Day Trips from Madrid
Alcalá de Henares
The birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes,
the world’s first planned university city,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
35 km/22 miles from Madrid
Avila
A medieval walled city, the city of “saints
and stones”, the birthplace of the mystic
Santa Teresa, and the burial place of the
Grand Inquisitor, Torquemada,
130km/67 miles from Madrid
Barcelona
The capital of Cataluña, Spain’s 2nd
largest city, the home of the 1992 Summer
Olympics, and much of Gaudí’s best
architectural designs.
624 km/388 miles from Madrid,
only about an hour away by plane
Burgos
Its Cathedral is one of the best, El Cid
Campeador is a significant historical
figure from this area, it’s the home of
the Museum of Human Evolution, and the
trip is worth it just for the cordero asado
(roasted lamb) from Casa Ojeda restaurant.
245 km/153 miles from Madrid
Chinchón
Its circular plaza mayor, the medieval castle,
the famous anís (anisette)liquor, and its small
town charm make this a nice visit.
50km/29 miles from Madrid
Córdoba
The home of the Roman orator Seneca, the Jewish
philosopher Maimonides, and la Mezquita, a
fine example of mudejar architecture.
397km/247 miles – less than 2 hours via Spain’s
high speed AVE train
El Escorial
The Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial,
commissioned by King Philip II in the 16th
century and functions as a monastery, a royal
palace, a museum, and a school.
45km/28 miles from Madrid
Málaga
The city of Pablo Picasso and Antonio Banderas,
the Alcazaba (Moorish Fortress), the Roman
Theater, Larios Street, and the Picasso Museum.
529km/329 miles from Madrid - only about an
hour away by plane
Salamanca
The “golden city” – renowned throughout the
world because of the number and quality of its
monuments, and its university founded in 1240.
229km/133 miles from Madrid
Santiago de Compostela
The city of St. James the Apostle – the patron
saint of Spain – for centuries pilgrims from
around the world have made their way to this
unique northern corner of Spain called Galicia.
600km/373 miles from Madrid – about an hour
away by plane
Segovia/La Granja/Aranjuez
It is said that the famous Disney castle is taken from
the Alcázar de Segovia and its Aqueduct is a tribute
to Roman engineering. Nearby, one can see the Royal
Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, and, in season the
beautiful gardens of Aranjuez.
91km/56 miles from Madrid
Sevilla
The Cathedral. the Giralda, the Alcázar,
the Santa Cruz Quarters, and María Luisa Park
make the capital of Spain’s Andalusia a truly
exciting day trip.
535km/330 miles from Madrid- only 2 ½ hours
via the AVE – Spain’s high speed train
Talavera de la Reina/Largartera/El Puente del Arzobispo/Oropesa
These towns are located in the province of Toledo. You can often see artisans at their craft. Great works
of pottery and embroidery can be seen and purchased in this area and a glimpse of small town Spanish
life can be observed. Top off you visit with a special lunch at the Parador (a government run hostelry) in
Oropesa. 160km/100 miles from Madrid
Toledo
Known as the “Imperial City” for having been home
to the court of Charles I, and as the “City of the Three
Cultures”, having been influenced by a historical
co-existence of Christians, Muslims, and Jews, this
once capital of Spain, houses two synagogues, an
Alcázar, a Cathedral, where you can see one of
El Greco’s most famous paintings, “The Burial of the
Count Orgaz”, you can even visit the painter’s house.
Stop at the Parador of Toledo for lunch and a great
view of the city. 87km/46miles from Madrid.