10 Best Day Trips from Madrid
Madrid’s energy and culture are unmatched, but beyond the city limits lies a world of medieval towns, royal palaces and natural wonders. If you’re looking to escape the bustling streets for a day, the Spanish countryside offers incredible destinations just a short journey away. From the ancient walls of Ávila to the fairy-tale charm of Segovia, these day tours from Madrid will give you a glimpse into Spain’s rich history and diverse landscapes.
Top day tours from Madrid (Spain)
Planning a day trip from Madrid allows you to experience the incredible diversity of Spain’s heritage without venturing far from the capital. Each location is unique, yet all are seamlessly connected to Madrid by efficient transportation options, making exploration both convenient and rewarding.
1. Segovia
Just 30 minutes from Madrid by high-speed train, Segovia feels like stepping into a medieval painting. Its crown jewel is the Roman Aqueduct, a jaw-dropping feat of engineering that stretches through the heart of the city. If castles intrigue you, the Alcázar of Segovia will leave you spellbound. Perched on a rocky hilltop, its turrets look like something out of a fantasy novel.
How to Get There:
Catch the AVE train from Chamartín station (tickets are affordable if booked early) or drive 1 hour along the AP-61 highway. Once you arrive, everything is within walking distance, making it an easy and delightful day trip.
Why Visit:
Segovia is compact, making it perfect for exploring in a single day. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Segovia or a leisurely lunch featuring the city’s famous roast suckling pig (cochinillo).
2.Toledo
Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a living museum of Spain’s Christian, Muslim and Jewish heritage. Just 33 minutes from Madrid by train, Toledo’s narrow cobblestone streets, ancient mosques and Gothic cathedrals feel like a journey through centuries of history.
The Toledo Cathedral is a must-see for art lovers. Its lavish altars and frescoes will leave you awestruck. The Alcázar of Toledo stands proudly overlooking the city, offering panoramic views. Wander through the Jewish Quarter, stopping at the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca for a glimpse of Toledo’s diverse past.
How to Get There:
Trains to Toledo leave frequently from Atocha station. If you prefer driving, it’s a smooth 1-hour trip down the A-42 highway.
Why Visit:
Toledo’s blend of cultures makes it unique and the city’s compact size means you can cover a lot in just a few hours.
3. Alcalá de Henares
Literature lovers, this one’s for you. Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, is just 35 km from Madrid. Known for its prestigious university and Renaissance architecture, the city is vibrant yet intimate.
Start at the Cervantes Birthplace Museum, where you’ll step into the writer’s early life. The city’s University of Alcalá, founded in 1499, is a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance design and remains one of the country’s most beautiful campuses.
How to Get There:
Board the Cercanías C-2 or C-7 trains from Atocha. The journey takes around 40 minutes. If you’re driving, Alcalá is a quick trip along the A-2 highway.
Why Visit:
Alcalá combines history with a lively atmosphere and its Plaza de Cervantes is perfect for people-watching with a coffee in hand.
4. El Escorial
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, San Lorenzo de El Escorial is home to one of Spain’s most impressive landmarks, the Royal Monastery of El Escorial. Built by King Felipe II, this vast complex serves as a monastery, palace and royal crypt.
The monastery is filled with art, including works by Velázquez and El Greco. The nearby Valley of the Fallen offers a sobering yet striking visit.
How to Get There:
El Escorial is about an hour by Cercanías train (C-3 line) from Atocha or Chamartín. By car, take the A-6 highway.
Why Visit:
This peaceful mountain retreat offers history and breathtaking scenery in one trip.
5. Aranjuez
Known for its lush gardens and royal palace, Aranjuez offers a relaxing break from Madrid’s fast pace. The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is surrounded by expansive parks and flower-lined paths. Take a stroll through the Jardín del Príncipe, which hugs the Tajo River.
How to Get There:
Hop on the Cercanías C-3 train from Atocha for a 45-minute ride. Driving down the A-4 highway is equally straightforward.
Why Visit:
Aranjuez feels like a royal escape, perfect for leisurely walks and photography.
6. Ávila
Ávila is like stepping back into the Middle Ages. Encircled by over 2.5 km of towering stone walls punctuated by 88 watchtowers, it’s one of Spain’s most iconic medieval cities. The entire old town feels preserved in time, with cobblestone streets, Romanesque churches and quiet plazas.
The highlight is undoubtedly the Walls of Ávila, you can walk along a stretch of them and enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. Visit the Ávila Cathedral, partially integrated into the city’s fortifications and the Basilica of San Vicente, known for its stunning Romanesque architecture. The Convent of Saint Teresa of Ávila honors the city’s most famous saint.
How to Get There:
Trains from Chamartín take about 1 hour 30 minutes, or you can drive via the A-6 and AP-6 highways. Parking is available near the city gates.
Why Visit:
Ávila’s dramatic skyline at sunset is unforgettable. It’s quieter than other destinations, making it perfect for those seeking history and tranquility.
7. Cuenca
Famous for its dramatic cliffside location, Cuenca offers one of Spain’s most breathtaking urban landscapes. The city’s Casas Colgadas (Hanging Houses) seem to defy gravity, dangling over the deep gorge of the Huécar River. Cuenca’s old town is a maze of narrow streets leading to hidden squares and spectacular viewpoints.
How to Get There:
Take the AVE high-speed train from Atocha station, Cuenca is just 1 hour away. By car, the journey takes about 2 hours via the A-3 and A-40.
Why Visit:
Cuenca’s dramatic scenery and artistic flair make it a must-visit for photographers and nature lovers alike.
8. Salamanca
Salamanca, often referred to as the “Golden City” because of its sandstone buildings that glow at sunset, is one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. It’s home to the country’s oldest university, founded in 1218, and the atmosphere here is lively and youthful.
Begin your visit at the Plaza Mayor, one of Spain’s grandest squares, bustling with life and lined with arcades. The University of Salamanca is famous for its intricately carved façade, legend says finding the hidden frog brings good luck. Don’t miss the New and Old Cathedrals, which stand side by side, offering an extraordinary blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. In the evening, the Roman Bridge and river walk are perfect for unwinding.
How to Get There:
AVE trains from Chamartín station reach Salamanca in about 1 hour 40 minutes. By car, the A-50 highway connects Madrid and Salamanca in roughly 2.5 hours.
Why Visit:
Salamanca offers the perfect blend of history, architecture and vibrant student life. It’s a place to experience Spanish culture at its finest.
9. Chinchón
Chinchón feels like a step into rural Spain, with its picturesque Plaza Mayor at the heart of village life. The square is often used for markets, festivals and even bullfights. Its charming, irregular shape and surrounding whitewashed buildings with wooden balconies create a quintessential Spanish village atmosphere.
The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción houses a painting by Goya, who had family ties to the area. Climb up to the ruins of the Chinchón Castle for panoramic views of the countryside. The town is also known for its anisette liquor, stop by a local shop to sample or bring some home.
How to Get There:
Chinchón is an easy 50-minute drive from Madrid via the A-3 highways. Alternatively, buses leave from Conde de Casal station (Line 337), taking about 1 hour.
Why Visit:
Chinchón is the perfect blend of history and local tradition. It’s small, cozy and ideal for a leisurely afternoon exploring.
10. Navalcarnero
Navalcarnero may not have grand palaces or cathedrals, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. This town is known for its wine production and tranquil atmosphere. Its centerpiece, the Plaza de Segovia, is a lively square lined with taverns, restaurants, and colorful buildings. Navalcarnero’s small-town charm makes it a wonderful spot for relaxing and tasting local wines.
How to Get There:
Navalcarnero is just 40 minutes by car along the A-5 highway. Buses depart from Príncipe Pío station regularly.
Why Visit:
If you’re a wine enthusiast or want to experience authentic Spanish village life, Navalcarnero is a peaceful and delicious day trip option.