THE BEST EXCURSIONS AND ESCAPES FROM MADRID (ONE DAY)

Do you have plenty of time on your visit to Madrid and you want to make a day trip? Another thing not, but very cool places near Madrid there are a few! We have compiled what, in our opinion, are the best day trips and getaways from Madrid. We tell you the best of each and how to do them, both for free and on an organized tour.

One of the most beautiful and most historic cities in Spain, without a doubt. In the past it was a melting pot of cultures, among its streets peacefully lived Jews, Muslims and Christians. Until everything went to the badge ... Each one left its mark and today walking through the tangle of alleys will catapult you to other times.

You cannot miss the Puerta de la Bisagra, the Zocodover square, the Alcazar, the Cathedral, the Mosque of Cristo de La Luz, the caves of Hercules, the church of Santo Tomé or the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes. And if you are from museums, the most important are the El Greco Museum and the Sefardi Museum in the Transit Synagogue.

And to finish off head towards the Hermitage of the Valley on the other side of the river, from where you get the best views of Toledo. You will have to go through the Castle of San Servando that may be worth a visit and the Alcantara Bridge.

→ In this post we tell you everything to see and do in Toledo in one day

Segovia is known worldwide for having one of the most impressive and best preserved Roman aqueducts in the world. Oh, and for your piglet! But do not fall into the error of believing that it is the only thing that the city offers, it is a perfect place to make a day trip from Madrid.

Among the visits, the Aqueduct obviously cannot be missed (the best views are from the stairs to the left of the tourist office!), The Main Synagogue, the San Andres Gate, the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, the Church of San Martín ... And finally the Alcazar, where they say Walt Disney took inspiration to build the mythical castle.

If you come by car, 11 km from Segovia is the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, one of the residences of the royal family

→ In this post we tell you everything to see and do in Segovia in one day

In this list you could not miss the town of Rober, one of the best examples of ancient medieval city of tooooda Spain. Its castle is impressive, the Cathedral is beautiful and inside it retains the famous statue of the Doncel. Its historic center is flirtatious and can be easily explored on foot and in a short time. And the gastronomy is delicious (there are from barecitos of the whole life with torreznos that nothing they have to envy to those of Soria to restaurants with Michelin star). Long live Sigüenza, gentlemen!

→ Here we tell you everything to see and do in Sigüenza

To the south of Madrid and in a beautiful natural environment, on the banks of the Tagus River, is the town of Aranjuez. It was one of the sites chosen by the Spanish kings for centuries to disconnect from their hard work. In this way, among its streets numerous palaces were built for the high nobility, and gardens and tree-lined walks to beautify the place. He has also been the protagonist of some historical episodes such as the Treaty of Aranjuez or the Mutiny of Aranjuez. As you can see, it is a place full of surprises!

If you decide to come here, the essential visits are the impressive Royal Palace (€ 9), the Garden of the Island, the Prince's Garden and the Garden of the Parterre on the eastern facade of the Palace, the Couples Square and the Plaza de la Mariblanca, the Church of San Antonio, the House of Crafts and Knights, and a walk through its historic center.

So if you want to enjoy a relaxed day, Aranjuez is a very good getaway from Madrid.

I tell you a secret: the first time I came to Spain I did it with two Italian friends and we visited other Spanish friends who recently finished their Erasmus in Italy. Well ... one of them (and see that I love him) took us on an excursion to El Escorial (here well) and ... to the Valley of the Fallen! (no comment).

Of course, this trip will only recommend the first part: San Lorenzo del Escorial. About 50 km from Madrid, in the Sierra de Guadarrama, this town is full of interesting things. The one that takes all the compliments is the Royal Monastery of El Escorial (€ 10), with its complex of buildings (enooooooorme) that includes a Royal Palace, a Monastery, a Basilica, a Royal Pantheon (yes, with the remains of kings Austrias and Bourbons), a College and even a Library.

Other visits in the city are the Offices of Crafts, the Teatro Real Coliseo de Carlos III, the Casa de Infantes or the Silla de Felipe II which is about two and a half kilometers from the municipality. Although I will always remember that town as the first time I ate a potato omelette sandwich. Unforgettable.

These are some of the best excursions and day trips from Madrid. Have you done any? Which is your favorite?

* Photocredit: Shutterstock

Video: The Majesty of Madrid (April 2024).