Enjoying Day Trips Around Madrid
There are so many places to see around Madrid but if you have limited days of travel for Spain, then you may want to consider day trips to get the best of Spain. Day trips or excursions are common to nearby cities from Madrid as the transportation is well structured. You can reach your preferred destinations by rental car, local buses, train or join an organized tour.
Toledo
This city is barely 50 km, or 31 miles, from Madrid; it used to be Spain’s capital for over five centuries that span two millennia. There are plenty of Christian, Moorish and Jewish monuments to reflect their habitation and influence. The largest Cathedral is located here with the Alcázar which is a fortress on top of a hill that was burnt and restored after 70 days of siege during the country’s Civil War.
Segovia
This town is further away at 88 km or 55 miles from Madrid. It is exquisitely located with mountains all around. It is famous for many things, such as its Gothic cathedral, the Roman aqueduct, the medieval old sector as well as traditional local cuisine. It is more enjoyable during the weekdays as the locals flock here in droves on the weekends.
El Escorial
This town is only 40km from Madrid. It houses the grand palace and impressive monastery that was built by Philip II. A huge 16th Century building set near the mountains on a massive space makes it an impressive sight to visit.
Valle de los Caídos
The Valley of the Fallen is a monument set up in remembrance of the Civil War victims. There is a rock basilica that was hewn by prisoners taken by General Franco. It is said that about 40,000 dead soldiers of both parties (Republicans and Nationalists) laid behind the walls of the mausoleum.
El Pardo
This houses a hunting lodge and royal palace which was General Franco’s residence. Now it functions to receive visiting VIPs while in the summer, the Aranjuez palace was a hunting lodge in ancient days. Beautiful riverside gardens grace the surroundings and the neighboring town, Chinchón, is just magnificently “picturesque”.
Other cities
There are more exciting cities that you can consider when you are in Spain including UNESCO acclaimed World Heritage sites like Salamanca, Àvila and Cuenca. These are close by to Madrid which you can travel to and fro for day trips or even for a one night stay.