Madrid doesn’t exactly lack for things to do. From the Prado Museum to the Royal Palace, Madrid will keep you busy. Still, if you’ve got more than a couple of days in the Spanish capital, save a day for getting out of the city. It’s worth it. Spain’s towns are filled with unique attractions resulting from the country’s history with several cultures–Celtic, Roman and Arab among them. A day trip from Madrid can even include a trip to the beach (yesss)!
Within one to three hours, you can get to many day destinations by car or train, but the advantages of renting a car are many–set your own schedule, leave earlier than trains leave so that you can have more time to explore or even carry a trunkload full of snacks to save money on restaurants.
Avila
If you dig on history or places that feel like they’re straight out of the past, go to Avila. Avila’s main draw is something you can’t see just anywhere–medieval walls surrounding the city. These towering walls were started in 1090 and it’s completely, totally worth it to pay the admission fee and walk along the top. Also don’t miss the Avila Cathedral, which is built right into the walls (!!), or the Basilica de San Vicente.
Segovia
Like other historic Spanish towns, Segovia has traces of just about everything–an aqueduct built by the Romans, a Gothic cathedral and a castle. While the word castle might conjure up images of Germany or England, the Alcazar of Segovia (alcazar means castle) is here to show you that Spain has got castles down. The Alcazar rises high above the city and has been home to royals and prisoners alike (that’s right, a castle served as a prison).
Toledo
UNESCO World Heritage Site Toledo is the former capital of Spain, so it’s got a bit of grand to it. Like Segovia, you’ll see traces of Roman rule left behind, including the ruins of a Roman circus, but also a Jewish quarter and a synagogue, and former mosques converted into churches. The Toledo Cathedral is a must-visit, perched high above the town. The art gallery within is also a perk and you’ll find many artists here that are also in the famous Prado Museum, including Goya and El Greco. But whatever you do in Toledo, stroll the winding streets. The atmosphere is amazing and will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time.
Parque Warner
Maybe you don’t think about going to a theme park in Madrid, but if you’ve got kids along with you who are tired of seeing amazing sights, then maybe a theme park is just what you need. Located a half hour outside of Madrid, the Warner Brothers Theme Park is movie-themed and filled with rollercoasters, other rides, the Cartoon Village and an Old West Territory.
Aranjuez
Sometimes you just need to visit a decadent royal palace. If that sometimes happens while you’re in Madrid, head to Aranjuez. The Royal Palace of Aranjuez comes complete with a Throne Room, Porcelain Room and formal gardens you can wander while you pretend that you’re royalty. The town itself is also a lovely place to stroll, explore, and eat tapas and paella.
Valencia
Okay, so about those beaches. Valencia is home to the closest beaches to Madrid, including Playa de Malvarrosa and Playa e Levante o de la arenas, but perhaps the best beach is El Saler. Valencia is also known for Falles, a festival that takes place each March. Local neighborhood groups build giant paper mache figures called falles–some several stories tall! In the days before March 19, the falles are paraded around and on March 19, they’re all set on fire and burned to the ground. The festival also involves fireworks, but if you stay for the festivities, you might want to turn that day trip into an overnighter. The party and fires go late into the night. The coastal town of Valencia is a bit farther afoot at 3.5 hours away from Madrid by car, or 1.5 hours away by train.
Cordoba
Getting to Cordoba involves a longer drive (close to four hours) or a high-speed train ride, but it’s worth it. This ancient city that has been both a Roman and Arab capital. The town itself is super pretty with meandering streets and quaint public squares, but the reason you’re here (whether you know it or not) is the Mezquita. Originally built in the 700s as a mosque, the structure later became a cathedral. Today it’s famous for its dazzling interior. Columns support colorful striped arches, light plays around the space. Yeah. It’s amazing and you won’t want to miss it.
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Photo credits:
Avila: Son of Groucho via Flickr
Alcazar de Segovia: Jose Luis Cernadas Iglesias via Flickr
Toledo Cathedral: Kevin Poh via Flickr
Parque Warner: iñaki lopez via Flickr
Palacio Real de Aranjuez: Barcex via Flickr
Falles, Valencia: Emiio Garcia via Flickr
Mezquita, Cordoba: Bert Kaufmann via Flickr