11 Amazing Day Trips from Madrid: What to See and How to Choose
Updated: 2 hours ago
The best day trips from Madrid, Spain are Toledo and Segovia, each about 30 minutes away by high-speed train. If you have more time, El Escorial, Ávila, Aranjuez, and Alcalá de Henares are all easy by train, while Salamanca deserves a full day of its own. Below we cover eleven options, how to get to each one on public transportation, and what we’ve learned from decades of visiting them.
Madrid, Spain has a lot to offer without leaving the city limits. It has a rich history with many places of interest to keep visitors engaged for several days. Most visitors spend about two days in Madrid, which, in our opinion, is barely enough time to see the essential sites. You can read more on Madrid in some of our earlier posts. If you have more than a couple of days to spend in Madrid, there are many day trips from Madrid worth your time. So, if you're tempted to squeeze too much in, you're not alone!
Can You Visit Toledo and Segovia in One Day?
We often see people on Facebook asking if they should group both Toledo and Segovia into one day trip. These are probably the top two day trip destinations from Madrid. And, yes, you can do both in one day. There are even tours you can book for this. But we don't really recommend doing them both in one day, especially if you want a full experience in each city. We looked at one that's an 11-hour day trip with a guide to take you to a few of the essential places with free time in both locations. If you dig into the details of this particular tour, you'll see that you have three hours in Toledo and three hours in Segovia with the remainder of the time devoted to travel. To get a sense of why we recommend not visiting Toledo and Segovia in the same day, we plotted locations on a map for you. Toledo is about 44 miles south-southwest of Madrid and Segovia is about 56 miles northwest. The trip from Toledo to Segovia is about 100 miles. And, in our experience, once you arrive at these places, there are narrow streets that are slow-going for a tour bus. So, you'd be spending a lot of your day sitting on a bus.
Our List of Potential Day Trips from Madrid
We've developed a list of eleven places you might want to visit from Madrid on day trips, immediately below. Then we dig into each with a description and other information and links you might find useful. So read on to learn more. Included on the list are the two we've already mentioned as an example: Toledo and Segovia. We love both of these places and you might want to visit one or both of them. Let's get on to the list. We decided to put it in alphabetical order to avoid what might otherwise seem to be a random ranking. We hope this information will help you decide which day trip will delight you and your fellow travelers. You can probably find guided tours for all of these locations if you want the luxury of having a guide and private transportation. Here we'll focus on the public transportation options.
Day Trips from Madrid at a Glance
Alcalá de Henares: 30 km northeast. Train, about 25 to 40 minutes depending on the station. Best for Cervantes and the historic university.
Aranjuez: 50 km south. Cercanías C-3 from Atocha, about 45 minutes. Best for the royal palace and gardens.
Ávila: 110 km northwest. Media Distancia train, about 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 30. Best for the medieval walls and Santa Teresa.
Chinchón: 45 km southeast. Bus 337 from Conde de Casal, about 1 hour. Best for the Plaza Mayor and anís.
El Escorial: 50 km northwest. Cercanías commuter train, or bus 661 or 664 from Moncloa, about 1 hour. Best for the monastery and royal pantheon.
Patones de Arriba: 60 km north. Car, about 1 hour. Best for the black slate village.
La Granja (San Ildefonso): 80 km northwest. Train to Segovia, then taxi or bus. Best for the palace gardens and fountains.
Salamanca: 210 km west. Alvia train from Chamartín, about 1 hour 35. Best for the Plaza Mayor and two cathedrals.
Segovia: 90 km northwest. High-speed train, about 30 minutes. Best for the Roman aqueduct and the Alcázar.
Sierra del Rincón: 100 km north. Car, about 1 hour 30. Best for hiking and the Hayedo de Montejo.
Toledo: 70 km south-southwest. Avant train from Atocha, about 33 minutes. Best for the cathedral and El Greco.
Alcalá de Henares
Alcalá de Henares is the easiest literary day trip from Madrid: Cervantes’ birthplace, a UNESCO-listed university town, and less than an hour by train. Alcalá de Henares is a city built around a university and religious center with a medieval center that's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some notable people associated with the city include Miguel de Cervantes, Cardinal Cisneros, and Catherine of Aragon. Alcalá de Henares was the first city built as a university seat, meant to exemplify the concept of a "City of God," a city consisting of those committed to eternal truths. This is in contrast to the Earthly City which comprises those pursuing worldly pleasures. The City of God is destined for salvation, while the Earthly City is destined for damnation. I know, heavy, right?!
Don Quixote (Don Quijote)
Alcalá is also notable for significantly contributing to linguistic advancements, especially through Cervantes and Don Quixote, one of the founding works of Western literature. This work, published in two parts in the early seventeenth century, is considered by many scholars to be the first modern novel. You might think of Don Quixote battling windmills that he thought were giants.
If you haven't figured out yet, we're going to digress from time to time in this article in order to give you some history and anecdotes that you might not learn elsewhere.
Historic Alcalá
While in Alcalá de Henares, you can visit the House of Cervantes' Birthplace and some of the original university buildings and do a tour of the historic part of the city. The third photo in the gallery below is one of the original university buildings where I attended classes in during the 1989 to 1990 academic year. It's a beautiful and enduring example of Plateresque architecture, typical during the Spanish Renaissance in the late 15th century and the 16th century. The name plateresque comes from the Spanish word for silversmith, platero, and refers to the ornate design elements that you might find in silver decor.
While touring, be sure to look up because Alcalá is famous for the storks that nest on the rooftops. This is one of the endearing things that was pointed out to me when I first started attending classes there. The symbol of the University of Alcalá de Henares shows a rooftop or church spire with two nesting storks facing each other (our feeble attempt at describing it). Next time we visit, we're going to look for a tee shirt with this design.
Plaza de Cervantes (east side) House of Cervantes' Birthplace Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso Plaza de Cervantes (west side)
La Puerta de Madrid
In Madrid you may have walked along the Calle de Alcalá where you would see the Puerta de Alcalá (Alcalá Gate) near one of the entrances to Retiro Park. Heading east from there would take you in the direction of Alcalá de Henares. And, in Alcalá there is a Puerta de Madrid (Madrid Gate). In the middle ages, Alcalá was a walled city and you could only enter or leave it through one of various gates. La Puerta de Madrid is one of these gates that still exists on the west side of the old city.
Roman city of Complutum
Alcalá was originally a Roman city. It was destroyed around AD 1000 and rebuilt by the Moors in 1038. There are Roman ruins you can visit on the western edge of the city. It's a bit of a hike from the center, about a half hour walk. And taking the bus won't save you any time. If you Uber or take a taxi, you'll arrive in about ten minutes. We suggest taking a taxi and paying attention to the sights along the way. Then if things look interesting, just walk back and explore.
Lodging in Alcalá
If you want to spend more than a day here, and there's plenty to see and do, the Parador de Alcalá de Henares might be the right place for you to stay. I studied in Alcalá back in the day and visited this parador for a couple of school events. The next time I go I intend to stay at the Parador. I've lodged in and dined at the restaurants of various Paradores over the years. In my experience, they have welcoming staff, comfortable accommodations, and offer beautifully prepared, tasty food in comfortable settings with friendly, efficient service. Of course, there are other lodging options. A friend of mine was recently there and had a great experience at the PCM Forum Hotel which is just a short walk east of the Complutum ruins.
A Note about the National Paradors
National Paradors in Spain are unique government-run hotels, sometimes situated in restored, historic castles, monasteries, and palaces. They typically offer a blend of upscale or luxury accommodation and cultural heritage, allowing guests to experience Spain's rich history while enjoying modern amenities. In our experience they have very good restaurants. So, even if you aren't staying as a guest, you can enjoy well prepared food and gracious service at these hotels. We wrote more about them in Sleep in a Castle, Wake to a View: Lodging in Spain’s Paradores.
How Do You Get from Madrid to Alcalá de Henares?
If you go to Alcalá, the best way for tourists to get there is probably by train which takes 25 to 40 minutes depending on which station you use in Madrid. You can also take a bus or drive if you have a car. From the train station, it's about a 10 minute walk to the historic part of town. We suggest taking a taxi to the Plaza de Cervantes (one of our favorite places to hang out and only a short walk from the House of Cervantes' Birthplace and the original university building).
I know how to walk from the train station. And you could probably find your way with GPS. I did this walk every day when I was living in Madrid and studying in Alcalá back in the day. For lunch, I recommend finding a place on Calle Mayor with a menú del día (we wrote about the menú del día in a previous article about dining in Spain). Alcalá's official tourism website has more on what to see and do during your visit.
Aranjuez
Aranjuez, about 50 km (31 miles) south of Madrid, was where Spain's kings spent their springs, in a fertile valley where the Tagus and Jarama rivers meet. UNESCO listed its palace, gardens and planned town as a World Heritage Site in 2001. Families will enjoy the Strawberry Train, a vintage train from Madrid's old Delicias station that honors the 1851 Madrid to Aranjuez line, with strawberries handed out on board by staff in period dress. The town also stages the Motín de Aranjuez festival, which reenacts the 1808 revolt against the royal favorite Manuel Godoy.
Royal Palace of Aranjuez Estanque de los Chinescos, Jardín del Príncipe Strawberry Train
The palace you see today is the result of more than two centuries of rebuilding, from Felipe II's architects Juan Bautista de Toledo and Juan de Herrera to Francisco Sabatini under Carlos III. For me, the Porcelain Room (Gabinete de Porcelana), with its palm tree chandelier and large mirrors, is just one of the memorable rooms of this palace.
The Jardín del Parterre
One of Aranjuez's most rewarding attractions is the Jardín del Parterre, a formal French Baroque garden situated directly alongside the Royal Palace. Commissioned by Felipe V in 1725, it is one of the very few examples of classical French garden design in all of Spain, which is precisely why it has earned the unofficial nickname "Madrid's Versailles."
The garden suffered years of neglect and gradual deterioration, compounded by increasingly warm summers in recent decades. In mid-2025, Patrimonio Nacional began a restoration costing about 4.5 million euros, paid for with European recovery funds. The work includes a comprehensive restoration of the historic Fuente de Hércules y Anteo (Fountain of Hercules and Antaeus), recovering the garden's original 18th-century Baroque layout. The garden reopened in September 2026, with its fountains restored and 126 new trees planted. With all of the recent changes, we recommend checking the Patrimonio Nacional website for the latest information before your visit.
If the French Baroque garden tradition appeals to you and you want to experience it on a grander scale, see our Real Sitio de San Ildefonso section below. That visit pairs well with a separate day trip to Segovia, also covered below.
How Do You Get from Madrid to Aranjuez?
You can get there by direct train (45 minutes from the Atocha train station) or bus (1 hour). Or take the Strawberry Train, which leaves from the Railway Museum (Museo del Ferrocarril) in Madrid at 10 AM on weekends in spring and fall and returns in the early evening.
Which Strawberry Train Ticket Should You Buy?
The booking page is in English, but the ticket names are all in Spanish, and the price depends on the package and on whether you’re buying an adult or a child ticket. Here’s what each name means. Every package includes the round trip from Madrid’s Railway Museum and Aranjuez strawberries on the ride home. All the guided visits are in Spanish except the English Tour. Fresas al Natural has no guide at all, so it works fine if you don’t speak Spanish.
Fresas al Natural (Natural Strawberries): the train only, with the whole day free to explore Aranjuez on your own. The least expensive option.
Fresas con Nata (Cream Strawberries): adds a ride on the Chiquitrén, Aranjuez’s little tourist train, plus guided walks through the gardens.
Fresas del Tajo (Tajo Strawberries): adds a tourist boat trip on the Tagus River and guided walks through the gardens.
Fresas Reales (Royal Strawberries): adds a guided visit to the Royal Palace and the Royal Barges Museum (Museo de Falúas Reales). It may not appear on every date.
Nata Tajo (Cream of Tagus): the Chiquitrén and the river boat trip, with guided walks.
Nata Real (Royal Cream): the Chiquitrén and the Royal Palace visit.
Tajo Real (Royal Tagus): the river boat trip and the Royal Palace visit. Tied for the most expensive package.
Fresas de la Huerta (Strawberries Cyclists): an electric-bike tour through the orchards and riverside woods around Aranjuez, with a helmet included. Offered only on select dates.
English Tour: the only package guided in English. It includes the Royal Barges Museum, the Prince’s Garden, a video-guide visit to the Royal Palace, and a guided walk through the Parterre and Island gardens.
Adultos and Niños: adult and child tickets. Children’s fares go by height, not age: “de 1 a 1,40 metros de altura” means children between 1 meter (about 3 feet 3 inches) and 1.40 meters (about 4 feet 7 inches) tall. Children under 1 meter ride free if they sit on a lap.
“Soon gone!”: that date is nearly sold out.
In 2026, adult tickets run from about €32 to €60 and child tickets from about €24 to €48. Check the official Tren de la Fresa site for current dates and prices.
Back in the late 1980s, my Spanish host mother told me all about the Strawberry Train to Aranjuez. It has had some brakes over the years. But it is very popular now and a fun way to visit Aranjuez.
Ávila
Ávila, located about 110 km (68 miles) to the northwest, is famous for its impressive city walls, which are among the best-preserved in Europe and enclose a charming medieval town filled with cobbled streets and beautiful churches.
Ávila: What to See and Do
During your visit, be sure to spend time enjoying the delicious local food. You can stroll along a 1,700-meter walkway on top of the walls for stunning views of the cathedral, often called Spain's first Gothic cathedral. Saint Teresa de Jesús is another key figure here. Yemas de Santa Teresa, sweet egg-yolk candies first made by an Ávila confectioner in 1860, are a local treat you should try. Don’t miss the Convent of Santa Teresa, built in the 1630s on the spot where Teresa was born. Inside the church, look for the carved figures by Gregorio Fernández along the sides. In the convent’s small relics room you can see one of Teresa’s fingers, still wearing her ring. I first saw it as a college sophomore in the mid-1980s, and to be honest, it didn’t captivate me the way it would now. The same thing happened with the Crown of Thorns at Notre-Dame in Paris: it meant little to me when I first saw it in 1986, but seeing it again as a middle-aged adult was a very different experience. By that time my faith ran much deeper, and it was an emotional thing to see. If you’re also visiting Salamanca and have some flexibility, Teresa’s arm and heart are kept in Alba de Tormes, near Salamanca, where she died.
Who was Saint Teresa de Jesus?
Teresa of Ávila (1515 to 1582) was a Carmelite nun, mystic and writer who reformed her order and founded the Discalced Carmelites. “Discalced” means unshod: her nuns went barefoot or wore the simplest sandals as a sign of poverty. Her books, including The Interior Castle, are still widely read, and in 1970 she became the first woman named a Doctor of the Church.
What Makes This Church’s Baroque Different?
Baroque architecture is usually about drama: curving walls, painted ceilings that seem to open to the sky, rich colors and a lot of gold. The Church of Santa Teresa is different, and the reason is Teresa herself, who wanted her houses to be poor and simple. Built between 1629 and 1636 by the Carmelite architect Fray Alonso de San José, it takes its sober lines from El Escorial, built in sturdy granite rather than marble and gilt. The façade is laid out like an altarpiece in three levels, with a marble statue of Teresa and several coats of arms, and only near the top do you see the first hints of Baroque flourish. Inside, the decoration stays restrained, so the carved figures by Gregorio Fernández stand out all the more. It’s a world apart from the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the Baroque Obradoiro façade is pure drama and the gilded high altar glows at the end of a soaring, massive nave. Here in Ávila, the Baroque is quiet and restrained, the way Teresa would have wanted it.
Ávila, Spain 
Convent of Santa Teresa Los Cuatro Postes
Sunset at Los Cuatro Postes
For the classic view of Ávila, cross the Adaja River to Los Cuatro Postes, a small shrine of four stone columns built in 1566 on the rise west of the city. Legend says this is where Teresa's uncle caught up with young Teresa and her brother Rodrigo as they set off for Moorish lands, hoping to be martyred. I've heard this is a place to go at sunset and stay until the walls light up after dark. I plan to do this on my next visit to Ávila. When I went I was on a school excursion and we weren't taken there. A few hotels sit right beside it, such as the Sercotel Cuatro Postes, so you can put one into your phone's GPS to find it.
Parador de Ávila
If you're looking for a majestic place to stay or have a nice meal in the historic center of Ávila, the Parador de Ávila might be for you. It's a nationally run hotel in a converted sixteenth century palace, Palacio de Piedras Albas. Legend has it that Saint Teresa of Jesus played in the garden of this palace as a child where her aunt was a caretaker of sorts.
How Do You Get from Madrid to Ávila?
Media Distancia trains from Madrid’s Chamartín or Príncipe Pío stations take about an hour and a half. Spain's official tourism site has more on Ávila.
Chinchón
Chinchón, located 45 km (28 miles) southeast of Madrid, is renowned for its beautiful medieval square, the Plaza Mayor, featuring irregular layouts and two- to three-story houses with balconies. The square hosts various activities and shows, including bullfights during the season.
A Personal Story
In 1990 I was finishing up the first year of my master's program at Alcalá de Henares. One day I was sitting having an aperitif with one of my professors, Consuelo Callao, and a few other students. Consuelo was a remarkable lady who was also Spain's Cultural Ambassador to the European Community at the time. She asked if we wanted to go to Chinchón with her for the afternoon. So we went. One thing that stood out for me was a visit to an old bodega there. Consuelo told us that at one point it was a hangout of Ernest Hemingway. I have no way of confirming that, and knowing Hemingway's reputation, half the bodegas in Spain have a similar story. But I recently saw a reel on social media about Mesón Cuevas del Vino (C/ Benito Hortelano, 13, Chinchón, Madrid), a restaurant/bodega that has been operating for nearly 300 years. The establishment is formally protected by the Patrimonio de la Comunidad de Madrid and designated of tourist interest, and their own website describes it as "a place where time has not dared to pass." I'm fairly certain it's the same place I visited with Consuelo all those years ago. The place is worth a visit regardless of the Hemingway connection.
The town is also known for its anisette liquor, anís. Consuelo also introduced us to this traditional liquor and we each took some back to the city with us. If you go, you should try some and grab a bottle to take with you too!
Notable sites in Chinchón include the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, completed in 1626 and burned by Napoleon's troops in 1808. The church features a blend of architectural styles: Gothic, Plateresque (ornate early Spanish Renaissance design), Renaissance (revival of classical Roman architecture), and Baroque (as mentioned in the Ávila section above).
One of its treasures is Goya's painting of the Assumption of the Virgin. Other points of interest in Chinchón are the 17th-century convent of Saint Clare, the restored clock tower, and the remains of a 15th-century castle, reflecting Chinchón's rich history and architecture. The irregular buildings of the Plaza Mayor with its green-painted balconies make it an instantly recognizable and endearing landmark in Chinchón.
Plaza Mayor de Chinchón, Spain Clock Tower of Chinchón Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
Like Alcalá and Ávila, Chinchón has a nationally run Parador hotel with a nice restaurant. The Parador de Chinchón is in a converted 17th century Augustinian monastery. If you're looking for a unique place to stay, check out their web page and book a room. Or reserve a table there for lunch.
How Do You Get from Madrid to Chinchón?
Bus line 337 leaves from the Conde de Casal interchange in Madrid and takes a little over an hour. Chinchón's tourism website has more to help you plan.
El Escorial
San Lorenzo de El Escorial, about 50 km (31 miles) northwest of Madrid, is a mountain town that grew up around one building: the Royal Monastery of El Escorial. Felipe II had it built in the 16th century to commemorate the victory at San Quintín, and it is monastery, palace, library and royal burial place all in one. Spanish monarchs of the Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties lie in the Royal Pantheon beneath the basilica, whose dome rises 92 meters. Leave time for the library's manuscripts and for the paintings by El Greco and Velázquez. What struck me most was the sheer size of the place. I also remember the large rectangular pond in the gardens, and our guide explaining that the monastery’s floor plan is shaped like a "parrilla," a gridiron, in honor of Saint Lawrence, who was martyred on one.
Just a short drive away is the Valle de Cuelgamuros (previously called Valle de los Caídos or Valley of the Fallen in English) nearby.
San Lorenzo de El Escorial The Martyrdom of Saint Maurice (1580–1582), El Greco Fresco - El Escorial 
Valle de Cuelgamuros
How Do You Get from Madrid to El Escorial?
You can get to El Escorial by train or bus in about an hour. Cercanías commuter trains from Atocha and Chamartín stop at El Escorial station, at the bottom of the hill, and local buses run from there up to the monastery. Buses 661 and 664 leave from Madrid's Moncloa interchange and drop you right in town. Combining a visit to El Escorial with the Valle de Cuelgamuros is feasible, but adding another city might be too rushed. If you're going on your own and want to do a side trip to Valley de Cuelgamuros, you might be able to arrange for a car to take you there. We know there are tours that include both locations. Spain's official tourism site has more on San Lorenzo de El Escorial. The government plans a major redesign of the Cuelgamuros site, with work expected to start no earlier than 2027, so check Patrimonio Nacional before you go.
Patones de Arriba
Patones de Arriba is a tiny village of black slate houses tucked into the hills of the Sierra Norte, about 60 km (37 miles) north of Madrid. It’s a completely different side of the Madrid region from the palaces and cathedrals elsewhere in this article, and the best day trip on this list for anyone with a car and an appetite for a long country lunch.
We have to admit we haven’t made it to Patones yet. It’s high on our list. Everything here comes from official sources, and we’ll add our own impressions after we go.
Black slate houses Village sign Slate street corner
What Makes Patones de Arriba Different?
The village is one of the best-preserved examples of the “black architecture” of the Sierra Norte: houses, walls and even streets built from the dark local slate. In 1999 the village was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural, a protected historic site, for its ethnographic and environmental value.
For centuries Patones was a remote outpost of the town of Uceda, and by tradition its people chose their own leader, the “King of the Patones,” a sort of mayor and justice of the peace. The tradition ended when the town won its independence in 1769.
What Is There to See?
Patones is less about sights than about wandering. As you climb, look for:
The houses in the lower part of the village, with livestock buildings and barns above them.
The eras, old stone threshing floors at the top of the village, with wide views over the countryside.
Traditional bread ovens, the old laundry and fountains, reminders of how self-sufficient the village had to be.
The Church of San José, built in 1653 as a hermitage and now the tourist office and exhibition space.
Patones also has a surprising number of restaurants for its size, most serving hearty Castilian roast meats, so plan on a long lunch.
How Do You Get to Patones de Arriba?
You’ll need a car or a tour, since public transport is limited. From Madrid, take the A-1 (Autovía del Norte) to the exit at kilometer 50, follow the N-320 toward Torrelaguna, then the M-102 to Patones de Abajo, the newer village below. The drive takes about an hour.
Cars aren’t allowed in Patones de Arriba itself. Park for free in Patones de Abajo and walk up the Senda del Barranco trail, or take the shuttle that runs on weekends and holidays. The walk is steep in places, so wear sturdy shoes.
When Should You Go?
Weekends are when the village comes alive, but they’re also crowded, so arrive early. On weekdays it’s peaceful, but many restaurants close, so check ahead if lunch is part of your plan.
Real Sitio de San Ildefonso
Real Sitio de San Ildefonso, better known as La Granja, sits about 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Madrid, near Segovia, offers stunning palace architecture and beautiful gardens.
Royal Palace of La Granja Gardens - Palace of La Granja Fountain - Palace of La Granja
The main attraction is the Royal Palace of La Granja, built in the 18th century by Felipe V, Spain's first Bourbon king. Its gardens and fountains were modeled on Versailles and are full of figures from mythology. The name comes from a farm, a granja, that once belonged to the Hieronymite monks of El Parral in Segovia.
Beautiful Fountains
The fountains are our favorite part of La Granja. The whole garden is laid out around them, so every path seems to lead to another one. During the warmer months of the year they're operational. Notably, the Andromeda fountain was reopened on June 6, 2024 after being closed for many years.
Special Fountain Displays
There are usually three extraordinary displays of these fountains each year: May 30 (San Fernando), July 25 (Santiago), and August 25 (San Luis). These events involve the activation of the following seven fountains starting at 5:30 PM: La Selva, Carrera de Caballos, Canastillo, Ocho Calles, Ranas, Baños de Diana, and La Fama.
Like Chinchón and Ávila, el Real Sitio de San Ildefonso has a Parador (national hotel) in a converted historic building, the eighteenth century Casa de los Infantes (the sons of Carlos III lived here). If you're looking for a place to stay or to have a nice lunch in La Granja, check out the Parador de la Granja web page.
How Do You Get from Madrid to La Granja?
The town is accessible by car (1 hour 15 minutes from Madrid) or a combination of train and bus from Madrid. Combining a visit to La Granja with Segovia is practical and makes for a well-rounded day trip because they are just a short drive apart. You could take the 30-minute AVE train to and from Segovia and then take a taxi between Segovia and La Granja.
Salamanca
Salamanca, about 210 km (130 miles) west of Madrid, features the vibrant Plaza Mayor, the historic University of Salamanca, and the Salamanca Cathedral, among other special places. We've visited Salamanca several times, most recently in early September 2024. We wrote about that visit in Salamanca! Architectural Wonders and Vibrant Culture, so we’ll share just the highlights here.
New Cathedral façade Medieval tomb, Old Cathedral Love locks, Garden of Calixto and Melibea Garden of Calixto and Melibea
Is Salamanca's Plaza Mayor the Most Beautiful in Spain?
The Plaza Mayor de Salamanca would be a great place to start your visit to the city. On our recent visit we started at a nearby restaurant for lunch and then headed to the Plaza Mayor. Since we had parked in a lot near the restaurant, it made sense for us to end our visit at the Plaza Mayor too. Some say it's the most beautiful Plaza Mayor in Spain. It is beautiful, for sure. It isn’t the largest (Madrid’s is bigger), but its golden Villamayor sandstone makes it the one many Spaniards call the most beautiful. It has a beautiful clock tower and the perimeter has eighty-eight archways, each decorated with a medallion featuring key historical figures. The ornate Baroque architecture is truly quite remarkable.
Not One but Two Cathedrals
The other main attractions are the two Cathedrals, one from the 12th and 13th centuries and the other begun in 1513 and not finished until the 18th century. You'll probably spend an hour or more seeing these spaces. The ticket covers both and includes an audio guide. We bought our tickets at the door with no problem. You can also buy them online through the cathedral's ticket site.
Notable Architecture around the Historic Center
The Casa de las Conchas is another landmark. It was once a home of nobility but now houses a library. It was built at the beginning of the 16th century and the exterior has a remarkable shell motif.
How Do You Get from Madrid to Salamanca?
Fast Alvia trains from Chamartín (about 1 hour 35 minutes) and buses (2 hours 30 minutes) connect Madrid and Salamanca. The distance makes it more practical to dedicate a full day to Salamanca rather than combining it with another city.
Segovia
Segovia, situated about 90 km (56 miles) northwest of central Madrid, is renowned for its impressive Roman aqueduct, the Segovia Cathedral, and the fairy-tale Alcázar of Segovia. These are the key sites to see. And you'll be truly astounded by the aqueduct! The first time we saw it decades ago we were quite impressed. And the Alcázar is quite different than others in Spain. Let's take a closer look.
Aqueduct of Segovia Alcázar of Segovia Segovia Cathedral from the Plaza Mayor Church of the Vera Cruz
The Aqueduct of Segovia
The aqueduct is the reason most people come, and it doesn't disappoint. The Romans built it in the late 1st or early 2nd century AD to carry water more than 17 km from the Acebeda River in the Sierra de Guadarrama. In town you see the showpiece: more than 160 arches of stone blocks, two tiers high in places, held together without any mortar. It reaches its full height of about 28 meters at the Plaza del Azoguejo, the best place to stand and look up. I first rolled into Segovia by tour bus on a school excursion in the mid-1980s and was blown away by the enormous aqueduct towering over the center of town. The gallery images are photos from a trip I did with my family in 2008. I took the photo of the aqueduct from the Plaza del Azoguejo to show how massive it looks when you’re standing right under it.
The Alcázar of Segovia, A Lasting Favorite
On that first visit, we soon made it up the narrow cobblestone streets in small groups of students led by our professor guides, past souvenir shops and the Plaza Mayor on our way to the Alcázar. I have vivid memories of that day because I had never before experienced such an awesome place. The Alcázar sits on a rocky spur where the Eresma and Clamores rivers meet, at the far tip of the old town. It began as a fortress and became a royal residence, and much of the castle took shape in the 15th century under Juan II and Enrique IV. The pointed slate spires came later, added under Felipe II in the late 16th century. In 1764 Carlos III made it the home of the Royal Artillery College. A fire in 1862 badly damaged the castle, and much of what you see today is a careful restoration. Some say it inspired Disney’s castle, and with those slate spires it’s easy to see why. Inside, each room has its own character. The one I remember most is the Hall of Kings, with its decorative band of seated Spanish monarchs along the upper walls beneath a gilded ceiling. I also remember the spectacular views over the countryside from the windows of the rooms along the castle’s outer walls. You can buy tickets online on the Alcázar's official ticketing page.
The Segovia Cathedral
Segovia Cathedral, at the highest point of the old town, was begun in 1525 to replace the old cathedral destroyed during the Revolt of the Comuneros in 1520. It's known as the last Gothic cathedral built in Spain, and it wasn't consecrated until 1768. Walk around to the west front to see the Door of Forgiveness, then go in through the Door of San Frutos on the Plaza Mayor. By the time we went into the cathedral I was saturated by all I had learned that day, so I honestly didn’t take in much of it. If the cathedral matters to you, go there first.
Tickets are usually available at the door, or you can buy them on the cathedral’s website. The site is in Spanish, but the Entradas (Tickets) page has an English option.
A Note about Gothic Architecture
Segovia Cathedral is late Gothic, the last chapter of the Gothic style in Spain, built when much of Europe had already moved on to the Renaissance. Look for the pointed arches, the ribbed vaults spreading across the ceiling like a web, and the forest of pinnacles outside. Above all, notice the height and the light: late Gothic builders wanted you to look up. If you also visit Salamanca, compare it with the New Cathedral there, begun in 1513. The same family of architects, the Gil de Hontañóns, worked on both, and you can see the family resemblance. In both, my eyes were drawn up the pillars to where they seemed to meet far above my head.
Cliché Cochinillo Asado
In our opinion, your visit to Segovia would not be complete without a leisurely lunch of cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig). You typically order it for the table. And it is so tender that they can cut it with the side of a plate! If you tell a Spaniard that you went to Segovia, their first question will be to ask if you had cochinillo. We've always gone to Mesón de Cándido. But there are several others, such as Restaurante El Bernardino, Asador Real, and Restaurante José María.
Templar Chapel
If you have time, you could visit the 12th-century Church of the Vera Cruz, traditionally linked to the Knights Templar, just outside town (it’s in the gallery above). We've only ever viewed it from afar. Also, as we mentioned in the Real Sitio de San Ildefonso section above, you could possibly skip the long lunch and split your day between Segovia and the Palacio de La Granja.
How Do You Get from Madrid to Segovia?
Accessible via high-speed train from Chamartín (about 30 minutes), or bus (1 hour 30 minutes), Segovia’s concentrated attractions make it ideal for a day trip. Like Toledo, it is best visited alone due to its full slate of sights. The high-speed station, Segovia-Guiomar, is a few kilometers outside the old city, so allow time for the city bus or a taxi into town.
Sierra del Rincón
The Sierra del Rincón is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve about 100 km (62 miles) north of Madrid, best known for the Hayedo de Montejo, a rare beech forest you can visit only on a reserved guided walk. It’s a little farther north than Patones de Arriba, which is why it isn’t on our map.
I’ll admit we’re not avid hikers, so this is one day trip we haven’t done ourselves. We’ve included it for those of you who are. UNESCO named the area a Biosphere Reserve in 2005, and more than 90% of it is protected.
How Do You Get from Madrid to Sierra del Rincón?
A car is by far the easiest way, about an hour and a half from Madrid. Bus line 191C runs from Plaza de Castilla toward Montejo de la Sierra, but service is infrequent, so check the schedule before you count on it. You can also look for a guided tour that includes transportation from Madrid.
If the beech forest is your goal, plan ahead. According to the official Madrid tourism website, visits to the Hayedo de Montejo are guided, limited in size, and need a reservation through the reserve’s information center in Montejo de la Sierra, or at the Sierra del Rincón website (in Spanish only).
Toledo
Toledo is a top choice for a day trip from Madrid. It's located about 70 km (44 miles) south-southwest of central Madrid. This UNESCO World Heritage city offers a wonderful cultural experience with its well-preserved medieval streets and varied architecture dating back many centuries. Key highlights include the Toledo Cathedral, the Alcázar of Toledo, and the charming historic center. There's also the El Greco museum which houses a memorable collection of his beautiful paintings.
Toledo Cathedral façade, left Toledo Cathedral façade, center Toledo Cathedral façade, right
The Stunning Toledo Cathedral
Construction began on the Catedral Primada Toledo (Toledo Cathedral) in 1226 and it was completed by 1493. In 2026 the cathedral marked the 800th anniversary of that first stone, and a Jubilee Year runs from October 2026 to October 2027. It's a Gothic structure dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Built over a former Visigoth Cathedral and mosque, it features 5 naves, numerous pillars, and chapels added through the 14th to 16th centuries. We recall reading that there was originally supposed to be a second bell tower that was never built. Look for the scene of the Last Supper in the façade of the Cathedral.
Once inside, look for the Transparente, a unique and stunning architectural feature that serves a practical purpose. The Transparente is a Baroque altarpiece crafted by Narciso Tomé and his sons from 1729 to 1732. Made of Genoese marble, jasper, and bronze, it is notable for its illumination, provided by a large skylight and an opening at the back of the altarpiece. This design enables viewers to see through to the tabernacle behind it. Besides the standard visit, the cathedral offers evening experiences. We think you'll need at least an hour here. The cathedral's ticket website lists the current options.
Once a Royal Residence, Now a Military Museum
The Alcázar of Toledo, initially a Visigothic royal residence, was transformed into an Arab fortress in 932 AD. Rebuilt by Alfonso VI and later remodeled by Charles V in 1535, it became a Renaissance palace. It suffered damage in the Spanish Civil War but was rebuilt in the mid-20th century. Today it houses the Museo del Ejército (Spanish/Toledo Army Museum). You can visit it for a small fee and tickets are available at the door. We plan to check it out on our next visit. You can read more about it at the Spain Info page. Plan to spend an hour or so here.
Shopping in Toledo
In the streets around the Cathedral you'll want to do some shopping. Look for Toledo swords, damascene (damasquinado) jewelry and accessories, and handmade pottery from Talavera de la Reina, a neighboring town famous for its pottery.
If you have a car and plan to be in the Toledo area for a couple of days, you could do a day trip from Toledo to Talavera de la Reina. The pottery is beautiful and there's more to discover in this picturesque town, one of the province’s largest towns.
Talavera Ceramics
If you decide to purchase some Talavera pottery while in the city of Toledo, be aware that the shops sell other pottery not from Talavera. So, you'll want to make sure you are purchasing authentic Talavera pottery. To do so, you can usually check the bottom of the piece.
Damascene Trinkets
In some shops you can actually watch them making damascene pieces. It's a really painstaking process of gently and carefully hammering gold and or silver filaments into steel that's been heavily oxidized to make it black. The gold and silver inlays really stand out against the black background. Take the time to admire these treasures. They are really unlike anything you've seen before. These pieces are not inexpensive. But you may find them to be the perfect souvenir to gift or to bring back as a remembrance from your time in Toledo.
Toledo Blades
About the swords, Toledo, Spain was known throughout history for the quality of the steel and the metalworking industry, and thus, sword-making. If you buy a sword you can bring it back home in your checked baggage according to this TSA guidance. Worth noting, the city of Toledo, Ohio is the sister city of Toledo, Spain. They don't have a lot in common. But we happen to know that the main newspaper of Toledo, Ohio is the Toledo Blade.
The El Greco Museum
Once you've finished shopping, head over to the El Greco Museum. There you'll be amazed by the beautiful Mannerist Renaissance works of this Greek artist who settled in Toledo. When I first visited in 1986, I was blown away by the facial expressions of the subjects of his art.
The El Greco Museum opened in 1911 in Toledo's old Jewish Quarter, in a house and garden set up to evoke the painter's world. El Greco didn't actually live in this house; his home was nearby. The heart of the collection is his late work. You'll probably spend at least half an hour here, and we've been able to buy tickets at the door without a problem. While you're in the neighborhood, stop at the Church of Santo Tomé to see El Greco's masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. When I saw it in 1986, this painting made such an impression on me that I bought a small print of it in a gift shop.
We've visited the cathedral and the El Greco museum a few times and they never disappoint. A comprehensive tour would include exposure to this cultural history and the associated architecture and monuments, including Jewish temples, Moorish mosques, and Catholic churches. Spain's official tourism website has an interactive map and great information on what to see during your visit to Toledo.
Panoramic view of Toledo Panoramic view of Toledo Panoramic view of Toledo
How Do You Get from Madrid to Toledo?
You can reach Toledo by car in about an hour. There's also an Avant high-speed train from Atocha that takes about 33 minutes. Or you could take a bus (1 hour 15 minutes). While Toledo is best enjoyed as a standalone visit due to its rich history and compact size, it’s feasible to combine it with other nearby destinations in a day if time allows. We like to include time for a nice lunch and exploration.
A Great Vantage Point
The Parador de Toledo is a hotel and restaurant outside of town with stunning views of the city. If you can manage to have lunch there, you should make your way out to the back terrace. You won't be disappointed.
We suggest looking at the map to identify what you might be able to group with Toledo, if you really want to squeeze more in. One time we left Toledo in the mid afternoon in our rental car and found our way to Tembleque with its quaint Plaza Mayor, and three windmills (think Don Quijote).
We initially thought this was going to be one of our "quick read" articles. But, we soon realized that was not going to be the case. We wanted you to have a sense of all the wonderful and unique places to visit on day trips from Madrid. So, if you fall in love with Madrid and decide to return, you'll always be able to do a special day trip on your own or as part of a tour.
Which of the day trips we covered sparks your curiosity the most? Are there any locations on the list that you'd love to explore or perhaps a favorite spot we might have missed? Drop a comment to share your thoughts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips from Madrid
What are the best day trips from Madrid?
Toledo and Segovia are the two most popular day trips from Madrid, and both are about 30 minutes away by high-speed train. Other strong choices are El Escorial, Ávila, Aranjuez, Alcalá de Henares, Chinchón, Salamanca, the Royal Palace of La Granja, Patones de Arriba, and the Sierra del Rincón.
Can you visit Toledo and Segovia in one day?
Yes, guided tours combine them, but we don’t recommend it. A typical 11-hour combined tour gives you about three hours in each city, and the two cities are about 100 miles apart, so much of the day is spent on a bus. Each city deserves its own day.
Which day trips from Madrid are fastest by train?
Toledo (about 33 minutes from Atocha) and Segovia (about 30 minutes from Chamartín) are the quickest by high-speed train. Alcalá de Henares, Aranjuez, and El Escorial are reachable by commuter or regional train in roughly 30 minutes to an hour.
Is Salamanca too far for a day trip from Madrid?
No, but plan a full day. The train takes about an hour and a half each way, so Salamanca works best as a standalone trip rather than combined with another city.
When do the fountains at the Royal Palace of La Granja run?
The fountains run on scheduled days in spring and summer. The three extraordinary displays, with seven fountains running from 5:30 PM, are usually held on May 30, July 25, and August 25. Check the Patrimonio Nacional website for the current season’s schedule.
Do you need a reservation to hike in the Sierra del Rincón?
For the Hayedo de Montejo beech forest, yes. Visits are guided, limited in size, and require a reservation through the Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve information center in Montejo de la Sierra. Other trails in the reserve are less restricted, and a car is the most practical way to get there.
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