If you are planning a trip to Madrid, be sure to add one or more days to visit some of the beautiful historic towns and cities that are located within a 2 hour drive or train ride from the city. Except for Consuegra and Sigüenza, all are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The following is a list of some places you can visit and still make it back to Madrid for dinner. The drive time from Madrid is noted in parentheses:
- Chinchón – traditional Castilian town with one a picturesque Plaza Mayor, and known for its licorice flavored liqueur Anís de Chinchón (35 min.) For more info, click here.
- Aranjuez – 18th C. palace that was one of the favorite summer residences of the Spanish monarchs (40 min.). For more info, click here.
- El Escorial – 16th C. monastery-palace and burial place of Spain’s monarchs (45 min.). For more info, click here.
- Palacio Real de La Granja – summer palace of the Bourbon kings located just outside of Segovia (1 hour). For more info, click here.
- Toledo – this beautiful walled city was home to the famous painter El Greco and is known for its magnificent Cathedral and Alcázar (1 hour drive / 33 min. by high-speed train). For more info, click here.
- Segovia – famous for its 1st C. Roman aqueduct, 12th C. castle, and 16th C. Gothic cathedral (1 hour drive / 27 min. by high-speed train). For more info, click here.
- Avila – medieval city surrounded by the oldest (11th C.) and best preserved walls in Spain (1 hr. 15 min.). For more info, click here.
- Consuegra – traditional village in La Mancha region with 12 restored windmills (1.5 hours). For more info, click here.
- Sigüenza – beautiful medieval town steeped in history with an outstanding architectural heritage (1.5 hours). For more info, click here.
- Salamanca – beautiful historic city with the oldest university in Spain and 3rd oldest university in Europe (2 hours). For more info, click here.
Book a private tour! You may want to consider booking a private tour with an English-speaking guide. Your personal guide can provide you with information on the city and its historic sites. For more information on all of our Madrid tours, click here.
Photo credit: Sebastian Dubiel
For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.