Unforgettable day trips from Madrid to enhance your journey

Travel Time from Madrid: 2h 30min by train or 5 hours by car.

What to pack: Comfortable walking shoes, casual attire, and a power bank for your devices.

Insider Tip: Catch the first train of the day from Madrid to Seville and enjoy breakfast and coffee in the buffet car.

Seville boasts remarkable architecture, including the stunning Plaza de España, the Alcazar of Seville Palace, and Seville Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals worldwide. Take time to wander through the Jewish Quarter and Barrio Santa Cruz. Relish lunch with traditional Spanish dishes at La Sacristia Tapas near the cathedral, then ascend the Torre de Oro for breathtaking city views.

Conclude your day with a flamenco performance at the Museo del Baile Flamenco. The train offers a convenient route to Seville, although it may be pricey, and there’s ample free parking on the city’s outskirts. Public transport is available for navigating the city, even if you drive in.

Travel Time from Madrid: 55 minutes by train or 2 hours by car.

What to pack: Swimwear and towels.

Insider Tip: The El Chantre Recreational Area is one of the top (and most visited) swimming spots in the park.

Serrania de Cuenca Natural Park is adorned with stunning natural landscapes, featuring rock formations that are 90 million years old. You can also find several natural pools perfect for a refreshing swim amid the breathtaking scenery.

Travel Time from Madrid: 1 hour by bus or car.

What to pack: Swimwear and a picnic lunch.

Insider Tip: WakeA Experience offers exciting activities on the water, including wakeboarding, water skiing, and flyboarding.

The beach at Embalse de San Juan Reservoir is a favored spot for both tourists and locals when temperatures soar in Madrid. It’s a picturesque location with ample space to relax for the day. Playa Virgen de la Nueva serves as the main swimming beach in the area, complete with nearby beach bars.

Travel Time from Madrid: 30 minutes by AVE train or 1 hour by car or bus.

What to pack: Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and clothing that covers your shoulders if you plan to visit the stunning cathedral.

Insider Tip: Enjoy dinner at the charming Asador David Guijarro before returning to Madrid.

Segovia, easily reachable from Madrid by car or public transport, is one of Spain's most picturesque cities. Renowned for its aqueduct, the impressive arches are breathtaking from ground level, and offer even more stunning views from the top. Don't miss the magnificent gothic Segovia Cathedral and the fairytale-like Alcazar of Segovia, a stunning medieval castle.

Travel Time from Madrid: 35 minutes by train or 55 minutes by car.

What to pack: Walking shoes, casual clothing, and a hat.

Insider Tip: From the library in the Alcazar of Toledo, you can ascend to the top floor for lunch at the café with a spectacular view of the city.

A quick train ride from the heart of Madrid, Toledo is perfect for a day trip. Enter the old town through the majestic Puerta de Bisagra, and uncover a wealth of history. Visit various noteworthy churches, including the Cathedral of Toledo, Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, and Synagogue of Saint Mary the White. The Alcazar of Toledo is a highlight, featuring the Army Museum and library inside.

Travel Time from Madrid: 1h 20min by train or 1h 40min by car.

What to pack: Expect to spend plenty of time outdoors, so don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.

Insider Tip: For a light lunch or dinner, visit La Edad de Oro, a fantastic bar in Cuenca.

Even if you don’t plan to visit the nearby national park, Cuenca is well worth a trip. Known for its “casas colgadas,” or hanging houses perched on a gorge, one of these houses is home to the Museo de Arte Abstracto Español. Art enthusiasts will enjoy Cuenca, especially with the Antonio Pérez Foundation Museum, which showcases contemporary art in a 16th-century convent. Don’t miss the Cuenca Cathedral and the picturesque San Pablo Bridge, which provides stunning views of the hanging houses.

Travel Time from Madrid: 1h 40min by train or 2h 10min by car.

What to pack: Summers can be very hot, so wear lightweight clothing, bring sunscreen, and an extra water bottle.

Insider Tip: If you linger into the evening, don’t miss the breathtaking view from the Roman Bridge at sunset.

The Old City of Salamanca is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. The Plaza Mayor has a great tourist office where you can get maps and ask questions. It’s surrounded by delightful cafés and restaurants; consider picking up a treat from Panaderia y Reposteria Soportales bakery to enjoy on the go. The city is home to two famous cathedrals, the Old Cathedral and the New Cathedral, which are connected. Exploring both reveals the distinct architectural styles and atmospheres, making them well worth the visit.

Travel Time from Madrid: 1 hour by train or 50 minutes by car.

What to wear: Dress appropriately for churches, with knees and shoulders covered.

Insider Tip: Keep in mind that photography is generally not allowed in most areas of El Escorial; you can only take photos in the Patio of Kings courtyard.

El Escorial is not a city, but a former royal residence where you can explore the Royal Pantheon, the burial site of much of Spain’s royalty. The complex includes a palace, library, and basilica. This destination makes for one of the best day trips from Madrid by train, especially if you can take the King Philip II vintage train, which offers a nostalgic journey through time.

Travel Time from Madrid: 1 hour by train or car.

What to wear: Dress in comfortable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes.

Insider Tip: Bring a picnic lunch to savor during or after your hike.

Sierra de Guadarrama National Park is only an hour away from Madrid and ranks among the best hiking destinations in Spain. While driving is recommended, some towns have train access. The Seven Peaks hike is an easy loop that starts and ends at the Puerto de Navacerrada ski station, taking about 4 hours to complete. For a more challenging experience, the Mirador de las Canchas loop trail leads you up steep slopes with breathtaking views. Families can enjoy the scenic Camino de los Campamentos trail, which begins near the Cercedilla train station.

Travel Time from Madrid: 50 minutes by car.

What to wear: Comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.

Insider Tip: Start your day at the park and unwind later with a mountain hike.

De Pino a Pino Adventure Park in the Sierra de Guadarrama offers exciting zip-lining experiences with stunning mountain views. The park features seven circuits, including an easy one for kids aged six and up. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Extreme Circuit is the way to go.

Travel Time from Madrid: 45 minutes by bus or 50 minutes by car.

Insider Tip: For the quickest route, take the 331 bus from Conde de Casal.

Chinchón is known for its large main square, Plaza Mayor, which frequently hosts vibrant markets and festivals. Key attractions include the Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion and the old church's clock tower. History buffs will appreciate the 15th-century Casasola Castle and the 17th-century Casa de la Cadena. For dining, don’t miss Restaurante La Casa del Pregonero located at Plaza Mayor.

Travel Time from Madrid: 30 minutes by train or 40 minutes by car.

Insider Tip: Experience a unique meal at Mesa 12 with their tasting menu in Alcalá de Henares.

Alcalá de Henares is the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, the famed author of Don Quixote. Visit the Cervantes Birthplace Museum to discover his upbringing. Other notable sites include the historic University of Alcalá de Henares, founded in the late 13th century, and the 19th-century Laredo Palace, which hosts a museum dedicated to the university’s founder, Cardinal Cisneros.

Travel Time from Madrid: 1h 40min by train or 1h 15min by car.

Insider Tip: Combine your visit to Ávila with a day trip to Segovia; the bus ride between the two cities takes just under an hour.

The Basílica de San Vicente is a must-see for most visitors to Ávila. You can admire its stunning Romanesque architecture from the outside or enter for a small fee. Another highlight is the Ávila Cathedral, which you can explore affordably. Take about half an hour to stroll along the iconic city walls, with the main entrance located near the cathedral. For lunch or dinner, head to Plaza Mercado de Chico; we recommend Atipico for your meal and Pastelerías Muñoz Iselma for a delightful dessert.