12 Best Day Trips from Madrid That'll Make You Never Want to Leave Spain

Searching for some day trips that you could make from Madrid? It’s great. As the capital of Spain, Madrid has a plethora of attractions that you can enjoy.

However, one of the most appealing aspects of this city is that it provides an excellent opportunity to explore adjacent towns. In this article, we will describe the top 12 day trips from Madrid that we were fortunate enough to visit whilst taking a 10-day tour of Spain.

We’ll take you to the ancient city walls of Ávila, the Roman aqueduct in Segovia, and the massive windmills of Consuegra that inspired Cervantes’ Don Quixote.

We’ll also talk about the good ways to travel to each location from Madrid, using either car, train, or bus, along with food advice to help take the stress out of planning your trip on your own.

Which Day Trip is Right for You - A Quick Guide

In case you don’t have the time, here is a clean, quick summary of how to pick the best day trips from Madrid based on your interests:

How To Pick

*If you have to pick one, pick either of these.

Day Trips from Madrid in 1 Hour or Less

1. Toledo

The interior of Toledo Cathedral. Photo by rudiernst on Adobe Stock

We are pretty sure that any list of day trips from Madrid would include Toledo in it, and rightly so. There is so much to see here, from fortresses and churches to museums, that it really deserves a full day rather than just a flying visit.

From Madrid, it is accessible by both high-speed train and driving. That said, parking in Toledo is extremely limited, making the train option often much better.

Trains leave from Puerta de Atocha station in Madrid and take around half an hour. Once you get to the Toledo station, you need to hop on a local shuttle bus to reach the main square, Plaza Zocodover.

The old town of Toledo (Casco Histórico) is, of course, one of the most fascinating areas of the city.

This part of the town represents the history of the city, which has been influenced by Jewish, Christian, and Muslim cultures. As you wander around, you will see buildings in Gothic and Moorish styles, as well as Renaissance and Baroque influences.

Toledo Cathedral (Catedral Primada de Toledo) is just as spectacular. This massive Gothic masterpiece is crammed with art and sculptures, including El Greco paintings.

Other notable sites to discover are the Cristo de la Luz Mosque, the synagogues of Santa María la Blanca and El Tránsito, and the Museum of Toledo.

Many of these short day trips from Madrid are definitely best done on foot. A good pair of comfortable shoes is a must. 

2. Segovia

The ancient aqueduct in Segovia. Photo by rabbit75_fot on Adobe Stock

For those planning day trips from Madrid to Segovia, taking the high-speed train (AVE) is absolutely the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Segovia.

From the Chamartín station, the ride takes just about thirty minutes, and before you know it, you’re inside this historical town. Train tickets range between 14 and 30 Euros and can be purchased through the Renfe website.

The most striking sight in Segovia is definitely the aqueduct. This giant structure was built in the age of the Roman Empire and was used to bring water to the city.

Just beside the aqueduct is the historic restaurant named Mesón de Cándido. The dish that brings fame to this restaurant is roast suckling pig, seasoned with local flavours and served with its own sauce.

Follow the aqueduct towards the Guadarrama mountains, and it eventually takes you to Segovia Castle (Alcázar of Segovia).

Technically a stone fortress, it is often claimed to have inspired the Cinderella Castle at Disneyland, and we can see why. Admission was about 9 euros, and inside, some rooms once served as chapels, along with paintings and statues of medieval knights.

Another place that one cannot fail to visit in Segovia is the cathedral. Travellers are drawn here not only by its Gothic architecture but also by the religious sculptures and artworks that have been preserved for several centuries.

3. Alcalá de Henares 

The ancient Roman ruins of Complutum in Alcalá de Henares. Photo by Jose Adobe Stock

It takes only one bus, number 229, which connects Madrid to Alcalá de Henares, and a ticket costs around 4 euros. The bus leaves from the Intercambiador de Avenida de América and reaches Alcalá in just over 30 minutes, stopping at Av. Lope de Figueroa near Plaza de la Juventud.

Alcalá de Henares has a reputation for being the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes (the author of Don Quijote).

As such, day trips from Madrid to Alcalá de Henares are ideal for those who love Spanish literature and culture.

A good place to start your visit is the Cervantes Birthplace Museum (Museo Casa Natal de Cervantes), his former family home. Even if you are not a fan of the author, it is worth visiting to have a glimpse of a Spanish house and way of life a few centuries ago (plus, it’s free to enter).

Another place we found to be highly fascinating is the Regional Archaeological Museum of Madrid (Museo Arqueológico Regional de Madrid). It is set inside a beautiful old building and takes you through the history of the region, from prehistoric times right through to the seventeenth century.

And if you are interested in Roman history, Alcalá has a couple of sites to explore as well. The ruins of Complutum sit close to the old town and give you a sense of how the Romans once lived and traded here. About a ten-minute walk away is a smaller site called the Casa de Hippolytus.

Historic Towns Worth Visiting For A Day from Madrid

4. Ávila

The walkway leading up to the old city walls of Ávila. Photo by Nandi Estévez on Adobe Stock

There are plenty of cities around the globe that people recognise for their old city walls, and Ávila is one of them.

As one of the most popular day trips from Madrid, reaching the place via train takes only one and a half hours. From the station, it only takes a few minutes on foot to reach the centre of Ávila.

Nevertheless, we would honestly suggest renting a car. Parking near the centre is straightforward, and having a car makes it much easier to visit a few places just outside the old town.

As a means to discover Ávila, we found walking along its city walls, Las Murallas de Ávila, to be the best option. Though these walls date back to medieval Ávila, they are well-maintained. It is possible to get a real sense of how solid they once were, with their rounded towers and narrow openings used for defence.

If Saint Teresa is of interest to you, you might want to stop by the Convent of Santa Teresa, which you can identify immediately by the statue of her standing outside. To be honest, it is not a very elaborate place, but the entry is free.

Another place of interest is the Cathedral of Ávila, which is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. You could also add the Basilica of San Vicente and the Royal Monastery of Santo Tomás if you have the time.

There is not a huge amount to do in Ávila overall, and we found that half a day was more than enough to see the main sights. With the rest of the day, we decided to carry on to Segovia and spent the afternoon there instead.

5. Salamanca

University of Salamanca - Spain's very first and one of the oldest in the world. Photo by Raquel on Adobe Stock

Salamanca is best known in Spain for its academic tradition. The University of Salamanca is a symbol of the country's educational and cultural growth, as it is among the oldest in the world.

But this is only one of the aspects of Salamanca. Everywhere you go, you are walking in the midst of warm sandstone buildings, Gothic designs and even Roman influence. Be sure to go to the Southern part to soak up the vibes.

Like most of the day trips from Madrid in this guide, the most reasonable way to reach Salamanca is by train with Renfe.

This takes two hours, and then it is a twenty-minute walk from the station into town. Of course, if you get lost, just ask a local. They are very friendly and will direct you accordingly.

The Plaza Mayor, with its facades decorated in Baroque style, is smack in the centre of Salamanca. The coffee houses, tapas bars, and vegetarian restaurants circle the square.

Main highlights like the Old Cathedral (Catedral Vieja), New Cathedral (Catedral Nueva), University of Salamanca, and House of Shells (Casa de las Conchas) are closely situated and can be easily walked and toured.

6. Cuenca

The unique hanging houses of Cuenca near Madrid. Photo by Antonel on Adobe Stock

People enjoy day trips from Madrid to Cuenca for its walled old town, its Renaissance and Baroque religious buildings, and its hanging houses.

Either by car or high-speed train, it can be reached from Madrid in less than one hour. There is also a slower and slightly cheaper train that takes you straight to the newer part of the city, stopping at a station simply called Cuenca.

Most of the main sights and cafés are, as you would expect, gathered around the central square.

With its tall Gothic structure and distinctive windows, the Church of Nuestra Señora de Gracia is easy to observe no matter which street you approach from.

While you are in the area, it’s also recommended to take a look at the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento), an old Baroque building with three arches.

A trip to Cuenca, however, would not feel complete without a tour of the Casas Colgadas, or Hanging Houses. These wood-framed structures jut out dramatically over the edge of the cliff above the Huécar River gorge and were built centuries ago.

Today, the area is home to a few restaurants as well as the Museum of Abstract Art (Museo de Arte Abstracto Español).

Best Scenic Day Trips from Madrid with Unique Landscapes

7. Consuegra Windmills

Group of windmills on Calderico Hill, Consuegra. Photo by tan4ikk on Adobe Stock

Consuegra sits in the province of Toledo, in the Castilla-La Mancha region, and it is effortless to reach from Madrid or other neighbouring cities.

The windmills seen on day trips from Madrid to Consuegra are not especially tall or grand. The thing that sets them apart is their history. These are thought to be the ones that inspired Cervantes’ “Don Quixote”, the “giants” that Don Quixote famously fought in the novel.

Up on Calderico Hill, there are twelve windmills standing side by side along the ridge. A few of them are still working, and several are open to visitors. Just nearby stands Consuegra Castle, a large fortress with numerous rooms to explore and the greatest spots for taking photos of the windmills.

If you want to experience the life of the locals in Consuegra, head down to the main square, Plaza de España. A couple of small museums, such as the Museo Arqueológico Municipal and the Museo del Cristo, are nice stops to learn more about the area’s past.

8. San Lorenzo de El Escorial

The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Photo by josevgluis on Adobe Stock

San Lorenzo de El Escorial, also known as El Escorial for short, is a small town within 50 km of the capital. This makes it one of the top day trips from Madrid, whether you travel by car or by public transport.

If you go by train, just take the C8 Cercanías line from Atocha or Chamartín to El Escorial.

Buses are also simple to use, with routes 661 and 664 departing from the Moncloa bus station and coming right into the town centre.

You could even pair El Escorial with a morning visit to Ávila, which is what we did.

We spent the first part of our time exploring the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. The complex is enormous, with over 4,000 rooms and 1,000 doors.

A nice way to see it is to start in the Courtyard of the Kings, then move on to the basilica, the royal palace and the royal pantheon, before finishing in the library.

Just keep in mind that the monastery is closed on Mondays and on certain public holidays in Spain.

If you still have time and energy, there are a few more things that are well worth considering.

The King Philip II Chair (Silla de Felipe II) viewpoint offers lovely views. Moreover, the Cottage of the Prince (Casita del Príncipe) and Cottage of the Infante (Casita del Infante) are both pleasant places to walk around.

Best Day Trips From Madrid For Foodies And Slow Travel

9. Chinchón

Whitewashed houses with turquoise balconies around Chinchón’s Plaza Mayor. Photo by Juanmi on Adobe Stock

Compared to busier cities like Toledo or Salamanca, Chinchón is a medieval village that is often overlooked when people talk about day trips from Madrid.

It is small and unhurried, yet full of history, with preserved old buildings and residences. Also, there is a very important reason to go there: anise liqueur (anís de Chinchón) - the renowned Spanish anise-flavoured liqueur, which many are curious to try.

There are no direct trains from Madrid to Chinchón. As far as public transportation is concerned, your only option is the bus.

The number 337 bus starts from the roadside stop at Plaza del Conde de Casal in Madrid. It runs every 10-20 minutes and takes a little over an hour. Since Chinchón is not the final stop, it helps to stay aware of the route as you travel.

All activity in Chinchón is centred around the Plaza Mayor. While it is labelled as a square, the actual shape is rounded. Surrounding the square are buildings made of white stone, with eye-catching turquoise balconies. This is where the tiny shops, cafes, tapas bars, and sometimes the local carnivals can be found.

A short walk uphill will lead you to the remains of Chinchón Castle. This is what was formed as a result of wars many years ago. Visitors cannot go inside, but a stroll around the outer walls and the views from up there are more than enough. 

10. Aranjuez

The façade of the Royal Palace in Aranjuez. Photo by carballo on Adobe Stock

It has been quite some time since our first visit to Aranjuez, but the royal feel of this small town has stayed with us ever since. With its palace, broad open gardens, and a couple of museums, there are many reasons why Aranjuez features in any list of day trips from Madrid.

To begin with, the most cost-effective means of transport from Madrid is the Cercanías trains. The C3 line departs regularly from the Atocha station and will bring you to Aranjuez within 50 minutes. The round-trip ticket costs under 7 euros.

Of course, the main attraction in Aranjuez is the Royal Palace. The regular entrance fee for a visit without a guide will be approximately 9 euros. Just outside the palace, and calmer, is the Parterre Garden. 

If you are contemplating where to eat during your day in Aranjuez, there are several local spots to try. Casa Delapio is a favourite when it comes to seasonal tapas, steaks and wine offerings. El Rana Verde is another good alternative, provided you like roasted meats and a relaxed view over the River Tagus.

Longer Day Trips from Madrid That Are Worth It

11. Córdoba

Interior of the Mosque Cathedral of Córdoba. Photo by Juanma Lugmayer on Adobe Stock

After just under two hours on the AVE high-speed train from Madrid, you arrive in Córdoba. In this city, layers of Roman, Christian, Muslim and Jewish heritage sit shoulder to shoulder.

The old town is the kind of place where you can simply wander without a plan and still come across many interesting corners.

Even if religious buildings are not usually your thing, the Mezquita (Mosque Cathedral of Córdoba) is the main stop on day trips from Madrid. Upon entering, it quickly becomes clear why.

The red and white striped arches, the soft illumination, and the fusion of Moorish and Christian elements generate an ambience unlike anywhere else.

There is plenty more to enjoy around the city, too.

The cobblestone alleyways in the Jewish Quarter (Judería) are excellent for a leisurely walk.

The Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir River is truly appealing as the sun goes down.

Many also enjoy visiting the Palace of Viana (Palacio de Viana). There are 12 courtyards (patios) to explore, each with its own floral and eccentric theme. 

As far as the food goes, this part of Andalusia is home to some of the most delicious dishes in Spain. Do not forget to taste gazpacho, cold soup with tomatoes, and huevos a la flamenca, baked eggs with tomato and peppers, always served with beans and ham.

12. Valencia

Valencia’s beaches are also part of the city’s appeal. Photo by steftach on Adobe Stock

It is more than 355 kilometres between Madrid and Valencia. Hence, driving for day trips from Madrid to Valencia is not really practical.

The high-speed train is a much nicer option. It takes approximately two hours one way, you know, so you will be able to make it without losing an entire day on the road.

Trains usually leave from the smaller station of Madrid Chamartín, which is in the north of town, not too far from Puerta del Sol.

One of the highlights of Valencia is the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias). Here, art, innovation, and imagination all meet under one roof. Even without going inside the museums, the modern buildings are impressive on their own. The water features around them serve as a great prop for pictures, too.

Valencia is also a pleasant city in which to take a seafront pause. La Malvarrosa and El Cabañal are urban beaches and are accessible from the centre.

A bit further south are Pinedo, La Devesa and El Saler, while to the north lies Patacona. All of these beaches have Blue Flag status. There are plenty of restaurants nearby serving up traditional paella valenciana alongside dishes influenced by Moorish flavours and the Mediterranean.

Madrid Day Trips You Can Pair Together

Who says you can’t combine several locations into a single day trip? The beauty of day trips from Madrid is that many towns are close enough to combine into a single itinerary.

That said, it isn’t easy to plan. We recommend booking a guided tour. They handle transportation, timing, and everything so you can focus on experiencing without trying to get your bearings first.

Here are possible half-day trip pairs you can do from Madrid:

Segovia and Ávila

Start an hour north of Madrid exploring Segovia's Roman aqueduct and castle, then head 45 minutes east to Ávila for its remarkably preserved medieval walls. This full-day pairing is so popular that you can find many guided tours for it. 

Toledo and Consuegra Windmills

Spend your morning in Toledo, then drive 45 minutes south to Consuegra's iconic La Mancha windmills. This pair is perfect for rental car travellers.

Segovia and San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Both towns lie just 30 minutes apart northwest of Madrid. Start at El Escorial's magnificent royal monastery nestled in the mountains, then head to Segovia for its castle and aqueduct. Pick these two if you prefer a slower pace or want to enjoy lunch at leisure between stops.

Toledo and Mérida

This is a longer pairing since Mérida alone is 4+ hours, but if you're willing to start early or overnight, these two Roman archaeological sites are incredible to look through Spain's layers of history. Not ideal for a single day, but perfect for a 2-day road trip.

Cuenca and Valdemeca

If you want the most dramatic landscape variety, this is it. You need a rental car to drive to Cuenca in the morning, then venture 45 minutes to the Valdemeca for hiking and unspoiled scenery.

Segovia, Ávila, and Toledo

Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one 10–12 hour day. If you don’t have the time, you can resort to just Segovia and Ávila, both of which are easy to plan for.

What to Pack for a Madrid Day Trip

Be sure to bring the right pack for your day trip from Madrid.

Whether you're visiting museums, strolling through parks, or enjoying tapas at local restaurants, don’t forget these short trip essentials so you can enjoy the best Spain has to offer.

Clothing

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Light layers (jacket or cardigan)

• Weather-appropriate outfit

• Sunglasses and hat

Accessories

• Sunscreen

• Reusable water bottle

• Snacks

• Small backpack or crossbody bag

• Portable phone charger

Don't Forget

• Passport or national ID

• Cash and credit cards

• Phone

• Medications and toiletries

For Culture Enthusiasts

• Offline maps

• List of attractions

• Headphones

• Notebook and pen

When you're exploring Toledo's medieval streets or climbing Segovia's castle, the last thing you want is a heavy, uncomfortable bag dragging you down.

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Step Beyond Madrid and Discover More of Spain

These quick day trips from Madrid mean that you can see smaller towns and cities in Spain, each with its own history, character, and landmarks. Use this list as a starting point, pick the places that speak to you, and feel the freedom of travelling as per your time. And wherever your travels take you in Spain or beyond, let CabinZero be your trusted travel companion along the way.

Quyen Pham