With its central location and an abundance of nearby sights, Madrid is a great base for exploring. The train and bus services from the Spanish capital are excellent for making weekend trips from Madrid, so you can easily find your way to all these great places. There’s so much to choose from, so let us help you with these 8 best day trips from Madrid:
El Escorial Monastery
This palace-monastery was built by Philip II, and is one of Spain’s most important Renaissance sites. It’s a vast complex of buildings, including a church, monastery, palace, college, library, courtyards, and gardens. The town is an hour’s train journey from Atocha station.
Toledo
A world heritage site, it’s famous for the fascinating blend of medieval monuments. You’ll find Arab, Jewish, and Christian sites, with varied architecture to match. Fans of the artist El Greco should make their way here – it’s his former home, and there’s a museum about his work. Walk down cobblestone streets, try the local cuisine, and immerse yourself in history, visiting sites like the cathedral, the mosque, and synagogues. It takes just over 30 minutes on the AVE train from Atocha.
Segovia
Another historic town you shouldn’t miss, this is the site of an impressive Roman Aquaduct and a fairy tale castle. You’ll find quaint streets, a buzzing Plaza Mayor, and an interesting Jewish quarter. Try the roasted suckling pig, a local speciality. It takes 30 minutes on the high-speed AVE train from Charmartín station.
Royal Palace of Aranjuez
On a sunny day, enjoy wandering the grounds of this beautiful palace, once the summer home of the royal family, and the inspiration for The Concierto de Aranjuez by composer Joaquín Rodrigo. Built by Philip II in the 16th century, it was rebuilt in the 18th century by Ferdinand VI. It’s about 45 minutes away from Atocha station.
Alcalá de Henares
Just east of Madrid, this city was the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, author of the famous Don Quixote. You can visit a museum about him, and spot the statue outside. With a charming medieval feel, this is the home of one of the world’s oldest universities, Alcalá University. It’s an easy train ride from Atocha.
Manzanares el Real
As well as being the site of a stunning castle, this small town is the place to go to start exploring the Sierra de Guadarrama. Head to La Pedriza, amazing rock formations found at the end of a pleasant walk along the river.
Chinchón
Another charming place, this town is known for its hilltop houses and the buildings with wooden balconies around the Plaza Mayor. Don’t miss the clock tower, all that remains of a 14th-century church. You can get there by bus.
Ávila
This is the place to go to an extensive array of Romanesque and Gothic churches, and to see a walled city, much as it might have looked in the middle ages. There’s also a cathedral and the Basilica de San Vicente. It’s about a 1.5-hour ride by train from Chamartín station.
Where to stay
Base yourself in a hotel in the city and explore from there as these are all easy day routings. There are lots of options for Madrid hotels – pick somewhere near Atocha for easy weekend Madrid getaways, such as Catalonia Atocha with its stunning facade, solarium, and terrace with hot tub and city views, or the modern Catalonia Plaza Mayor, with gym and a free teatime buffet for guests.
