5 Best Day Trips from Madrid

While Madrid is a mecca of art, culture and world-renowned gastronomy, sometimes it's necessary to escape its bustling metropolis for some fresh country air. Thankfully there are plenty of countryside escapes to be found just outside of Spain's largest city, each offering their own unique set of charms and attractions. Of the many jaunts just a stone's throw away from the capital, here are the five best day trips from Madrid that you simply can't miss:

Once the former capital of Spain, the historical city of Toledo defines old world charm. This medieval hilltop town is one of the most sublime and picturesque views into Spain's glory days. 

Toledo's must-see attractions include the Cathedral of Saint Mary, the Alcázar fortress, the El Greco Museum, the Church of Santo Tome and the Museum of Santa Cruz. However, the best way to transport yourself back into Toledo's captivating past is by strolling through the town and getting lost within its colorful, charismatic streets.

VISITING TOLEDO:

Travel time: 

35 minutes by high speed train

How to get there: 

Take the AVE high speed train from Madrid's Atocha station. 

Get off ~35 minutes later at the Estación de Toledo. 

Take bus #5, #61 or #62 to Plaza de Zocodover.

Emanating charm and character, Segovia is the perfect place to step back in time and live within a fairytale. Just a 30 minute train ride away from Madrid, this picturesque medieval town is the ideal escape from city life. 

While Segovia is most famous for its historic Roman aqueduct, it also boasts an impressive castle and cathedral. The Alcázar of Segovia is even said to be one of the several castles that inspired Walt Disney! Wander through the romantic alleys, enjoy a glass of vino tinto in the lively Plaza Mayor, savor Segovia's gastronomic specialty of cochinillo - roasted suckling pig, and climb to the top of the Alcázar for breathtaking panoramas of the city. 

VISITING SEGOVIA

Travel time:

30 minutes by high speed train

How to get there:

Take the AVE high speed train from Madrid's Chamartín station. 

Get off ~30 minutes later at the Estación de Segovia-Guiomar. 

Take bus #11 to the Aqueduct.

This quaint pueblo  is most famous for its ancient medieval walls surrounding the town, also known as La Muralla de Ávila. From atop these walls you can admire spectacular views of the colorful village below, as well as the rolling hills of the Spanish countryside in the distance. 

Although the sights to see are limited, the old-fashioned squares and quiet alleys nestled within the walls are perfect for wandering aimlessly. With nuns ambling down the street and abuelos  leisurely chatting in picturesque plazas, Ávila takes small town charm to a whole new level.

VISITING ÁVILA

Travel time:

1 hour and 30 minutes by train

For a quicker and easier journey, consider renting a car with EasyTerra

How to get there:

Take the train from Madrid's Chamartín station.

Get off ~90 minutes later at the Estación de Ávila.

The city center is a 12-15 minute walk away.

More than just your average Spanish small town, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is where acclaimed author Miguel de Cervantes was born and baptized. Nestled between the old buildings and lively plazas, one can find many homages to the iconic creator of Don Quixote. 

Alcalá de Henares is also home to one of the oldest universities in the world, and it's where Christopher Columbus had his first meeting with the Catholic Monarchs to receive funding for his voyage to America. Be sure to check out the city's many tapas bars and the medieval Cervantes festival held in the fall.

VISITING ALCALÁ DE HENARES

Travel time:

45 minutes by train

How to get there:

Take the C2 or C7 commuter train from Madrid's Atocha, Chamartín or Nuevos Ministerios stations.

Get off ~45 minutes later at the Estación de Alcalá de Henares.

The city center is a 10-12 minute walk away.

Just an hour northwest of Madrid in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains, you can find a gargantuan royal complex in the small, pristine town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Commissioned in the 16th century by King Felipe II, this regal structure houses a royal palace, a monastery, a school, a church and a Royal Pantheon where most Spanish kings from the past five centuries are buried. 

Only a short drive away is the Valley of the Fallen, Franco's monument honoring those who were killed in the Spanish Civil War (and where the fascist dictator himself is buried). While not as romantic or charming as the other day trips from Madrid, this royal complex is brimming with captivating history.

VISITING EL ESCORIAL

Travel Time:

1 hour by bus

How to Get There:

Take bus #661 or #664 from Madrid's Intercambiador de Moncloa bus station.

Get off ~1 hour later at the San Lorenzo de El Escorial bus station.

Have you ever taken a day trip from Madrid?

What are some of your favorite day trips in Europe?

Also check out my 4 favorite day trips from Paris!