The Top 6 Day Trips from Madrid

Madrid is a lively city brimming with artistic and culinary delights, plus an undeniable vibrancy of its own—aim for at least three days to truly soak in its allure.

As the capital of Spain, Madrid opens the door to some of the country's most stunning towns and sites. From fortified cities and ancient Roman ruins to charming Spanish villages and a UNESCO World Heritage palace-monastery, all are just an hour away. Here’s our selection of the finest day trips from Madrid.

1. Discover the historic streets of Toledo

Travel time: 1 hour by car or only 30 minutes by train

The historic walled city of Toledo ranks among the top day-trip spots from Madrid. With a rich tapestry of Arab, Jewish, and Christian heritage, this former capital of Spain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best way to experience Toledo is by wandering its labyrinthine streets, especially the narrow passages around Plaza Santa Clara. For a more structured visit, follow the trail of El Greco’s artwork to discover some of the city's most stunning landmarks.

Start your journey at the medieval Catedral de Toledo to view El Greco’s masterpiece, The Disrobing of Christ, then make your way to the Museo del Greco, the only museum in Spain dedicated to the artist. The path also takes you to the Museo de Santa Cruz, showcasing his Sagrada Familia con Santa Ana alongside a rich collection of decorative arts and ceramics. To delve into Toledo's diverse history, visit the Museo Sefardí in the 14th-century Sinagoga del Tránsito for insights into Jewish culture, or explore the Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz, dating back to around 1000 CE, for a glimpse into its Arab heritage.

Getting to Toledo from Madrid: If you're driving, take the A-42 south. Alternatively, catch a train from Madrid's Atocha station. The drive takes about an hour, while the high-speed train journey is just over 30 minutes.

2. Discover the stunning Roman aqueduct in Segovia

Travel time: 30 minutes

In Segovia, one of Spain's most remarkable Roman structures, El Acueducto towers above the eastern entrance to the historic city. From this point, pedestrian-friendly streets lead you past Romanesque churches and charming squares, ascending to the city's heart at Plaza Mayor, which is dominated by a magnificent 16th-century Gothic cathedral—one of the nation's finest and most impressive edifices.

As you stroll down the cobblestone streets to the west, you’ll reach El Alcázar, a castle believed to have inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle. The views from its gardens reveal picturesque rolling hills and sandstone churches across the beautiful Castilian landscape.

Getting to Segovia from Madrid: High-speed trains depart hourly from Madrid’s Chamartín station to Segovia, with a travel time of under 30 minutes.

3. Experience a fiesta in charming Chinchón

Travel time: 50 minutes

Chinchón, the most picturesque village near the Spanish capital, boasts a magical, rustic town square at its center. All paths lead to the delightful Plaza Mayor, a wonderfully eclectic representation of Spain’s traditional village squares. Surrounded by charming wooden buildings with sagging balconies, it hosts the town’s grandest fiestas and even an Easter passion play during Semana Santa (Holy Week).

Getting to Chinchón from Madrid: Located 45km (28 miles) southeast of Madrid, you can reach Chinchón via the N-IV motorway, exiting onto the M404, or take a bus from Madrid’s Avenida del Mediterráneo, just 100m (328ft) east of Plaza del Conde de Casal. The journey takes around 50 minutes.

4. Stroll along the medieval walls of Ávila

Travel time: 1 hour

Surrounded by nearly flawless city walls, Ávila is stunning from a distance and offers an intimate urban experience once you enter through its gates. Built in the 12th century, the city’s Murallas stretch for 2.5km (1.5 miles) and feature eight arched gateways, 88 watchtowers, and over 2500 turrets. You can ascend the walls at various points and walk along nearly 1.6km (1 mile) of their length.

For the best views from outside, head to Los Cuatro Postes. The Catedral del Salvador is another remarkable structure, showcasing impressive scale and exquisite detail, almost blending into the city walls. Among the numerous churches within the walls, the Convento de Santa Teresa stands out as a significant pilgrimage site for Catholics worldwide.

Getting to Ávila from Madrid: Trains link Ávila to Madrid’s Chamartín station in just over an hour.

5. Admire the art at San Lorenzo de El Escorial

Travel time: 1 hour

In San Lorenzo de El Escorial, one of Spain’s most magnificent royal monuments stands majestically at the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, northwest of Madrid, surrounded by expansive royal gardens and remarkable artworks. The Real Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial is an extraordinary site, a grand yet elegantly designed palace-monastery housing masterpieces by renowned artists such as El Greco, Titian, Tintoretto, José de Ribera, and Hieronymus Bosch; the 1576 white marble crucifix by Benvenuto Cellini is a breathtaking highlight.

Just outside, the Jardín de los Frailes exemplifies royal monumental gardens, featuring the neo-classical, 18th-century Casita del Príncipe, a charming contrast to the overwhelming grandeur surrounding it.

Getting to San Lorenzo de El Escorial from Madrid: Renfe C8 cercanías (local trains) depart for El Escorial from either Madrid's Atocha or Chamartín train stations. Alternatively, catch a bus from platform 30 at Madrid's Intercambiador de Autobuses de Moncloa. The trip takes about an hour.

6. Experience the grandeur of the royal palace in Aranjuez

Travel time: 45 minutes

Aranjuez, a vibrant Spanish provincial town, boasts a royal palace and gardens that are simply irresistible. The Palacio Real is far more magnificent than any palace in Madrid, having served as a beloved retreat for Spanish royalty through the ages. This 300-room palace, inspired by France’s Versailles, is surrounded by sprawling, impeccably maintained gardens. Museums on the grounds offer a glimpse into royal life, from opulent treasures in the Casa del Labrador to the favored pleasure boats showcased in the Museo de Falúas.

Getting to Aranjuez: If you're driving, take the N-IV south and follow the signs to the town via the M-305. Alternatively, C3 cercanías trains depart every 15 to 20 minutes from Madrid's Atocha station, taking about 45 minutes to reach Aranjuez.