Do you need to take a break and escape the chaos of Madrid? We are going to help you to choose the destination that suits you the best. From medieval cities like Toledo or Ávila, to eating a magnificent cochinillo in Segovia or strolling through the royal gardens of La Granja. And the best thing is that all of these tourist attractions will take you less than two hours from Madrid. Keep reading and I’ll tell you more.
6 Day Trips from Madrid
Toledo.
Toledo never disappoints. It is one of the most visited cities throughout the year and not only for its proximity to Madrid but for being one of the references of the interculturality of Spain. It was named Imperial Capital centuries ago and behind its walls, Toledo collects a key part of our history. If you are in Madrid, a getaway to Toledo is almost mandatory.
The city is only 80 kilometers from the capital, that is, a little less than an hour. Also, you will find multiple ways to get there from Madrid, from trains to tours that offer transfer and guided tours of the city.
Among the most emblematic places to visit, you can’t miss the Cathedral, the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca and the Church of Santo Tomé. A reference for lovers of art, architectural jewels and lovers of alleys where you can get lost to finish with a great offer of restaurants where you can indulge the palate.
Segovia.
Declared a World Heritage Site, Segovia is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Known for its Aqueduct, the Cathedral and the Alcázar, visiting it is just a MUST when you are in the area. The city is ideal for an express visit since its historic center is small and very comfortable to walk around. In addition, you can’t miss the famous and crunchy suckling pig or a good suckling to leave a good taste in your mouth.
The Escorial.
The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is simply iconic. Built in the 16th century, the complex includes a royal palace, a basilica, a pantheon, a library, a school and the monastery itself. It was the residence of the Spanish royal family and its basilica is the burial place of the kings of Spain.
The Monastery is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the community of Madrid, but also the town in which it is located is worth visiting by itself.
The Monastery of El Escorial is a reflection of the splendor Spain experienced during the Golden Age and its imposing architecture confirms it with more than 33,327 square meters.
In addition, on your way there you may also make a quick stop to visit the Valle de los Caídos, a cathedral crowned by a huge cross that currently pays tribute to all the victims of the Franco stage and that has given so much to talk about in Spain lately.
Ávila.
If Ávila has a symbol, that is its unmistakable wall. Ávila is home to one of the best-preserved walled enclosures in Europe. Inside its walls, you can enjoy another of the World Heritage cities of Spain with its typical cobbled streets, where you will feel that you have returned to the past with its medieval image, interesting churches, wonderful gastronomy and a quiet atmosphere that will help you disconnect from the hustle and bustle of Madrid.
Without a doubt, Ávila is a charming town that gives off magic and bewitches everyone who visits it, everyone who goes there will always feel the need to go again.
Aranjuez.
If you choose to visit Aranjuez, I will tell you that your next destination has been declared a Cultural Landscape of Humanity by UNESCO: for its spectacular gardens and magnificent monuments, such as the Royal Palace that will make you travel 500 years in History. Another trip that, without a doubt, is worth it.
In addition, in the summer months, numerous outdoor shows are held in Aranjuez. You can experience all kind of activities: concerts, live performances, dance shows and much more thanks to the splendid terraces that you will see all over the city.
And its surroundings are equally spectacular, you will find places of interest all around Aranjuez, such as las Tablas de Daimiel National Park, the Royal Site of San Ildefonso and the city of Toledo.
Chinchón.
And last but not least, we propose you to visit Chinchón. A town whose historical center is impressive. From Chinchón we can highlight its remarkable Plaza Mayor, the hearth and soul of this town. It is a square of medieval origin, with several accesses and a rather irregular shape. It dates back between the 15th and 16th centuries and its 234 balconies with their green railings are especially striking. Chinchón has the status of a good of cultural interest in the category of historical ensemble. In fact, the town is part of the association The Most Beautiful Towns of Spain, which it joined in 2017.
Also, it is noteworthy to mention the walks through the fields of the Renaissance palace, which was the residence of the Counts of Cabrera, former owners of the lordship of Chinchón back in the 16th century. And, we can not forget to mention its extraordinary gastronomy, famous for its wood-fired oven. The town is a marvel whose historical legacy was always linked to the homeland nobility; hence several castles and noble houses are still preserved. Even Francisco de Goya, the famous Spanish painter at the court of Carlos III, had a house in the town to visit his younger brother, a chaplain in those days of the church.
And you, which one of these WONDERS are you deciding to go for?