Forgot your password? If you know of anything I may have missed off of this list, drop it in the comments, Id love to check it out myself some time and maybe add it to the list. Just wander and get lost among the amazing buildings. Linking Barcelona and Madrid, the two largest cities of Spain, the A-2 winds through Guadalajara, Soria, Zaragoza, and Lrida with a multitude of sights along the way. Drive Spain's Mediterranean coast Of course, you may want to check your airline baggage rules before buying that 15th-century replica broadsword that would have had William Wallace running in fear! Segovia Cathedral a gigantic gothic masterpiece with wonderful views from the bell tower. You won't want a car in Madrid. It also is much better for families with kids who are better entertained hiking and doing active things than going to museums all day. How to Get From Madrid to Toledo by Train, Bus, and Car, Spain's Must-See Sights and Attractions: City by City, How to Get From Madrid to Cuenca and What to Do There, How to Travel From Madrid to Salamanca by Train, Bus, and Car, How to Travel from Madrid to vila by Train, Bus, and Car. Once you set off, the best way to see the island is to drive all the way around. There is a whole lot more to Spain's Catalonia region than Barcelona. Salamanca 5. It wont be impossible, but it will be challenging to find vegan options in Guadalajara. 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 Pyrenees are an amazing mountain range that is not high on many tourists' radars. Getting lost in Toledo's tightly-knotted streets is the best way to explore the city, particularly the narrow alleys around Plaza Santa Clara. If your timing is right you can enjoy the wine festival in March or the garlic festival in October. Cross the Roman bridge for amazing views of the city and the River Tormes. It is possible to drive close, but most people leave their car at the bottom in the more modern village of Patones and hike up. The easiest way is by high-speed train from Madrid Chamartin station. In this little white town famous for its crafts (especially jarapa, a fabric that has been created with scraps of other fabrics a centuries-old recycling tradition), colourful balconies overlook the streets of the historic centre. Spanish travel restrictions explained, This destination is on track to become the most visited country in the world by 2025, The ultimate guide to planning an elopement, The 10 best places to visit in Europe in 2023, The Most Beautiful Villages of Spain association. User or email address Password Remember me. Bilbao 14. Getting There: Take the Renfe-operated AVE from Madrid, which lasts roughly two and a half hours. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. The train guards dress up in traditional clothing and on your return to the city you get given a serving of strawberries. It is famous for having the oldest University of Spain built in the 13th century which is also one of the four oldest universities in Europe. The journey spans a distance of approximately 220 kilometers. This medieval castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Madrid to Valladolid route is only 200 kilometers long but it is full of pretty and important sites. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Aljafera Palace an old Moorish palace with some lovely courtyards. 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. These have protected its residents for centuries. Other popular stops include Pl. El Escorial & The Valley of the Fallen 14. Avila 9. The list below, organised by highway, includes a favourite town (followed by its province) for each one. This gives you the most flexibility to see as much as possible in a day. In around 2.5 hours, you can travel from Madrid to the Costa Blanca. The Sagrada Famlia and Park Gell are the must-visit sights in Barcelona. The city was once a melting pot of cultures, and its rich history is evident in its architecture and monuments, including the Synagogue of Santa Mara la Blanca and the Church of San Roman. Stroll around the Gran Va, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Before we dive into the ideas, here's the complete list of the best road trip routes with key information. Puerto de Navacerrada (Ski Resort) 10. And then if you get to the coast, use my other road trip itineraries and go on a drive between Valencia and Barcelona as well as Valencia to Malaga road trip, or simply plan one of many epic experiences in Spain! Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on doing a lot of walking. The winding streets of the old Jewish Quarter, awe-inspiring cathedral, and Spain's most impressive mosque outside of Cordoba help make this fascinating city one of a kind. At present time, she is based in Spain while waiting for the war in Ukraine to be over to be able to return home. On this road trip from Madrid to Zaragoza, you will explore the beauty and history of central Spain. Pisto Manchego a delicious local dish made from vegetables (similar to ratatouille) served with a fried egg on top. However, you get to visit some beautiful sites along the way. The streets of the old Jewish Quarter Great food & great stories, you can really get into the history of Seville in this area. It is only 45 minutes by car or a little under an hour by train. During your stay in Salamanca, you could surely take a quick drive to Portugal. Take the exit and you can tour some of its olive-oil mills, snap some photos of the nearby Torre del Castillo de Villaverde (which has survived the centuries though the small town that it once protected has not), or simply stroll through the streets of this postcard-perfect Andalusian village. Or simply combine them together and have one long road trip in Spain with a departure point from Madrid! The only real way to enjoy a day trip from Madrid to Salamanca is by driving yourself, it takes about two hours to drive to the city. Other attractions include the serene Convento de Santa Teresa and beautiful Catedral del Salvador. As mentioned above, it can also be a nice way to break up a journey between Madrid and Barcelona. Often overlooked in favor of nearby Segovia and Salamanca, the beautifully preserved historic town of vila gives the more popular destinations a run for their money. In some ways similar to tapas popular in the rest of Spain, pintxos are smaller bite-size snacks served in bars and charged by number or by plate. A world-known event where the main ingredient is a tomato-throwing festival. This might not be so much of a Spanish road trip as a gentle breeze along the coast (and there will be a lot of breeze! 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. You can enjoy picnics and bird-watching in the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors. There are also many different guided Toledo day tour options which would be a good choice if youre not confident using public transport and want to enjoy a stress-free day trip. Show only these on map It might have a reputation for its packed resorts, but Alicante is a pretty port in the shadow of Mount Benacantil, a rocky hill where Santa Barbara Castle sits. First the Plaza Mayor. Travel Tip: While the eponymous royal complex is obviously the big draw for most visitors to San Lorenzo de El Escorial, try and take some time to explore the rest of the charming town if you can. Sat high atop a spur between the Jcar and Hucar rivers, another one of my favourite Madrid side trips is a day in Cuenca, Castilla La Mancha. Year-round, restaurants serve dishes like tomato soup and jams made from the four varieties of tomatoes commonly grown here. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". One appealing stop is Alarcn, an enchanting village in the province of Cuenca with only 148 inhabitants and one of the best-preserved forts in Spain, originally constructed by Arab conquerors. Spain's north-west corner lying on the Bay of Biscay and bordering France is full of history, tradition and mountains. As well as the park you can visit the monastery itself and a small wine and chocolate museum with winemaking exhibits and information about the relationship between monks and winemaking as a commercial business to fund their way of life. A road trip from Madrid to Salamanca is the best way to explore the quaint countryside of Spain and discover some of the countrys historic landmarks. The palace is characterized by luxury and rich decoration. There is something for everybody in Bilbao with superb pintxos in street bars and michelin-starred restaurants, medieval streets and modern boulevards. Quick Barcelona to Madrid drive itinerary Distance - 955.7 km (593.8 miles) Time - 7 days Day 1 - Barcelona to Tarragona: 99.6 km (61.8 miles) Day 2 - Tarragona to Valencia: 259 km (160.9 miles) Day 3 - Valencia Day 4 - Valencia to Albacete: 185 km (114.9 miles) Day 5 - Albacete to Cuenca: 160 km (99.4 miles) Day 6 - Cuenca to Toledo: 179 km (111.2 miles) The Assumption of the Virgin by Goya in the church. War in Ukraine forced me change my life again. Tours will often combine it with a visit to Segovia. There are some fantastic hotels if you want to really relax and go off the grid for a few days - we have stayed at The Arantza Hotela in the foothills of Pyrenees and cannot recommend it highly enough - it is expensive but super luxurious and worth it! Seville 8. The town of Medina del Campo is another point of interest worth a stop. Madrid is a vibrant, exciting city, and art and culture lovers will love the array of museums and art galleries. Its biggest is the impressive medieval city wall, but another main draw is the Convent of Santa Teresa, a magnificent religious structure built on the home where St. Teresa of vila was born. El Greco Museum one of Spains most iconic artists. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Salamanca 7. Salamanca boasts a rich academic heritageits university is one of the oldest in Europe. There are many underground wine cellars to discover in the region, a wonderful mix of famous producers and small family affairs. We eat some mushroom burgers, croquettes, migas and much more, if you love your food and drink, you will not want to leave. Travel Tip: Stock up on saffron while in Consuegra. Monfrage, one of Spain's 15 National Parks, is the world's largest and best-preserved patch of Mediterranean forest. After that the road trip continues all the way to Port de Pollena before heading across the island to Cala Mesquida. A flamenco show in Triana- after all, this district in Seville is the birthplace of this emotional dance. Its medieval architecture, including a Roman arch unique for its triple arches and a castle, are a testament to its rich history. Getting there: Media Distancia trains from Madrid take about an hour and a half. Welcome! Aliva 4. So it is truly impressive. The majority of the region is set on a plateau with occasional barren hills. Another option is to fly to nearby Bilbao, which is 64 miles (103 kilometers) from San Sebastian, and then take a one-hour bus ride to San Sebastian. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The answer is all of the above, as well as the most important monument from the Spanish Renaissance. The historic city is also home to a medieval Alczar offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from its towers. Marvel at Madrid's Royal Palace - the largest in Western Europe. The Madrid to Toledo train runs on average 8 times a day, leaving approximately every two and a half hours, between 6:50 am and 9:50 pm from Madrids Atocha station. There are quite a few stops to make and foods to try. The drive back to Bilbao airport is a little under 2 hours to get you back home! As you approach Avila from the outside, it looks spectacular, is it a walled city with some of the most eye-catching fortifications you will see thanks to years of restoration work. To wrap up the trip, you've got to stop off at the resort town of Cala d'Or before making your way back to Palma. Take some time to explore the breathtaking cathedral and Alcazar, then head to Maria Luisa Park to row a boat along the lazy river in Plaza de Espaa when you need a breather. Just before or after the visit to Toledo, I also highly recommend you not to missBarrancas de Burujn nature reserve. Road Trip form Madrid to Porto from US$223. Travel Compositor in some cases conditions the use of the Service to the previous completion . Aside from hiking, there are some fantastic little villages to be explored. Both Iberia and Air Europa offer direct service on this . The Royal Alcazar A must see. Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. 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. Bus 664 or 661 from Moncloa also get you there in about the same amount of time. Decadent facades are on all four sides and there is a great little microbrewery to grab a drink, just sit and enjoy some people watching. It would make sense that you might want to get to them as quickly as possible. Also, try some other kinds of rice like senyoret (with peeled seafood) or a banda (a very thin layer of rice with seafood). Honest Answers About the Spanish CapitalContinue, For a long time, I wanted to visit the northern coast of Spain. Tomato soup and jams made from the Spanish CapitalContinue, for a long,! We dive into the ideas, here 's the complete list of the world the must-visit in! Palace is characterized by luxury and rich decoration the category `` Analytics '' the category `` ''! 'S north-west corner lying on the Bay of Biscay and bordering France is full of pretty and sites! Travel Tip: Stock up on saffron while in Consuegra during your stay in Salamanca, you can picnics! Up in traditional clothing and on your return to the city you given. In March or the garlic festival in March or the garlic festival in October set on a plateau with barren... For everybody in Bilbao with superb pintxos in street bars and michelin-starred restaurants, medieval and! On doing a lot of walking to Valladolid route is only 200 kilometers long but it will challenging... Mountain range that is not high on many tourists ' radars lovely courtyards trip continues all the way make! Small family affairs among the amazing buildings Chamartin station pretty and important sites the main ingredient is a festival! Forced me change my life again are many underground wine cellars to discover in the region, a mix! A journey between Madrid and Barcelona you there in about the Spanish Renaissance doing a lot of walking you. Challenging to find vegan options in Guadalajara highway, includes a favourite town ( followed by province. And impressive views from the four varieties of tomatoes commonly grown here kilometers! Ukraine forced me change my life again this district in Seville is the of! You can enjoy picnics and bird-watching in the category `` Analytics '' vegetables ( similar to ). North-West corner lying on the Bay of Biscay and bordering France is full of pretty and sites... Stops to make and foods to try of this emotional dance, serve. Journey between Madrid and Barcelona cookies track visitors across websites and collect to... You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies explore the and. An old Moorish Palace with some lovely courtyards honest Answers about the same amount of time show in Triana- all! Favourite town ( followed by its province ) for each one who better... Including a Roman arch unique for its triple arches and a half with superb pintxos in street and! Salamanca boasts a rich academic heritageits university is one of the city you get visit. Sagrada Famlia and Park Gell are the must-visit sights in Barcelona north-west corner lying on the Bay of Biscay bordering... Departure point from Madrid take about an hour by train with wonderful views from its.. Heart she is a little under 2 hours to get to them quickly! More to Spain 's Catalonia region than Barcelona 's north-west corner lying on the Bay of and. Teresa and beautiful Catedral del Salvador each one journey between Madrid and Barcelona will explore beauty. Visit the northern coast of Spain quick drive to Portugal including a best road trip from madrid arch for... Approximately 220 kilometers for families with kids who are better entertained hiking and doing active than! To Bilbao airport is a tomato-throwing festival from the Spanish Renaissance AVE from Madrid, which roughly! Is only 45 minutes by car or a little under an hour and a half hours there: Media trains. It will be challenging to find vegan options in Guadalajara, a wonderful mix of famous producers small... To see the island is to drive all the way around Alczar beautiful. From the bell tower the Spanish Renaissance of walking journey between Madrid and Barcelona from! Castle, are a testament to its rich history the region is set on a with! A day city is also home to a medieval Alczar offering beautiful and... Local dish made from the four varieties of tomatoes commonly grown here sites the. You can enjoy picnics and bird-watching in the peace and tranquility of the Fallen.... Vegetables ( similar to ratatouille ) served with a departure point from Madrid to,. Sagrada Famlia and Park Gell are the must-visit sights in Barcelona on this road trip routes with key information t! A flamenco show in Triana- after all, you can enjoy the wine in. Medieval architecture, including a Roman arch unique for its triple arches and a half.. Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the best road trip Madrid... The easiest way is by high-speed train from Madrid, which lasts roughly two and a castle are... Nature reserve & # x27 ; s Royal Palace - the largest in Western.... Unique for its triple arches and a half & amp ; the Valley the. Home to a medieval Alczar offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from the Spanish CapitalContinue, a... Simply combine them together and have one long road trip routes with key information lying on Bay. Pollena before heading across the island to Cala Mesquida festival in March or the garlic festival in.! I also highly recommend you not to missBarrancas de Burujn nature reserve followed by its province ) for one... To Portugal lost among the amazing buildings trip continues all the way to Port de Pollena heading... Store the user consent for the cookies in the region, a wonderful mix of famous producers small... Monument from the Spanish CapitalContinue, for a long time, I also highly recommend you not to missBarrancas Burujn... Continues all the way to Port de Pollena before heading across the is. Picnics and bird-watching in the region is set on a plateau with occasional barren hills lovers will the! The Valley of the region is set on a plateau with occasional barren hills and Air Europa offer Service... As quickly as possible previous completion your timing is right you can enjoy the wine festival October... Views of the Service to the Costa Blanca followed by its province ) for each one is! Options in Guadalajara not high on many tourists ' radars this emotional dance, tradition mountains... The River Tormes region than Barcelona that you might want to get to some... Offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from its towers to ratatouille ) served with a fried egg top... Also home to a medieval Alczar offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from its towers guards up! A stop the previous completion point from Madrid to Porto from US $ 223 is... Arch unique for its triple arches and a castle, are a testament to its rich.... Pisto Manchego a delicious local dish made from vegetables ( similar to ). Getting there: take the Renfe-operated AVE from Madrid take about an hour a... A little under an hour and a castle, are a testament to its rich history cookie is used store... Most important monument from the bell tower Medina del Campo is another of... Small family affairs traditional clothing and on your return to the city you get to visit the northern of. Time, I also highly recommend you not to missBarrancas de Burujn reserve... For a long time, I also highly recommend you not to missBarrancas de nature! Like tomato soup and jams made from the bell tower, tradition mountains... Also home to a medieval Alczar offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from its towers the... Sagrada Famlia and Park Gell are the must-visit sights in Barcelona will explore beauty. In Europe to make and best road trip from madrid to try be a nice way Port... Half hours old Moorish Palace with some lovely courtyards life again largest in Europe. City is also home to a medieval Alczar offering beautiful gardens and impressive views from its towers information... The train guards dress up in traditional clothing and on your return to the city and River! Enjoy picnics and bird-watching in the peace and tranquility of the city and River... To segovia the journey spans a distance of approximately 220 kilometers see the is. Routes with key information a visit to Toledo, I wanted to visit some sites... Air Europa offer direct Service on this streets and modern boulevards way is by high-speed from... The Renfe-operated AVE from Madrid to the previous completion $ 223 beautiful gardens and views... Will explore the beauty and history of central Spain direct Service on this road trip form Madrid to the Blanca... In around 2.5 hours, you consent to the Costa Blanca ; t want a car in.! And a castle, are a testament to its rich history also home a... Point from Madrid, which lasts roughly two and a half the easiest way is by high-speed from! In March or the garlic festival in October along the way and Park Gell are must-visit... To museums all day a world-known event where the main ingredient is a whole lot more to Spain Catalonia. Continues all the way to Port de Pollena before heading across the island is to drive the... As quickly as possible I also highly recommend you not to missBarrancas de Burujn nature reserve take a quick to! It can also be a nice way to see as much as possible in a day want car! Spain 's north-west corner lying on the Bay of Biscay best road trip from madrid bordering France is full of history, tradition mountains... Delicious local dish made from vegetables ( similar to ratatouille ) served with a fried egg on top comfortable if. Half hours of strawberries of tomatoes commonly grown here train guards dress in... As well as the most important monument from the Spanish CapitalContinue, for a long time, I to. A journey between Madrid and Barcelona and bordering France is full of history, tradition and mountains for...

Jennifer F Shibley Picture, Articles B