While Madrid offers an endless array of vibrant neighborhoods to explore, venturing beyond the city is essential for those craving a deeper, more authentic taste of Spain. Here’s the ultimate list of unforgettable day trips that showcase the country’s charm beyond its capital.

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The Best Day Trips from Madrid

Exploring Spain beyond Madrid

As much as I enjoy returning to Madrid – whether it’s uncovering a new art museum or joining a last-minute cooking class – some of my all-time favorite spots in Spain were found on day trips beyond the city. Stepping away from Madrid’s buzz now and then offers a refreshing change of pace and a chance to discover some of Spain’s most iconic landmarks and charming small towns that still hold onto their traditional character.

In fact, while comparing Madrid and Barcelona, I found myself surprisingly leaning toward Madrid. Why? Thanks to its central location, Madrid is the perfect launching point for day trips, scenic road adventures, and train-based itineraries across Spain.

Madrid sits in the very heart of Spain, giving travelers easy access to a wide variety of destinations – from historic towns and UNESCO sites to stunning natural escapes. While Barcelona’s day trips tend to focus on the beautiful Mediterranean coast (which is no less impressive), Madrid truly shines when it comes to variety and depth of sightseeing options. In that sense, it’s one of the best starting points for any Spanish travel bucket list.

top madrid day trips — *El Retiro Park in Madrid*

Best Madrid Day Trips You Can Take by Car or Train

1. Toledo

Travel time: 1 hour by car / 30 mins by train

Toledo Spain Travel — *Toledo – one of my favorite Madrid day trips*

Toledo is, without a doubt, one of my favorite places in Spain. I last visited on my way to Extremadura – and it was my fourth time in the city – yet I already have plans to return this year. That’s how captivating Toledo is.

Known for its extraordinary history, rich blend of cultures, and striking architecture, Toledo offers a timeless experience. The Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo stands as one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Spain, while the Museo del Greco is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Toledo served as Spain’s capital until 1561. It is often referred to as “The City of Three Cultures” for its long-standing coexistence of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities. Toledo is also home to one of Spain’s most famous love legends – The Story of the Bitter Well – a tale that adds to the city’s enduring mystique.

You can find my full Toledo itinerary in this post, with detailed tips on what to see and how to make the most of your visit.

Best Madrid Day Tours to Toledo:

To enjoy a hassle-free visit to Toledo from Madrid, consider booking a guided tour that covers transportation and a planned sightseeing schedule, ensuring a stress-free experience.

From Madrid: Full-Day Guided Tour of Toledo with Cathedral Visit (check availability)
From Madrid: Guided Day Tour of Toledo & High-Speed Train Ticket (check availability)
From Madrid: Toledo Tour with Wine Tasting and 7 Monuments (check availability)
Hot-Air Balloon Ride over Toledo with Optional Transport from Madrid (check availability)
Private tour in Toledo with train station pick-up and panoramic taxi tour (check availability)

While many day tours combine Toledo with Segovia and Ávila, I personally recommend spending at least a full day in Toledo. If you’re really short on time and want to see as much as possible, that option is available – but it can feel quite rushed.

2. Don Quixote Windmills

Travel time: 1 hour by car

Don quijote mills in Castile-La Mancha, Spain — *Campo de Criptana – one of the most unique Madrid day trips*

Beautiful architecture in Spain Tomelloso — *One day in Tomelloso*

The famous Don Quixote windmills, located in Campo de Criptana, are among the most popular landmarks in the Castile-La Mancha region of central Spain. For this day trip, you’ll need to rent a car or book an organized tour from Madrid.

If you had to choose one symbol that represents Spain internationally, it would undoubtedly be Don Quixote, one of the world’s best-selling books of all time. Its author, Miguel de Cervantes, remains one of the most celebrated Spaniards in history. Not only is Don Quixote one of the oldest classics, but it’s also considered a must-have children’s book in Spain.

A book-themed road trip across the region offers one of the most unique experiences in Spain. However, if time is limited, you can still enjoy a brief visit to the lands of Don Quixote on a day trip from Madrid. You can also combine a visit to the Don Quixote windmills with a stop in the small town of Tomelloso. Read about all the things to see and do there in this post.

3. Segovia + Avila

Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes by car / 50 minutes by train

aqueduct of Segovia - landmarks in Spain — *Segovia – one of the most epic Madrid day trips*

One of the most iconic day trips from Madrid is Segovia, especially for those seeking adventure with hot air balloon flights over the city. Segovia is famous for its remarkably well-preserved Roman aqueduct – the best in Spain – and the legendary Alcázar, one of the most fairytale-like castles in the country. Unlike many other Spanish castles that served primarily as fortresses, the Alcázar de Segovia was a royal residence and has never been conquered. It’s even said to have inspired the design of Cinderella’s Castle, Disney’s iconic symbol.

If you have the chance to spend a few days in the area, I highly recommend it. Travelers often combine Segovia with visits to Ávila and the nearby Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso. But if your time is limited, even a single day in Segovia is well worth it.

As for Ávila, this charming town is famous for its remarkably intact medieval walls – considered among the most unique in Europe and a top UNESCO World Heritage Site in Spain. While many castles and medieval villages in Spain are surrounded by walls, none quite compare to those of Ávila. Built at the end of the 11th century, Ávila’s walls were designed to protect the local population from Moorish invasions and remain impressively preserved today.

Best Madrid Day Tours to Segovia and Avila:

For an easy and relaxed trip from Madrid to Segovia and Ávila, you can opt for an organized tour that handles all the transportation and sightseeing arrangements, so you don’t have to worry about a thing:

From Madrid: Segovia & Avila Day Trip with Optional Entry Tickets (check availability)
From Madrid: Avila and Segovia Full-Day Tour (check availability)
Segovia Hot Air Balloon Ride with Optional Pickup Service (check availability)
From Madrid: Segovia and La Granja Full-Day Guided Tour (check availability)

4. El Escorial + Valley of the Fallen

Travel time: 1 hour by car

escorial travel day trips from madrid — *El Escorial – one of the must-do Madrid Day trips*

valle de los caidos madrid spain — *Valley of the Fallen*

El Escorial is a must-visit day trip from Madrid, renowned as one of Spain’s most magnificent landmarks. Located in the Guadarrama mountain range at an altitude of 1,028 meters, the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is home to a stunning monastery dating back to the 15th century. Spanning an impressive 33,327 square meters, the monastery showcases a unique blend of architectural styles and intricate decorations.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Lorenzo de El Escorial offers a wealth of remarkable spaces to explore, including Los Panteones, the Claustro Principal, the Basilica, Salas Capitulares, the Palacio de los Austrias, the Palacio de los Borbones, and the Sala de Batallas. As a book lover, I found the monastery’s Library particularly captivating – it houses around 400,000 rare ancient texts, including manuscripts in Greek, Latin, Arabic, and Hebrew.

Nearby, you can also visit La Herrería Forest and the Valley of the Fallen (Valle de los Caídos). This controversial monument was commissioned by the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco in 1940 and served as his burial site until his exhumation in 2019 after years of political debate.

Best Madrid Day Tours to El Escorial:

For a smooth and worry-free trip to El Escorial from Madrid, you might want to book a guided tour that includes transportation and a detailed itinerary, so all the logistics are handled for you.

From Madrid: Escorial Monastery and the Valley of the Fallen (check availability)
From Madrid: El Escorial and Valley’s Basilica Half Day Tour (check availability)
From Madrid: Private Tour of El Escorial, Valley of the Fallen, & The City (check availability)

5. Salamanca

Travel time: 2 hours 20 mins by car / 1 hour 40 minutes by train

Salamanca best madrid day trips — *Salamanca – one of my favorite Madrid Day trips*

It’s hard to find another Spanish city that so perfectly blends a vibrant, youthful atmosphere with extraordinary historical beauty like Salamanca. Famous for housing the oldest university in Europe, Salamanca holds a special place in my heart – I lived there for a month while preparing for my DELE Spanish exam, marking my first short expat experience in Spain.

Founded by King Alfonso IX in 1218, Salamanca’s university was Spain’s first institution of higher learning. By 1254, it had gained recognition from Pope Alexander IV as one of the world’s top four universities, alongside Oxford, Paris, and Bologna.

Salamanca’s Cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful in Spain, uniquely composed of two churches joined together: the Old Cathedral, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries in Romanesque style, and the New Cathedral, built in the 16th century and featuring Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance influences.

Best Madrid Day Tours to Salamanca:

Here are some popular organized day tours to Salamanca from Madrid, with several options that also include a visit to nearby Ávila:

From Madrid: Day Trip to Ávila and Salamanca w/ Guided Tour (check availability)
From Madrid: Day Trip to Salamanca with Private Tour (check availability)

6. Alcala de Henares

Travel time: 45 minutes by car / 40 minutes by train

alcala de henares madrid day trip — *Alcala de Henares – one of the closest Madrid Day Trips*

Alcalá de Henares is famously known as the birthplace of one of Spain’s most celebrated figures – Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616), the author of the globally renowned novel Don Quixote.

In this charming town, you can visit the Cervantes Birthplace Museum, which is free to enter. Inside, you’ll discover first editions of Don Quixote displayed amid authentic 16th-century Spanish interiors. If you’re visiting Alcalá de Henares in December, don’t miss the nearby Spanish Christmas Park in Torrejón de Ardoz, a festive attraction that adds extra magic to the Christmas season.

In addition to traveling by car or train, you can also join an organized tour to Alcalá de Henares that includes a visit to the Cervantes Museum.

7. Cuenca

Travel time: 1 hour 50 minutes by car / 1 hour by high-speed train

cuenca hanging houses spain madrid to valencia — *Cuenca – one of the lesser-known Madrid day trips*

spain cathedral cuenca la mancha — *The stunning cathedral of Cuenca visited during my Cuenca road trip*

Cuenca was once a hidden gem featured in my blog series Undiscovered Spain, but lately, it has emerged as a trendy getaway destination. Conveniently situated between Madrid and Valencia, the city boasts fast train connections to both, making it easily accessible.

Cuenca is best known for one of Spain’s iconic landmarks – the Hanging Houses (or Casas Colgadas). On my most recent road trip to Cuenca, I was particularly impressed by the Cathedral, with its breathtaking ceilings and intricate decorations. The Cathedral Museum also houses two remarkable paintings by El Greco. You can find my full Cuenca itinerary in this post.

Best Madrid day tours to Cuenca:

If you prefer not to travel by train or car, booking an organized tour to Cuenca is a popular day trip option from Madrid – especially for those eager to explore Spain’s hidden gems.

From Madrid: Day Trip to Cuenca and The Enchanted City (check availability)
From Madrid: Private Day Trip to Cuenca with Tour (check availability)

8. Ribera del Duero Wineries

While La Rioja wineries enjoy worldwide fame, Spain boasts several other unique wine regions worth exploring. Ribera del Duero is one of the closest to Madrid, making it a popular day-trip destination for food and wine enthusiasts. Many bodegas here have their own shops, offering excellent opportunities to bring home authentic Spanish food souvenirs.

For this experience, booking a guided tour is recommended, as many wineries in Ribera del Duero require advance reservations. Unlike Rioja – which is better known and offers multiple daily tours in both Spanish and English – Ribera del Duero has a more limited schedule, so planning ahead ensures a smoother visit.

From Madrid: Ribera del Duero Tour of 3 Different Wineries (check availability)
Ribera del Duero: Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch (check availability)

9. Sierra Guadarrama National Park

Travel time: 1 hour 5 minutes by car

outdoors activities madrid spain road trips

One of the best day trips from Madrid to escape the hustle of city life and reconnect with nature is Guadarrama National Park – a true gem among Spain’s national parks. If your Spain bucket list includes hiking or outdoor adventures, this destination is a must.

In winter, Guadarrama transforms into a popular skiing spot, attracting both locals and visitors. Most travelers begin their visit at the Peñalara Visitor Center (Centro de Visitantes Peñalara), the perfect starting point for exploring the park’s trails and scenic landscapes. You can find more adventurous things to do near Madrid in this post.

Here are a few top-rated guided tours for exploring the Sierra de Guadarrama from Madrid:

Horse Riding in Sierra del Guadarrama National Park (check availability)
From Madrid: Sierra de Guadarrama Hiking Day Trip (check availability)
Guadarrama National Park Private Tour (check availability)

10. Chinchon

Travel time: 55 minutes by car

chinchon madrid to valencia — *Chinchon* *– one of the most charming Madrid day trips*

Visiting the small town of Chinchón is a must for anyone who loves charming, historic villages. It’s best known for its Plaza Mayor, a remarkable example of traditional Castilian architecture dating back to the Middle Ages.

Chinchón’s Plaza Mayor is often considered one of the most unique squares in all of Spain. It features 234 wooden balconies, some of which date back to the 15th century. The town has also served as a filming location for several classic films, starring legends like Rita Hayworth, Orson Welles, and John Wayne. The best way to visit this charming town is by renting a car and including it in a road trip itinerary around Madrid.

11. Aranjuez

Travel time: 50 minutes by car / 45 minutes by train

aranjuez palace madrid spain — *Aranjuez* *– one of the most unique Madrid day trips*

madrid to valencia road trip spain — *The Gardens of Aranjuez in November, visited on the road from Madrid to Valencia*

The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is one of the most important historic sites associated with the Spanish Crown. In 2001, this remarkable landmark was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Cultural Landscapes.

Originally built in the 15th century during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, Aranjuez underwent numerous renovations and expansions under successive rulers. Its golden age came during the reigns of King Carlos III and King Carlos IV, when Aranjuez became a fashionable retreat for the Spanish royal family and their court. I especially enjoy visiting Aranjuez in autumn, as the abundance of greenery surrounding the town makes the fall foliage particularly stunning – something that’s not as common in central Spain as it is in the Pyrenees or the north.

12. Valencia

Travel time: 2 hours by high-speed train

art sciences valencia — *Valencia – one of the coolest Madrid day trips by train*

one day in valencia spain — *One week in Valencia: Full Road Trip Itinerary*

The Valencia region has been my home for over 15 years, and under the #Valencia hashtag, you’ll find plenty of local travel tips and hidden gems I’ve shared throughout the years. What once was a full road trip between Madrid and Valencia is now a quick and easy journey thanks to the high-speed train. Today, Valencia is a doable and rewarding day trip from Madrid, especially popular during the summer months.

The city’s most iconic landmark is undoubtedly the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic architectural masterpiece designed by Santiago Calatrava and inaugurated in 1998. While the project famously went over budget – costing a total of 1.28 billion euros, nearly four times the original estimate – it has become one of Spain’s most recognizable modern landmarks. If you’re planning a short visit, feel free to follow my One Day in Valencia Itinerary to make the most of your time.

13. Roman Ruins of Segobriga + Ucles

Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes by car

segobriga cuenca spain — *Segobriga – one of the top Roman Ruins in Spain*

Along the route from Madrid to Valencia, you’ll encounter one of Spain’s most impressive Roman ruins – the Segóbriga Archaeological Park. As one of the oldest and most significant sites in the Castile-La Mancha region, Segóbriga was once a thriving Roman city strategically positioned between Carthago Nova (modern-day Cartagena) and Toletum (present-day Toledo). For those who can’t visit in person, Segóbriga is also featured in various virtual tours of Spain. Fans of hidden gems and historic monasteries won’t want to miss the nearby Monastery of Uclés, a beautifully preserved site located close to the archaeological park.

While it’s easy to drive from Madrid to Segóbriga and Uclés, the area is also a popular destination for many Roman heritage tours, especially for history enthusiasts.

14. Soria

Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes by car

ermita de san saturio soria castile leon — *Soria – one of the secret Madrid day trips*

If you’ve already explored all the popular Madrid day trips, consider setting your sights on Soria, one of Spain’s most underrated cities. Although reaching Soria requires a longer drive, it’s an excellent choice for seasoned travelers who have seen much of the Madrid area, as well as for those seeking hidden gems away from the crowds.

Soria is famous worldwide for the heroic resistance of Numantia against the mighty Roman Empire – after a 13-month siege, the Numantians chose to burn their city rather than surrender to the Romans. The region’s stunning natural landscapes are also a major draw, especially Laguna Negra de Urbión and the Cañón del Río Lobos, both beloved by nature enthusiasts.

You can read more about my trip to Soria in this post.

15. Pedraza

Travel time: 1 hours 40 minutes by car

pedraza-beautiful-medieval-towns-in-spain — *The castle in Pedraza*

places to see in madrid province — *Streets of Pedraza*

Pedraza is one of the oldest and most charming small towns near Madrid, renowned for its medieval character, cobblestone streets, and stunning stone architecture – plus its picture-perfect castle. This village feels like a step back in time, offering a peaceful atmosphere and authentic Spanish vibes. I recommend double-checking the castle’s opening hours before your visit, as it was closed during my trip, but even seeing it from the outside was well worth it.

6 Comments

Kirsten on February 28, 2024 at 8:38 PM

Anna, this day trip guide is a treasure! Your personal stories make these adventures feel like I’m reading a friend’s travel diary. 🙂 Excited to check off these must-visit spots on my list!
Sharyn on February 28, 2024 at 8:40 PM

So wonderful places in Spain to visit. I’d love to visit the Don Quixote lands, I’ve only heard the name so definitely want to know more!
Sonia on February 28, 2024 at 11:44 PM

You’ve captured so many interesting day trips. I’d love to visit Don Quixote’s windmills and Salamanca during my next Madrid trip.
Rosemary Palmer on March 1, 2024 at 11:23 AM

I have always thought Spain would be so interesting to travel to. My aunt and uncle went maybe 50 years ago and brought me a little mirror and I still have it. One thing that hasn’t made the purge pile.
Sinjana Ghosh on March 1, 2024 at 8:16 PM

I loved Madrid when I was there. It’s such an iconic place, so tourist-friendly and has such amazing daytrip options, I only did Toledo last time but now i have got more ideas for my next holiday in Madrid
sHANNON BAKER on July 7, 2025 at 12:30 PM

This is such a good guide, I will definitely have to check these others out next time I visit Madrid! I loved Toledo, I couldn’t believe it was originally the capital of Spain.

Shannon x
http://www.shanylou.co.uk

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