TRAVEL
My 5 favourite day trips from Madrid
Your escape from the busy city bustle to these fairy-tale places is just one hour away!
Being at the centre of the Iberian peninsula, there are many possibilities for day trips outside of Madrid. If you have the time, a trip to at least one of these fairy-tale places is a must! On top of the cultural highlights, these places have small towns or pueblo charm, and sometimes have some interesting culinary offers! There are so many day trip options outside of Madrid, it was hard to choose only five, but I did my best! These are my favourite day trips within approximately one hour by car from Madrid -
1. Toledo
Distance from Madrid by car — 1 hour
The most popular day trip from Madrid will always be Toledo. Also known as the city of the three cultures (Christian, Jewish, Muslim), Toledo used to be the ancient capital of Spain. Toledo is a walled city that will delight fans of everything medieval — there are castles, bridges, cobbled streets, you name it! The best way to get around is on foot, and make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there are many slopes! Light clothes are also advisable in the warmer months as it can get quite hot in Toledo. Toledo also is home to damascene art. Each time I go, I somehow end up buying more damascene jewellery!
2. Segovia
Distance from Madrid by car — 1 hour 10 minutes
I can never decide whether I prefer Toledo or Segovia as a day trip from Madrid. The main attraction of Segovia is the ancient Roman aqueduct, built around the first century AD. The Cathedral of Segovia is also quite a sight, and a stroll through the Old City is a must. Another must do in Segovia is to try its most famous culinary speciality — Cochinillo or Roasted Sucking Pig. One of my favourite activities also includes tomar algo (having a drink) on one of the many terraces in the plaza (square) and just soaking in the majestic sights or people watching.
3. Aranjuez
Distance from Madrid by car — 51 minutes
The Spanish Royal family has its fair share of summer palaces, and the Palacio Real de Aranjuez is one of them. If you feel the need for greenery, shade and water, Aranjuez (pronounced A-ran-huez) is the place to go! Once you get there, you immediately feel more relaxed. I remember, once the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted in Madrid, Aranjuez was the first place we went to and it felt like a real oasis of calm. You can have a meal by the river, go for a boat ride, or just hang out in the shade in the beautiful gardens!
4. La Granja de San Ildefonso
Distance from Madrid by car — 1 hour 12 minutes
I discovered La Granja de Dan Ildefonso almost by accident! Yes another summer residence for the royal family, the Palacio Real de la Granja de San Ildefonso was inspired by Versailles and has manicured gardens and fountains in the style of the Bourbon King. Because of the cost of operating the 26 fountains in the gardens is quite high, these are activated only twice or thrice a year for specific festivities, and in a grand ceremony. Even without the fountains, La Granja is well worth a visit for the palace, the magnificent gardens and the quaint medieval village. You can also visit the Parador de La Granja, and have a spa day there (Paradors are hotels around Spain in protected cultural heritage places, that is in castles or other historic buildings).
5. Patones de Arriba
Distance from Madrid by car — 1 hour 3 minutes
Few other pueblo have felt so much like stepping into a fairy-tale than Patones de Arriba. Nestled in the Jarama valley, it feels like time has stopped for centuries in this quaint little pueblo. You normally have to park down and hike up to Patones de Arriba (arriba means “up”), so comfortable shoes and light clothes are a must! The hike can be gruelling, but the views are so worth it! The place feels so much like something taken from a Beatrix Potter tale, that you will want to take a photo at every single corner!
That’s it, my five favourite day trips from Madrid! Other popular ones include Avila, San Lorenzo del Escorial monastery, Alcala de Henares and the mountains of Navacerrada. It depends what you like. One thing for sure is that you will never run out of options!
