the sooner and extra environmentally pleasant possibility; you’ll be in Ciudad Real in no time.

Distance from Madrid: 1 hour by prepare

16. Sierra de Guadarrama

Ready for a extra pure time out? Sierra de Guadarrama is your reply. This mountain vary is an attractive day from Madrid, and you may attain the foothills in simply an hour. Sierra de Guadarrama is most well-known for climbing alternatives, however with that comes spectacular picture alternatives. The mountain vary is one hour from Madrid by automotive, so it’s straightforward sufficient to be a full-day journey. You may also spot some unbelievable animals, together with lovely mountain goats and iconic birds like vultures and a number of forms of eagles.

Regarding day journeys from Madrid, Sierra de Guadarrama is your best option for a day of immersion in nature. It is without doubt one of the solely day journeys from Madrid the place you may spot animals like vultures and mountain goats. For that motive, it’s vastly in style and deserves a spot on our record.

Distance from Madrid: 1 hour drive

17. Alcalá de Henares

Alcalá de Henares is the right someday journey for anybody in search of noteworthy points of interest associated to academia and literature. The Cervantes Birthplace Museum is the place the writer of Don Quixote lived, and the King of Spain presents a literary prize in Alcalá de Henares yearly. It can also be seen as a college city regardless of its metropolis standing. The University of Alcalá is without doubt one of the most esteemed Spanish universities. It is in the town’s previous city, set amongst a set of Sixteenth-century buildings.

You can attain Alcalá de Henares in simply 40 minutes by prepare from the capital metropolis. It is vastly in style as a day journey vacation spot for teachers and people with an curiosity in literature. And for us, it simply affords a distinct view of Spain than Madrid’s extra metropolis-style introduction.

Distance from Madrid: 40 minutes by prepare

18. Segovia

Segovia is one for the historical past buffs. As a UNESCO-listed metropolis, Segovia attracts essentially the most consideration from its Roman aqueducts. You can snap stunning photographs of the town, particularly its principal aqueduct, which has 160 arches. It is unquestionably price visiting as certainly one of your Madrid day journeys. This metropolis catches everybody’s eyes, us included. And between the medieval metropolis partitions, Romanesque church buildings, and the aqueduct, you may see why historical past lovers like Segovia a lot.

Besides sightseeing, guests must also try the weird however stunning Casa de los Picos. The Fifteenth-century constructing is stuffed with spikes – 617 to be exact. It is only one instance of how Segovia is extraordinary. And if you happen to like sightseeing, it truly is heaven. Everything is tremendous shut collectively too, you received’t be greater than a half hour’s stroll between every attraction.

Distance from Madrid: 50 minutes by public transport

Day Trips From Madrid: FAQs

Day journeys from Madrid are among the many greatest issues you may indulge in in your metropolis break. Some of those locations are perfect for an in a single day keep when you’ve got the possibility, however even only a day will open your thoughts to new experiences. Before you head off in your day journeys from Madrid, although, try these frequent FAQs.

What is one of the best day journey to take from Madrid?

The greatest day journey from Madrid is both the Royal Palace or Toledo. These day journeys from Madrid provide a variety of historical past, and Toledo has UNESCO World Heritage Site standing.

Is it higher to go to Toledo or Segovia?

Both locations are nice, however Toledo takes the sting. There is simply extra to see, and whereas Segovia has the Roman ruins, Toledo has that distinctive mix of Arab, Christian, and Jewish affect.

Where are you able to journey to from Madrid?

You can journey to a whole lot of locations from Madrid. You can entry sensible day journey locations by hopping on a high-speed prepare or renting a automotive.

Can you do a day journey from Madrid to Valencia?

Yes, a day journey from Madrid to Valencia is straightforward. Just hop on the prepare, and also you’ll be there in round 2 hours – loads of time to depart you with a full day of exploring. 

One of one of the best issues about day journeys from Madrid is the general public transport system; it makes day-tripping straightforward. You might uncover the historical past of the Spanish Civil War or head to see the Hanging Houses, and there’ll doubtless be a high-speed prepare to get you there. Madrid is without doubt one of the best day-tripping cities, so take advantage of it and maximize your metropolis break with a number of of those journey concepts.

Looking for some extra inspiration forward of your journey to Spain? We’ve received a information on the greatest Spanish dishes to strive, so undoubtedly test that out. Spanish meals is notoriously scrumptious. Make certain you might be clued up on one of the best dishes earlier than heading to Madrid.