Best Day Trips from Madrid

Madrid has plenty to keep you busy. Even so, the area around the capital is just as tempting. Medieval walls, royal palaces and fairytale villages all sit within easy reach. Better still, most of these trips take under two hours. In this guide, we share eight of the best day trips from Madrid, with simple tips on how to get there. If you want even more ideas, our guide to the best towns near Madrid is a great next step.

Toledo: The City of Three Cultures

Toledo is the classic day trip, and it deserves that reputation. The fast Avant train from Madrid Atocha takes about 33 minutes. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio.

Once there, head to the Gothic Toledo Cathedral. Its carved choir stalls and golden altarpiece are truly stunning. Next, visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see El Greco’s famous painting, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. After that, cross the old Puente de San Martín for lovely views over the Tagus gorge. Finally, treat yourself to Toledo’s famous marzipan. For more ideas, see our 3-day itinerary for Toledo.

Driving takes about an hour. If you are already in Spain, get directions.

Segovia: Roman Aqueduct and Fairytale Castle

Segovia packs three big sights into one compact town. First, admire the Roman aqueduct, which stands without any mortar. Then climb up to the fairytale Alcázar of Segovia. Many people say it inspired Disney’s castle. Queues can build at weekends, so buy your Alcázar tickets online in advance.

Next, step inside Segovia Cathedral, nicknamed the “Lady of Cathedrals”. For lunch, try cochinillo asado, the local roast suckling pig. Mesón de Cándido sits right beside the aqueduct and is famous for it.

By train, take the high-speed service from Chamartín to Segovia-Guiomar. It takes about 30 minutes, and a bus then takes you into town. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. Driving takes about an hour. If you are already in Spain, get directions.

Ávila: Spain’s Best-Preserved Medieval Walls

Ávila is the highest provincial capital in Spain. It is also famous for its enormous 12th-century walls. They stretch for about 2.5 kilometres and include 88 towers. You can walk along a section of the Walls of Ávila for superb views over the rooftops.

Afterwards, wander through the old town to the cathedral, whose apse forms part of the defences. Ávila is also the birthplace of Saint Teresa. Try the town’s sweet egg-yolk treats, called yemas, as a reward for all that walking.

The train from Chamartín takes around 90 minutes. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. By road, the trip takes about an hour and a quarter. If you are already in Spain, get directions.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial: A Royal Retreat

Philip II built the huge Royal Monastery of El Escorial in the 16th century. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, you can visit the Royal Pantheon, the basilica and the beautifully painted Royal Library. Advance booking is strongly recommended, so buy your tickets on the official Patrimonio Nacional site before you go.

After the tour, stroll through the leafy Herrería woods. Then enjoy a relaxed lunch in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the town below the monastery.

Commuter trains run from Madrid to El Escorial in about an hour. From the station, a short bus ride or walk takes you to the monastery. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. Driving takes roughly 50 minutes. If you are already in Spain, get directions.

Aranjuez: Palaces and Gardens by the River

Aranjuez feels calm and green, which makes it a lovely change from the city. The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is the main draw, with its lavish rooms and elegant staircase. Tickets are limited at busy times, so book online ahead of your visit.

Then spend the afternoon in the Prince’s Garden and the Island Garden. Both are shady, peaceful and perfect for a slow stroll. In spring, look out for the local strawberries and asparagus on restaurant menus. The whole area is a UNESCO cultural landscape. Our guide to Aranjuez has more details.

Commuter trains from Atocha take about 45 minutes. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. Driving takes a similar time. If you are already in Spain, get directions.

Chinchón: A Postcard-Perfect Plaza

Chinchón is small, but it is full of charm. Its Plaza Mayor is the star. Three levels of wooden balconies surround the square, and locals once watched bullfights from them. Next, step inside the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, which holds a painting by Goya. Finally, sample the town’s famous aniseed liqueur.

Buses run from Madrid, but they are infrequent. Therefore, a car gives you much more freedom. Hiring a car for the day also lets you combine Chinchón with another nearby town. Hire a car with Discovercars. The drive takes about 45 minutes. If you are already in Spain, get directions.

Sigüenza: A Medieval Gem

Sigüenza sits quietly in the hills of Guadalajara province. Its sturdy cathedral looks more like a fortress than a church. Inside, the tomb known as El Doncel is the highlight. The Sigüenza Cathedral also holds an Annunciation by El Greco. Afterwards, wander down to the Renaissance Plaza Mayor for a coffee. Then walk uphill to the castle, which is now a Parador hotel.

Trains from Chamartín take roughly two hours. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio. Driving along the A-2 takes about an hour and a half. If you are already in Spain, get directions.

Pedraza: A Walled Village Frozen in Time

Pedraza is tiny, but it feels wonderfully special. A single gate leads into the walled village. Inside, stone houses surround an arcaded Plaza Mayor. Visit the castle, once home to the painter Ignacio Zuloaga. Then settle in for a hearty lunch of roast lamb. Pedraza is also on our list of the best castle towns in Spain.

Driving is by far the easiest option. The journey takes about an hour and a half. If you are already in Spain, get directions.

Tips for Planning Your Day Trip

Start early, because the best sights fill up by late morning. Also check opening days first, since many museums close on Mondays. Our guide to when museums close in Spain can help. Not sure whether to take the train or drive? Our train or car guide will help you decide. New to rail travel? Read how to use trains in Spain for simple, stress-free tips.

For more advice, see our guide to planning Spanish village day trips. If you still need a base in the capital, take a look at where to stay in Madrid.

First-timers should start with Toledo or Segovia. Royal history fans will love El Escorial and Aranjuez. Meanwhile, Chinchón and Pedraza suit a slower, more relaxed day. Whichever you choose, you will return to Madrid with great memories and a full camera roll.