Visiting Spain’s capital and wanting to discover additional afield? These charming cities and cities make the proper day journey from Madrid!
The Spanish capital is a vibrant place, preferrred for lovers of historical past, tradition and nice meals. I visited in January, which was formally off-season, however I nonetheless discovered it to be a buzzy and alluring place to discover.
I spent a stunning morning seeing the Temple of Debod, the Royal Palace of Madrid and wandering by Puerta Del Sol. I fell in love with Mercado San Miguel, feasting my method by its counters full of delicacies. I even loved a nighttime jazz present at Café Central!
There’s completely masses to see and do, but it surely’s additionally an incredible metropolis to make use of as a base for different travels. Flights from London and different European cities to Madrid are sometimes very affordable. Or maybe you’re in search of flights from Miami to Madrid. Wherever you’re ranging from, you’ll be amazed by the attractive cities and cities inside a number of hours of town.
Arising, I’ll share my prime suggestions for day journeys from Madrid. From the gorgeous metropolis of Córdoba, famed for its Mezquita, to the distinctive structure of Cuenca and the seashores of Valencia, you’re assured to seek out someplace you fancy.
6 Greatest Locations To Go to From Madrid
Earlier than I dive into this listing, I needed so as to add that these locations are all inside two hours of Madrid, both by prepare or automotive. You would do any of them as a day journey, however for some I’d suggest staying in a single day or for a weekend, simply to essentially benefit from it. I’ve listed them so as of distance, so that you’ll see the closest choices first!
Toledo
Toledo is likely one of the best day journeys from Madrid. You’ll be able to attain the city in 35 minutes by prepare. It’s identified for its wealthy historical past, with a surprising Gothic cathedral, a tenth century mosque and two synagogues, all inside one small space. Spend time wandering the well-preserved medieval streets, go to Catedral Primada, and in case you’re considering artwork, don’t miss a visit to the El Greco Museum.
It gained’t be lengthy earlier than you’ve labored up an urge for food! Sit down and luxuriate in some tasty tapas at one of many many charming bars dotted all through the centre of town. There are some native delicacies to pattern too. Some of the common is the marzipan from Santo Tomé. This candy deal with is produced from almonds and sugar, and is moulded into all types of fairly shapes!
To spherical off your day journey from Madrid to Toledo, head as much as Mirador del Valle. Right here, you’ll get pleasure from gorgeous panoramic views over Toledo and the River Tagus. If you happen to can time your journey for sundown, it’s much more memorable!
Madrid to Toledo: 35 minutes by prepare or 1 hour by automotive
Cuenca
Have you ever seen pictures of Cuenca earlier than? Wow – it’s completely spectacular! This UNESCO World Heritage metropolis is famed for its casas colgadas – homes which seem to hold off the cliffs. It’s dramatic and delightful, constructed round an enormous gorge.
Whereas it’s a fairly place to wander round on foot, there are a handful of points of interest too. There’s the Museum of Summary Artwork, Cuenca Cathedral and the Science Museum, to call a number of. I’d additionally suggest crossing over the Puente de San Pablo. This iron bridge affords among the greatest views of town and cliffs, and is superb for images.
Madrid to Cuenca: 1 hour by prepare
Salamanca
Well-known for its ornate sandstone structure and college, which is likely one of the oldest in Europe, Salamanca makes a stunning day journey from Madrid. Stroll throughout Plaza Mayor, one among Spain’s most lovely squares, go to Casa Lis, Artwork Nouveau and Artwork Deco Museum, and discover town’s outdated and new cathedrals. There’s even a cave with a magical previous.
While you get hungry, you’ll be spoiled for alternative with so many nice eating places and bars.
For Michelin-starred delicacies, guide a desk at En La Parra or Víctor Gutiérrez. These eating places supply among the greatest delicacies in Spain. What a deal with! Or, for tapas strive Bambú Tapas y Brasas or Tapas 3.0. You gained’t be disenchanted. Lastly, for a neighborhood delicacy, order hornazo, which is a cross between a bread and a pastry, full of quite a lot of meats and egg. It’s tastier than it sounds!
Madrid to Salamanca: 1.5 hours by prepare
Ávila
How a few medieval getaway from Madrid? Ávila is dwelling to among the best-preserved medieval metropolis partitions in the entire of Europe. They wrap superbly across the city. One of many prime issues to do right here is wander the 1,700 metre lengthy walkway that runs alongside the highest. It affords lovely views of town, notably throughout golden hour.
Plaza del Mercado Chico is a stunning spot to sit down with a espresso and watch the world go by. Alternatively, take a stroll alongside the Adaja River for a little bit of peace and quiet.
By way of meals, in case you like meat, you’re in for a deal with! Ávila is the place to order a T-bone steak – excellent in case you’ve labored up an urge for food strolling these partitions!
Madrid to Ávila: 1.5 hours by automotive or prepare
Córdoba
I used to be mesmerised by the fantastic thing about Córdoba’s outdated city. The Mezquita is the primary draw, and while you’ll see it, you’ll perceive why! Previously a mosque, this constructing was reworked right into a cathedral. Immediately, it showcases a beautiful mix of Islamic and Christian structure. You’ll be amazed while you see the pink and white arches.
Different lovely spots embody the cobbled streets of the Jewish Quarter, and Puente Romano which crosses the Guadalquivir River. One in all my favorite issues to do in Córdoba
is to see into town’s fairly courtyards. A number of homes have these gorgeous little patios that are embellished with vibrant tiles, fountains and fairly flowers. There’s even a particular pageant each Might after they’re open to the general public.
By way of meals, you’re in Andalucia, which I feel affords among the tastiest dishes in the entire nation. Undoubtedly strive salmorejo – a chilly tomato soup, normally garnished with egg and salty ibérico ham.
Madrid to Córdoba: 2 hours by high-speed prepare
Valencia
Valencia isn’t the closest place to go to from Madrid, but it surely’s nonetheless solely two hours on the quick prepare. It’s one among my favorite metropolis breaks in Spain, so I’d counsel reserving a full weekend break. A motorcycle tour affords the proper introduction to town.
I’d additionally suggest spending time on the futuristic Metropolis of the Arts and Sciences. For image excellent views, climb to the highest of El Miguelete (the cathedral’s bell tower). Valencia additionally boasts a seashore, the place I’d suggest stopping for a Valencia paella.
One in all my favorite actions in Valencia was this food tour, which served as an amazing overview of town’s culinary heritage. There are Moorish influences, Mediterranean flavours and extra.
I’d additionally suggest attempting horchata and fartons. Horchata is a candy milky drink produced from tiger nuts. In the meantime, fartons are lengthy sugar-dusted pastries which you’ll be able to dunk! Horchatería Santa Catalina is the place to strive them, a 200 12 months outdated café within the coronary heart of the outdated city.
For more information on your journey, learn my detailed information which is full of all the most effective issues to do in Valencia.
Madrid to Valencia: 2 hours by high-speed prepare
I hope you’ve loved studying about these superb getaways from Madrid. There are such a lot of fantastic locations close by, you simply need to work your method down the listing!
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