15 Amazing Day Trips From Madrid To Explore Spain

The best day trips from Madrid Spain offer a refreshing change of scenery, perfect for those who want to experience more of Spain’s diverse landscapes and rich history.

Some of the best nearby Madrid day trips are the picturesque town of Toledo, the historic city of Segovia, and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Alcalá de Henares, all reachable within an hour’s journey from Madrid.

For the more adventurous, there are also day trip options to destinations that are a bit further away, although keep in mind that these day trips are very long. And it might be easier to spend a night at the destination before heading back to Madrid.

Best Day Trips from Madrid with under 1 hour travel time

For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the Spanish capital for a day, there are several amazing destinations within just an hour’s train ride away.

The short travel time to these destinations means you can really make the most of your day, exploring the sights, and soaking in the culture without feeling rushed. You even have time to go for a vegan breakfast in Madrid before embarking on the day trip.

Toledo – Historic charm

Toledo is just a short 30-minute train ride south of Madrid. And the short walk from the beautiful train station to the historic city center is already beautiful.

My favorite part about my day trip from Madrid to Toledo was simply to stroll through the narrow streets. But Toledo also has quite a lot of sights considering how small the city is.

Some of the main attractions in Toledo are the Alcazar fortress on top of the hill, the Toledo Cathedral, and the San Martin Bridge.

The city’s compact size makes it perfect for exploring it on foot. The cobbled streets are filled with artisan shops selling the famous Damascene steel.

Don’t miss going to the Viewpoint Del Valle for the most breathtaking views of Toledo.

The Toledo day trip was my favorite day trip from Madrid by train because the historic city is so magical and it’s so easy to get from Madrid to Toledo. I’d recommend doing it when you’re staying a few days in Madrid or when you’re doing a 10-day Spain itinerary.

Segovia – Impressive Roman aqueduct

Segovia is another one of the most popular day trips Madrid has to offer. The train ride takes about an hour from Madrid to Segovia. You can also take a tour to Toledo and Segovia to combine those two popular day trips into one.

Segovia is known for its grand Roman aqueduct in the middle of the city center. The aqueduct was built in the 1st century AD to transport water from the mountains to the city center of Segovia.

Both, the aqueduct and the whole historic center of Segovia are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Other tourist attractions in Segovia are the fairytale-like Alcazar palace on top of a hill which supposedly inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella castle, and Segovia Cathedral, one of the last gothic cathedrals built.

Alcalá de Henares – Home of Don Quixote

Alcalá de Henares is located just 35 minutes northeast of Madrid by train. It’s another great day trip option. The town is known as the birthplace of the Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, who wrote the famous novel Don Quixote.

Its charming old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a university dating back to the 13th century and impressive medieval architecture.

When you walk through the streets of Alcalá de Henares keep your eyes open for storks. You can see a number of stork nests on the city’s rooftops almost all year round, and you can even check on live webcams if the storks are there right now.

Because of the high stork population, the stork is also on the city’s coat of arms and you can find depictions and monuments of storks all over the city.

A day in Alcalá de Henares offers a delightful mix of history, literature, picturesque sights, and wildlife encounters making it a rewarding day trip from Madrid.

Avila – Imposing city walls

By Milijana of World Travel Connector 

Avila is a World Heritage City. It is known as the best-preserved medieval city in Spain. The Old City of Avila is nicknamed ‘the finest medieval remnant in Spain’.

Avila is best known for its monumental city walls which encircle the ancient city. Those impressive city walls are 2.5 km long and have 88 towers and nine gates. UNESCO declared the walls a World Heritage Site, while Spain declared them a National Monument.

The medieval city of Avila is within the walls. The old city seems frozen in the Middle Ages. 

Avila is a must-see for history fans and UNESCO site enthusiasts. Walking the medieval city walls and exploring the medieval buildings are among the best things to do in Avila, Spain.

The most impressive buildings are the Cathedral of Avila (the first Gothic cathedral in Spain), the church of Saint Theresa of Avila (with the Birth Chapel of the saint), and the Royal Monastery of St Thomas complex (with a summer royal palace of Catholic Monarchs and two medieval museums).

Avila is a must-visit if you love history, medieval architecture, UNESCO sites, and places not over-run by mass tourism. Beautiful Avila is only one hour and a half by train or bus from Madrid.

El Escorial – Royal site

By Victoria  from Guide Your Travel

Going on a day trip to El Escorial from Madrid promises an incredible experience, seamlessly blending history, architecture, and natural beauty.

I definitely recommend this excursion for those seeking a fascinating glimpse into Spain’s royal past and the grandeur of its cultural heritage.

To reach El Escorial from Madrid, you can take a direct train from the Atocha station; the journey takes around 50 minutes, making it an easily accessible day trip.

Upon arrival, the imposing Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial unfolds—a UNESCO World Heritage site, housing a monastery, palace, museum, and stunning gardens.

The awe-inspiring architecture, meticulously designed by Juan Bautista de Toledo and completed by Juan de Herrera, showcases the Spanish Renaissance at its zenith.

Explore the vast complex, with highlights including the Pantheon of Kings, the Basilica, and the awe-inspiring library. As you traverse the courtyards and halls, a profound sense of Spain’s historical significance envelops you.

The surrounding landscape, featuring the Guadarrama Mountains, provides a serene backdrop to the cultural richness.

Tip: Another great place to visit if you’re interested in the Spanish royal family is Aranjuez. There you can find the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, an official residence of the royal family.

Rascafria – Mountain lake

By Kat from Wandering Bird 

The small but pretty town of Rascafria is a wonderful day trip from Madrid. Found in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, this town is at an altitude of 1100m and boasts spectacular views. 

One of the most famous sights is the lake on the outskirts of the town. This is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset, when the colours of the sky are reflected in the clear waters. You can enjoy a route called the Blue Walk, which takes you along the riverside to all the best spots. 

Whilst in the Rascafria area, don’t miss the Santa Maria del Paular monastery, which is still home to Benedictine monks who make and sell local products including alcohol. You should also see the Batanes Old Paper Mill, which made the paper used in printing the first edition of Don Quixote. 

Another favourite is the Finnish forest, which has a forest, pond, and sauna and is a wonderful place to relax in nature. 

The easiest way to visit is with your own vehicle. If you have a car or are motorhoming in Spain, there are plenty of places to park your vehicle. Alternatively, you can get a bus from Plaza Castilla.

If you’re visiting in June, don’t miss the Natural Folk Festival, where loads of music and cultural activities can be enjoyed. 

Guadarrama Mountains – Stunning nature

By Kat from Biker Girl Life

If you’re looking to escape the bustle of Madrid and enjoy some nature, head to the beautiful Guadarrama Mountains.

The Sierra de Guadarrama is about an hour north of Madrid, but seems like a different world. There are mountains, lakes and more waterfalls than you can possibly explore in a week, let alone a day. 

The easiest way to get there is with your own transportation. Hire a car from Madrid or, if you want a proper adventure, hire a bike and experience motorcycling in Spain. Having your own vehicle will allow you to explore further and faster than using public transport, but there is a train service to the area if you prefer. 

If you visit during the summer, come prepared for hiking and to take plenty of photographs. The scenery and the wildlife are plentiful and you could see ibex, deer, boar and eagles if you look hard enough.

Don’t miss Manzanares el Real- a pretty town with a medieval castle, or La Pedriza, a granite and rock formation that is one of the area’s most visited sights. This is famous for hiking and rock climbing, so expect to see climbers on the rock faces. 

If you go during the winter, you can visit one of the ski resorts and enjoy picturesque pistes among the pine trees. The slopes are best suited for beginners or intermediates but are a wonderful change from city life. 

Brihuega – Lavender fields

By Stephanie from BeyofTravel

Do you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Madrid and immerse yourself in the beautiful purple fields of lavender? Then look no further than Brihuega, located just an hour away from Madrid by car or bus.

This charming town is known as the “Garden of La Mancha” for its idyllic landscape filled with blooming lavender fields.

To start your day trip, catch a bus from Madrid’s Avenida de America Bus Station to Brihuega. The journey takes about an hour, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenic views on the way.

Once you arrive in Brihuega, you can explore the town on foot or rent a bike to get around more quickly. Don’t forget to stop by the Plaza Mayor, the main square of Brihuega, and grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants serving traditional dishes made with fresh ingredients.

Typically half a day is enough to explore the main historical sites of Brihuega such as the Castle of the Piedra Bermeja, and Prado de Santa María – all echoing the rich heritage of this small town.

One of the must-see attractions in Brihuega is the lavender festival that takes off in July every year. I visited them 2 summers ago, and it was an amazing experience! The festival kicks in with a lot of pomp and show with music, food, and other delights!

After the festival, take a stroll through the town’s streets and admire the beautiful architecture and traditional Spanish charm. You can also purchase lavender products, such as essential oils and soaps, to bring home with you as a souvenir from Spain.

The best time to see the lavender fields in full bloom is from mid-June to late July. You can take a guided tour or explore the fields on your own. Be sure to bring a camera with you, as the views are truly breathtaking and perfect for Instagram-worthy photos.

Best Day Trips from Madrid with under 3 hours travel time

For those willing to venture beyond central Madrid, numerous fantastic day trip destinations await. Extend your day trip into a weekend getaway, or add these spots to your Spain and Portugal itinerary.

Cities like Valencia, and Granada, are some of the best places to visit in Spain full with history, culture, and stunning architecture. Each of these destinations deserves at least an overnight stay since much of your day would otherwise be spent on the journey.

I’ve had the pleasure of spending multiple days exploring each of these cities, and while that’s the best way to truly immerse yourself in their unique charm, I have also researched and provided details on how to visit these as Spain day trips from Madrid.

Zaragoza

A charming destination located just over an hour’s train journey away from Madrid is Zaragoza, positioned beautifully on the banks of the Ebro River.

Zaragoza is especially acclaimed for its impressive Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a massive baroque church which looks even more impressive as it is anyway because of the picturesque location next to the River Ebro.

The most famous attractions in Zaragoza are the Aljafería Palace, a stunning Moorish castle from the 11th century, and La Seo Cathedral, which is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a Spanish Cultural Heritage.

While it might be a bit further than the previously mentioned day trips, it’s still a reasonable amount of time to spend on the high-speed train. The city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and culinary delights make Zaragoza worth visiting.

Salamanca

In under 2 hours you’re in Salamanca, an enchanting city packed with history, charm, and beauty.

Salamanca is home to the oldest active university in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe, the University of Salamanca, which dates back to the 13th century.

The city’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring a stunning array of architectural styles including Romanesque, Gothic, Moorish, Renaissance, and Baroque.

Notable landmarks include the Plaza Mayor, a vibrant square filled with cafes and restaurants, and the two cathedrals, which are generally just refered to as Old Cathedral and New Cathedral.

As you wander through the city, don’t miss Casa de las Conchas, a building decorated with more than 300 shells. Inside the Casa de las Conchas is a public library.

Valencia

After a 2-hour journey time by high-speed train from Madrid, you can be in Valencia. This underrated coastal city offers the perfect blend of city, sun, and beach, rare to find anywhere else.

The 2-hour train journey is still manageable for a day trip but you can easily spend more time in Valencia. I actually spent a whole month in the city, so I got the chance to explore more unusual things in Valencia and not just the main attractions.

A must-see sight in Valencia if you don’t have that much time is the City of Arts and Sciences, this futuristic complex houses multiple museums and a small garden.

The museum complex is located within Turia Park, one of the most fascinating parks in Spain. This park was created in a former riverbed after the river got rerouted. Walking through this beautiful and massive park is one of the best things to do in Valencia for free.

The city is also internationally recognized for its delicious cuisine, it’s the hometown of paella. Well, actually paella was invented in El Palmar, a small town just outside Valencia, which can be visited as a day trip from Valencia.

Tip: Keep your eyes open while you stroll through the city, Valencia is full of amazing street art.

Córdoba

In just under 2 hours by high-speed train, you can be in Córdoba. This Andalusian city is steeped in rich history and culture and it’s a great example of Moorish influence in Spain.

The city’s main attraction is the mesmerizing Mezquita, a mosque-cathedral that symbolizes the religious changes Córdoba has undergone over the centuries. It’s one of the biggest cathedrals in the world and it was the highlight of my visit when I visited Córdoba on a day trip from Seville.

As you stroll through the narrow and winding streets of the Jewish Quarter, you’ll come past the Synagogue, the Alcazar castle, and the Roman bridge.

Córdoba is also known for its vibrant festivals, such as the Courtyards Festival in May, where you can witness the city come alive with colors and fragrances.

Seville

Approximately 2.5 hours by high-speed train from Madrid, you will find the captivating city of Seville. Known for its flamenco rhythms, Moorish royal palaces, and sun-drenched plazas, Seville offers all the best from Andalusian culture.

Some of the main attractions in Seville are the Royal Alcazar, the Seville Cathedral, the Plaza de España, and the beautiful María Luisa Park.

The Royal Alcazar is a grand palace with an adjoining garden. It’s worth a visit if you’re in Seville but, to be honest, it’s not quite as impressive as the Alhambra in Granada.

Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the fourth-largest church in the world. You can even climb the cathedral’s bell tower, called Giralda, for a panoramic view of the city.

Seville might be a bit far for a day trip, but it offers an intoxicating mix of cultural attractions that makes it an ideal weekend getaway from Madrid. I spent three days in Seville and I think it was the perfect amount of time.

Malaga

Malaga is situated on the Southernmost coast of Spain and it takes almost 3 hours by high-speed train from Madrid to get there.

This vibrant port city is renowned for its high-rise hotels and resorts, yellow-sand beaches, and the iconic Alcazaba, an imposing Moorish fortress overlooking the old town of Malaga.

In Malaga’s old town you can find a charming maze of narrow streets, the stunning Renaissance Malaga Cathedral, and the Picasso Museum, a tribute to the artist’s birth city.

I’ll be honest with you, I don’t think Malaga is worth a day trip from Madrid. It’s a very long train ride and actually, I preferred other cities in Andalusia over Malaga anyway.

Barcelona

The train from Madrid to Barcelona takes about 2.5 hours and Barcelona is absolutely amazing. Sometimes you hear that Barcelona is overrated but I don’t think so, it deserves its popularity. I would just recommend not to visit during peak season to avoid the crowds.

Barcelona is a treasure trove of architectural marvels, sun-soaked beaches, and epic vegan food. Few cities manage to harmonize the charm of old-world narrow alleys with the modern boulevards as elegantly as Barcelona does.

The city is dotted with Antoni Gaudí’s surreal architectural masterpieces, including the iconic Sagrada Familia and the whimsical Park Güell. The best way to learn more about this eccentric architect is on a Gaudi tour through Barcelona.

Once again I really think Barcelona is amazing, because of that I think it deserves more time than just a day trip. I recommend spending at least 3 days in Barcelona to explore the city.

Personally, I would even say skip Madrid and go Barcelona instead, if you only have time for one of those two Spanish cities.

Final thoughts: Best Madrid day trips

In conclusion, Spain offers an abundance of vibrant cities and historic sights that are just a train ride away from Madrid. Day trips are an excellent way to discover the richness of Spanish culture, tradition, and gastronomy.

While it’s technically possible to visit even the furthest of these destinations in a single day, to truly soak in their charm and heritage, it’s worth considering spending a few days exploring these cities.

I recommend opting for one of the closer destinations for a day trip from Madrid and saving the further away ones for a multi-day adventure.

Regardless of your destination, a day trip is a great way to explore Spain’s diverse and captivating landscapes.

Read more about Madrid:

• Toledo Day Trip From Madrid: Everything You Need To Know
• 15 Amazing Day Trips From Madrid To Explore Spain
• How Many Days In Madrid Are Enough For A Visit?
• Is Madrid Worth Visiting? Why I Don’t Think It Is
• 3 Best Day Tours From Madrid To Toledo And Segovia
• Best Vegan Breakfast in Madrid City Center
• Unforgettable 10-Day Itinerary in Spain
• Spain and Portugal Itinerary: 14 Unforgettable Days

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