Madrid is a huge city, and there\u2019s enough there to entertain tourists for weeks. But it\u2019s still nice to get out of the big city and explore another place \u2013 and in a country as diverse, varied and beautiful as Spain, it\u2019s well worth it. Here are three places that make perfect day trips from Spain\u2019s capital. We\u2019ll tell you about Segovia, site of the iconic Roman aqueduct, Cordoba, whose Islamic influence makes it feel like not-quite-Europe, and Toledo, Spain\u2019s medieval capital. Whether you\u2019re interested in historic architecture, delicious cuisine, or medieval history, there\u2019s something for everyone in these three cities. Read on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Madrid offers various transportation options for travelers to get to and from the airport. One option is taking the metro via line 8, which directly connects the city center to the airport, with a travel time of approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, visitors can take a bus from the city center, which operates 24\/7, providing greater flexibility. Taxis and private transfers are also readily available for those seeking a more personalized and direct mode of transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the most popular day trips from Madrid is a trip to the humble town of Segovia. Segovia is a medium-sized city northwest of Madrid and the capital of the province that shares its name. Like many Spanish cities, Segovia bears the marks of its varied past, which stretches back in time to the days of the Roman Empire. It\u2019s home to a fairy-tale castle, a historic city center dating back to the Middle Ages, an impressive Gothic cathedral and more \u2013 but the most famous attraction in Segovia has to be its spectacular Roman aqueduct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a number of ways to travel to Segovia from Madrid, and all of them are dead easy. The simplest way to do it is to get a train from Madrid Chamart\u00edn station to Segovia. This train, which departs several times each day and takes about a half hour, usually costs EUR 15 and is probably the quickest and easiest way to travel between the cities. Buses to Segovia from Madrid are also available from various bus and tourism companies. Finally, renting a car to drive from Madrid to Segovia is another popular option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Madrid\u2019s Estacion de Chamart\u00edn is a short trip outside of Madrid\u2019s historic city center and can be reached via the Madrid metro line 1. The trip to Segovia from Madrid is short, lasting less than 30 minutes. Once arriving in Segovia station, you\u2019ll be impressed by some beautiful mountain scenery: the town is nestled in a picturesque valley with the iconic Alcazar castle perched on a hilltop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Getting to the town center from the Segovia train station takes about 20 minutes by foot. There are buses available (take line 8), but we recommend you walk \u2013 you came here to explore, didn\u2019t you? The walk from Segovia train station to central Segovia takes you through the lower town, which was mostly constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries. Segovia, like many cities from this era, is divided into upper and lower towns. The upper town is the older part, built on a tall hill so that it was more easily defendable (it\u2019s also the part of Segovia surrounded by the ancient city walls, more on this later). The lower town is newer and obviously the part of the city served by train tracks. On the way through the lower town from the train station, you\u2019ll pass plenty of stores, cafes and restaurants in case you\u2019re feeling peckish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s start with the main attraction: Segovia\u2019s Roman aqueduct. This 1st century CE Roman aqueduct is a symbol of the Segovia and the city\u2019s most popular attraction. The incredible construction runs about seven miles, transporting water from the Rio Fr\u00edo to Segovia\u2019s upper town, but reaches its maximum height and splendor right at the edge of the old town. Here, the aqueduct reaches heights of over 90 feet (28 meters) in the air and features more than 165 arches. The construction was primarily out of dry mortarless stone. The Segovia aqueduct has been restored several times in its history from the early modern era to today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Roman Empire\u2019s aqueducts remain one of the most enduring symbols of their rule in Spain and throughout Europe. They often stretched for miles, carrying fresh water from remote springs and rivers to the empire\u2019s thirsty cities. They relied on gravity to move the water, so they had to be engineered to very precise tolerances to always have a very slight downward slope so that the water would flow. As in the case of Segovia, some of these structures remained in use, supplying a steady stream of water for centuries or millennia after the fall of the Roman Empire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alc\u00e1zar comes from the Arabic word for castle and references Spain\u2019s long Islamic period, when many such structures were built. Segocia\u2019s Alc\u00e1zar is perhaps the most prominent feature of its skyline and a must-see (if we\u2019re being honest, Segovia\u2019s castle is so prominent in the skyline that it\u2019s hard to avoid at least seeing it). But we recommend making the trip to the upper town so you can really get a sense of the scale and grandeur of the thing. Like many castles, it began its life as a Roman fort, but millennia of subsequent construction and expansions have resulted in the grand citadel you see today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It showcases architectural elements of Romanesque, Gothic and Moorish styles, typical of many Spanish castles in the region. Its most striking features are probably the massive slate spires that dominate the skyline. Inside the Alc\u00e1zar, you\u2019ll find a cute museum showcasing the castle\u2019s history, art and architecture. A climb to the top of the tower rewards you with breathtaking views of the Spanish countryside that surrounds Segovia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Segovia\u2019s old town was designated a UNESCO world heritage site because of its striking architecture and historical value, but it might as well have been chosen because of its amazing food. On the top of the list is cochinillo, roast suckling pig, a local specialty. If eating an entire baby pig isn\u2019t for you, Segovia is also known for its roast lamb, trout from the local rivers and beans. Head to the main square, Plaza Mayor, where you can find several traditional restaurants<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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After lunch, it\u2019s time to properly explore the old town. A notable and beautiful part of the town is the old Jewish quarter, called the Juder\u00eda. The narrow medieval streets and centuries-old buildings make every corner a delight. Small shops sell local crafts and products, secluded courtyards hide cute cafes and beautifully tended plants and flowers. Take your time to wander the corridors and alleyways, snap some photos and just take it all in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If Segovia didn\u2019t have its aqueduct, people would still come to see the Segovia cathedral. It\u2019s one of the last Gothic cathedrals built in Spain and a true masterpiece of that style of architecture. The spires and intricately carved facades showcase an art form at its height.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Traveling from Segovia to Madrid is just as easy as the other way around. Just get the train at Segovia station and you\u2019ll be back in the Spanish capital in a half hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cordoba is an ancient city in central Spain that makes an excellent day trip from Madrid. Its origins remain shrouded in mystery, but date back before 150 BCE, when it was already a major city. By the year 1000 CE, it may have been the largest city in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those days are long past. Today, Cordoba is a quiet city of churches and street cafes, with relics of the past hiding around every corner. Walking its winding medieval streets, you\u2019ll spot artifacts of past eras interspersed with the typical trappings of an Andalusian city. With its diverse history and origins, Cordoba feels worlds away from western Europe \u2013 and quintessentially Spanish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Traveling to Cordoba from Madrid is as easy as can be. The least complicated way is to simply grab a train in Madrid headed towards Sevilla \u2013 trains to Cordoba ride down the same set of tracks. A direct train from Madrid to Cordoba takes about two hours, while a bus from Madrid to Cordoba will take about five hours and generally cost a bit less. Renting a car is another popular option, which allows you to stop along the way, however the increased time it takes means that making a day trip out of it might be difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The beginning part of your day will be occupied by your travel to Cordoba. If you\u2019re taking the train, grab a bocadillo to snack on or enjoy Renfe\u2019s (the Spanish train company) excellent dining cars. Cordoba\u2019s modern train station is located a short walk from the old town. While buses are available, they take about the same amount of time, and the majority of the walk is through a strip of lush parks and gardens that bisects the old city from the new city. Get a coffee to go and take a nice stroll \u2013 we recommend it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cordoba\u2019s mosque-cum-cathedral is the centerpiece of the city and a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. After the Christian conquest, it was converted to a cathedral, but most of the Islamic decorations were preserved. One of the most iconic landmarks in Spain, the mosque dates back to 785 during Spain\u2019s Islamic period. The breathtaking hypostyle hall is a prayer hall thickly wooded with a forest of pillars and red-and-white-striped arches. There\u2019s an actual forest here as well, in the mosque\u2019s garden, another beloved attraction. Full of fruit trees, it is the oldest continuously planted Islamic garden in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Surrounding Cordoba\u2019s Mosque-Cathedral is the lovely neighborhood of Juder\u00eda, the area of the city in which Jews lived until they were expelled by King Ferdinand in the 15th century. Walking its twisting, cobblestoned streets, you feel transported back in time. Around one corner, you spy the Sinagoga, a former synagogue, a small but stunning edifice dating back to the early 14th century. Turn another corner, a medieval wall. Another, and you encounter el Zoco, a souk (Islamic market building) turned into a market for local crafts. Duck under a medieval archway and you\u2019re in a stunning courtyard perfumed with the scent of orange blossoms. This is why you travel \u2013 just breathe it in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take your time exploring the Juder\u00eda \u2013 Spanish people eat lunch late! And you\u2019ll want to work up an appetite: Andalusia is known throughout Spain for its cuisine, a distinct beast from what you\u2019ll find in the north. Local specialties are well-suited to the hot climate, including local favorite salmorejo, a thick, tomato soup served cold. For something a bit more bracing, try rabo de toro, oxtail stew or pinchos morunos, spiced pork skewers with distinctly North African spices. There are tons of great restaurants in the city center, but we recommend Bodegas Mezquita, El Churrasco, or Casa Pepe de la Juder\u00eda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Getting back to Catholic Spain for a moment, your next stop is the Alc\u00e1zar de los Reyes Cristianos, the fortified palace built by the Christian kings of Spain after their conquest. Over the centuries, it has served as a royal residence, a prison and a barracks for housing troops. Like the mezquita, it possesses lush gardens, impressive towers and courtyard after ornate courtyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the name, most of the current bridge spanning the Guadalquivir river actually dates back to a reconstruction in the 8th century during the city\u2019s Islamic period. However, the bridge\u2019s foundations date back to the days of the Roman empire. For two thousand years, until the mid-20th century, it was the only city\u2019s only bridge to cross the river. After the construction of another bridge in 2003, the Puente Romano was pedestrianized, and today makes a perfect place for an afternoon stroll. On the far side, the Calahorra, a 12th-century fortification, stands eternal watch over the bridge. Stroll across the ancient bridge and feel the weight of the centuries. Look out over the river\u2019s expanse, take in the historic mill buildings further downstream, and be at peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We know it\u2019s great, but best not to linger too long in Cordoba. Remember, it takes two hours to travel to Madrid from Cordoba by train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toledo is another great option for a day trip from Madrid. In fact, for tourists, it may be the most popular day trip from the Spanish capital. Toledo, the other Spanish capital, is just 35 miles (70 km) away and can easily be reached by train from Madrid. So take a day to explore Spain\u2019s medieval history, soak up the ambience and enjoy Toledo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Traveling to Toledo from Madrid is quick and easy. Taking a train is recommended, as you can make the entire journey in an hour using the Spanish train line Alsa for a very good price. Though we find that taking a train from Madrid to Toledo is the best way to get there, there are also plenty of buses that make the journey if you prefer that option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After disembarking in Toledo train station, itself an impressively ornate facade, it\u2019s a short walk to the compact medieval city center, making it perfect for an impromptu walking tour. On your way from the train station, stop by the Mirador R\u00edo Tajo, a vantage point opposite the river Tagus that overlooks the old town and the ancient castle walls. From there, it\u2019s a short walk across the Puente de Azarquiel, a historic arched bridge that boasts its own impressive views. Heading further into the old town, you\u2019ll pass a bull ring (a feature of many historic Spanish old towns), winding your way through a warren of medieval streets until you reach the Toledo Cathedral. This is one of three High Gothic cathedrals in Spain and considered by many experts to be the best example of the style. It was built over the remains of the mosque which occupied the same space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Alc\u00e1zar, an imposing, quadrangular Islamic castle looming over the city, actually dates back to the city\u2019s Roman period, when it functioned as a palace. Indeed, it\u2019s been a place of royalty ever since, first for the rulers of the Visigothic Kingdom, then for the Moorish kings and finally for the Catholic kings of Spain. Millennia and generations of royal residents have each left their distinct marks on the impressive edifice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For lunch, traditional Toledo restaurants are a great option, offering roasted meats and rich stews dominated by game meats, specifically rabbit and deer. After lunch, we recommend you relax and get some rest, so you\u2019ll have energy to continue exploring Toledo when you finish the short, hour-long trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next, it\u2019s a good idea to check out the Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca, a short walk from the cathedral. It\u2019s one of Europe\u2019s most beautiful examples of Muj\u00e9dar architecture \u2013 the style developed by Spain\u2019s Muslim inhabitants after the Christian conquest. Indeed, although it\u2019s not commonly known now, Spain was home for millions of Muslims for hundreds of years after the Christian conquest. The former synagogue, which is considered one of Europe\u2019s oldest, features a striking white and gold color scheme, characteristic of the style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of Toledo\u2019s other famous landmarks include the Puerta del Sol, an ornate gate that leads into the Jewish quarter, and the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, a picturesque square in the heart of the old town. The Juder\u00eda is also known for its local artisans, and it\u2019s common to see small shops selling locally produced ceramics, jewelry and especially the city\u2019s famous Damascene metalwork, which inlays gold and silver into a black steel surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finish your day in Toledo with a visit to the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, a 15th-century monastery built by King Ferdinand II to commemorate their victory in the Battle of Toro. The building is a spectacular example of the Gothic-style architecture popular in Spain at the time and features stunning details, including a secluded cloister, intricately carved stonework and stained glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After exploring the monastery, you can make your way back to Toledo train station to take your train from Toledo to Madrid. Now you see why Toledo is such a popular day trip from Madrid!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"