12 day trips to Madrid

Enjoy your stay in the Spanish capital to discover its surroundings! You will be surprised by the diversity of day trips from Madrid!

Madrid is a dynamic city that has nothing to envy its European neighbours. Upon arrival, you will be charmed by its sunny climate, architecture, cultural offering and gastronomy. All around the capital, a multitude of options for day trips are available: historic cities, traditional villages, natural parks... The hardest thing is to choose!

Are you still looking for inspiration? You can enjoy the best excursions from Madrid.

1. Toledo

Long known as the "Imperial City", the city of Toledo is an excellent destination near Madrid. Nicknamed "the city of the three cultures", it was populated by Christians, Jews and Muslims during its existence. These influences are read today in its amazing UNESCO World Heritage heritage.

At the turn of its picturesque streets, you will see a 13th century cathedral, a few synagogues and mosques. The Alcazar, a fortification located in the heights of Toledo, is worthy of a passage.

2. Aranjuez

Paisible, this small town located less than an hour from the capital is one of the great day trips from Madrid. Its main attraction is its royal palace surrounded by gardens and fountains. The decor of the building is quite surprising!

In addition to the palace, Aranjuez has beautifully preserved arenas. They can be the subject of an interesting stop. For leisure, it is possible to make a boat trip along the river to discover the city otherwise.

3. Ségovie

Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, Ségovie is famous for the wealth of its historic buildings. If the centre of the city houses an impressive amount of treasures, three of them appear as must-sees:

• Cathedral of Santa Maria one of the last Gothic monuments built in Europe;
• The Roman aqueduct, whose state of conservation is remarkable;
• And the Alcázar, the fortified castle that inspired the silhouette of Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney.

4. Aranda de Duero

Today, Ribera del Duero is one of the most prestigious wine regions in Spain. It gathers productions of famous wines, as well as medieval villages and castles that you can discover during your excursions from Madrid.

L’ Aranda de Duero is one of them. Walk through the streets of its charming historic centre, visit the churches of Santa María and San Juan, taste its gastronomy and venture into its underground wine cellars. You will discover up to 7 kilometers of galleries dug into the basement! The place has an undeniable charm.

5. Royal Palace of the Granja of San Ildefonso

This destination is particularly famous for its royal site, known as La Granja. Former summer residence of the Spanish royal family, this 18th century palace is now open to the visit.

By registering this exit to the list of excursions from Madrid, you will dive into an amazing universe composed of baroque decorations, paintings and sculptures. Outside, a vast garden inspired by Versailles , constellated with fountains, wait for you.

6. The Royal Monastery of the Security

Former residence of the king of Spain, symbol of the reign of Felipe II , the Royal Site of the Security is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1984. This architectural jewel gathers the monastery, a basilica, a museum, a college, a library and a royal palace, which contains the famous Kings Pantheon.

If contemplating these wonders is not enough for you, you can also reach the site from Principle Pío Station (Madrid) using a train of the 1940s, animated by dressed controllers like the characters of the King’s Court. Atypical!

7. Avila

Upon arriving at Avila, we immediately notice the presence of medieval ramparts. Still intact, they surround the old city and offer a superb show, especially at night when they are illuminated. Composed of 80 towers and 9 doors, they are part of the country's best preserved architectural ensembles.

Walking on the ramparts, you will have access to splendid views of the city. From the heights you will see the Cathedral of Avila, considered the first Gothic Cathedral of Spain, the monastery of Santo Tomás, Mercado Chico Square and the Convent of Santa Teresa, monuments that will lead to the continuation of your day.

8. Sigüenza

This small medieval town, declared "Historical and Artistic ensemble", is constellated with monuments of great value. If you are passionate about Art and History, this destination is to be included in the list of day trips from Madrid.

Its castle, cathedral and main Renaissance-style square are a must. To reach Siguënza, you also have the opportunity to take the medieval train from Madrid-Chamartín Train Station. Your journey will be at the rhythm of jugglers and troubadours.

9. Pedraza

The village of Pedraza is regularly considered one of the best preserved medieval villages in Spain. His visit will lead you to a charming journey in time, in the middle of picturesque alleys and medieval fortifications. Around the Plaza Mayor, you can discover houses with blasons, they are a classified set.

In the north, the Castillo de Pedraza, a fortified castle of the 13th and 15th centuries, overlooks the city. The painter Zuloaga owned a studio in his dungeon. He now houses a museum dedicated to the artist’s works. In the city, the medieval prison and the church of San Juan are worth a visit.

10. Salamanca

Salamanca is one of the country’s cultural pearls. As you travel through its historic centre classified as UNESCO World Heritage, you will be immersed in its thorny history. You will be conquered by the architecture of its University inaugurated in 1218, the oldest university in Spain and the fourth in Europe.

During your visit, stop in the cathedrals, on the Plaza Mayor and in front of the Casa de las Conchas, a building whose facade has been decorated with more than 300 shells.

The richness of this destination makes that, unlike other excursions from Madrid, we recommend you book two days.

11. Cuenca

Nestled on vertical cliffs, Cuenca is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Fortified historic city, it houses casas colgadas , suspended houses built in the 14th century that constitute the originality of the city. They create an amazing view when approaching Cuenca.

In addition to these impressive monuments, the city hosts the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint-Julien, an Anglo-Norman-style building, the only copy of the country.

12. Parc Naturel des Hoces del Río Duratón

Some excursions from Madrid will lead you to the heart of a preserved nature, this is the case of this biodiversity paradise. Through several marked routes, the Hoces del Río Duratón Nature Park is ideal for hiking.

Sprinkled with refreshing gorges, this land is that of wild vultures, royal eagles and pilgrim falcons. In the midst of this nature there is a Roman hermitage, caves with engravings of the Bronze Age and the architectural ensemble of Sepúlveda.