Where to go from Madrid for 1 day – 20 most interesting places
Arriving in the capital of Spain, Madrid, captivating with its skillful medieval architecture, unique historical monuments and various museums, tourists get an unforgettable experience. But when you are lucky enough to spend 7-10 days in the Spanish capital, you should not miss the opportunity to visit its environs with ancient towns that have survived a thousand-year history, preserving the magical atmosphere of the Middle Ages in historical and architectural monuments. Each of these towns has unique historical and art museums, the exhibits of which tell about the history of the country, the life and art of its hospitable people. We will tell you where to go from Madrid for 1 day on your own, suggesting the most interesting places located near the capital, tell you what you can see there and how to get there faster.
Toledo
Чаще всего туристы направляются в средневековый Толедо – объект Всемирного наследия ЮНЕСКО, город «трех культур» с христианскими, иудейскими и мусульманскими традициями. Старый город занимает вершину ущелья, открывающую изумительный вид на реку Тахо. Он поражает роскошной архитектурой, воплотившейся в стилях нескольких эпох: романском, готическом, позднеготическом, ренессансом и барокко.
Во время реконструкций много зданий обрели черты местного стиля – мудехар, выразившегося в роскошных каменных орнаментах, цветных изразцах и башнях внешне похожих на минареты. Придя на Ратушную площадь насладитесь красотой величественного готического собора Catedral Primada, затем побываете в крепости XV века: Алькасар, возвышающейся над городом. Любителям живописи непременно надо посетить художественную галерею с картинами знаменитого Эль Греко.
Book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel for 2 885 RUB
Toledo is located 72 kilometers south of the Spanish capital. Trains run from Atocha station at intervals of 30 to 60 minutes, no more than 35 minutes. From Piazza di Spagna there are buses “Himmens”, and from Via Lusitana – bus route “Alsa”. You can reach Toledo directly in 50 minutes.
Segovia
96 kilometers to the north is the picturesque old town of Segovia, founded by the Romans more than 2 thousand years ago, which received the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The creation of ancient Roman architects is a unique aqueduct. Its monumental building, consisting of 167 granite arches, and stretching for 818 meters, has become the hallmark of the city. You will be captivated by the formidable view of the medieval royal castle Alcazar, rising on top of a cliff.
Королевская роскошь видится в фасаде и внутреннем убранстве замка. Особой красотой изумляет оформление Тронного и Оружейного залов с лепными позолоченными потолками, старинными гобеленами, витражами и рыцарскими доспехами. Среди уникальных достопримечательностей заслуживают внимание Ворота Мадрида, Ратуша, башня Лозоя, ренессансные дворцы графов Мансиллы и маркиза дель Арко, изумляющие искусной каменной резьбой фасады домов Пика и Цепей.
Of the religious buildings, the building of the Cathedral of St. Mary admires, with wonderful stained-glass windows, a statue of the “Reclining Christ” and a marble altar. In the art museum, admire the paintings of Dürer and Rembrandt. Also of interest are Romanesque churches and medieval monasteries. You can get to Segovia by AVANZA bus in 1 hour 20 minutes and by train in 30 minutes, but the train arrival station is 6 kilometers from the city, so another 15 minutes should be taken by city bus.
Escorial
В 62 километрах возле подножья горы Сьерра-де-Гвадаррама воображение туристов поражает вид грандиозного архитектурного ансамбля Эскориал, возведенного в XVI веке. Комплекс, сочетающий монастырь с величественным собором, королевскую резиденцию с монументальным дворцом, музеями и садами, усыпальницу монархических династий с незапамятных времен стал символом страны. По центру Эскориала возвышается Собор святого Лаврентия.
Северная сторона занята Дворцом инфантов, а южная – монастырскими постройками. Пусть вас не смущает аскетичный дворцовый фасад. Зайдя внутрь, изумитесь интерьерами и роскошной отделкой Военного зала и королевских покоев. В соборе поражает декор серебряными, золотыми и бронзовыми деталями, множество скульптур, выполненных выдающимися мастерами. На стенах и потолках восхищают росписи и резьба, сделанные лучшими живописцами Средневековья и знаменитым Эль Греко.
Непременно стоит зайти в художественный музей Эскориала, где увидите редкие картины Диего Веласкеса, Хосе де Риберы, Эль Греко, Тинторетто, Франсиско Гойи, Тициана, Веронезе, Босха. Добраться до Эскориала можно за час с мадридской автостанции на автобусах №661 и 664 за 1 час. Также с вокзала Аточа идут поезда и электрички до El Escorial, а далее 20 минут пешком в гору.
Вальядолид
One of the largest cities in Spain, Valladolid, is located 195 kilometers north of Madrid. In the Middle Ages, the residence of the Spanish rulers was located here, the navigator Columbus found peace. However, the legendary Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, the first copy of which is kept in his house-museum, brought great fame to Valladolid. In the heart of Valladolid rises the building of the Cathedral, dating from the 16th century with a museum and fragments of the church of the 11th century.
The lace building of the National Museum of Sculpture impresses with its external and internal design. It exhibits a rare collection of carved altars, statues of saints, sculptural compositions on biblical scenes made of stone and wood. The museum occupies 3 historical buildings: an architectural masterpiece – the College of St. George, the palaces of Vilena and Casa del Sol, dating from the 16th century.
You will learn a lot about the history of navigation at the Christopher Columbus House Museum. If you have time, relax in the Campo Grande park, where you will admire the fountain in the lake and the waterfall, walking royal peacocks and take a boat ride. The AVE high-speed train will take you to Valladolid in just 1 hour.
Alcala de Henares
В 30 километрах в направлении северо-востока раскинулся старинный городок, насчитывающий своей истории 5 тысяч лет. Его название произошло от арабского слова «al-galat», означающего «крепость», а слово Энарес означает название местной реки. Знаменитости ему придал в первый университетский городок San Ildefonso, основанный в XVI веке и ставший прообразом современных научных центров. Старейшими достопримечательностями города считается готическая церковь XII столетия с воротами мучеников и резиденция Епископа, где выставлены архивные документы инквизиции.
You should not miss a visit to the house of Cervantes, which you will recognize by the figures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza sitting on a bench near the entrance. The building of the Laredo Palace, the end of the 19th century, and Cervantes Square are impressive – a cozy green oasis with luxurious flower beds and storks on the roofs. Of the church buildings, the Church of Santa Maria, where Cervantes was baptized, and the Cathedral of the Holy Children with unique sculptures, murals and paintings of the Middle Ages deserve interest. There is a train to Alcala de Henares up to 25 minutes from Chamartín Station.
San Ildefon
В 80 километрах находится роскошная королевская резиденция La Granja de San Ildefonso, построенная в XVIII столетии на месте бывшего монастыря. При подходе ко дворцу взгляд останавливается на Соборной церкви Святой Троицы, строившейся как Королевская часовня. Изумляет внутреннее оформление храма, с алтарем, декорированным тремя цветами мрамора: белым, красным и зеленым, настенными и потолочными росписями.
Королевский дворец с окружающим его парком строился по образцу французского Версаля. Его барочная архитектура поражает изяществом оформления фасадов, убранством дворцовых залов и комнат. Неизгладимое впечатление производят росписи потолков, настенные фрески и роскошная мебель, гармонично вписанная в интерьер, дополненный скульптурами, картинами и внушительной коллекцией гобеленов. Изумляет красота дворцового парка с роскошными садами, цветочными клумбами, лабиринтом во французском стиле и большим прудом.
Изюминкой парка стал ряд оригинальных фонтанов, украшенных скульптурными композициями на мифологические сюжеты. Добраться до Сан-Ильдефонсо удобнее всего на арендованном автомобиле за 1 час 15 минут по трассе A-6 и по трассе AP-61. На остальном транспорте придется ехать с пересадками.
Мансанарес-эль-Реаль
Городок и старинный замок, расположенный в 50 километрах. Туристической привлекательностью обладает старинная замковая крепость Кастильо-де-лос-Мендоса.Замок, возведенный XIV веке как оборонительная крепость, занимает живописный участок южного склона гряды. Спустя несколько десятилетий в конце XV столетия крепость украсилась дворцом – имением влиятельного кастильского рода Мендос. Квадратное сооружение замка-дворца окружает зубчатая стена с бойницами и четырьмя башнями по углам, тремя круглыми и одной квадратной «Башней чествования» завершенной шестигранником.
Going inside the castle, you find yourself in an armory yard surrounded by a two-tiered gallery. Enter the main hall of the palace, where medieval weapons and knightly armor are on display. Its interior is decorated with 17th-century tapestries depicting scenes from Rembrandt's paintings. The restoration, carried out in 2013, completely recreated the atmosphere of the Middle Ages that reigned then in the fortress. The easiest way to get to the castle is by bus, leaving from the metropolitan stop Calle Matteo Enurria, located near Plaza Castile. On the road, spend only 45-50 minutes.
Valley of the Fallen
Мемориальный комплекс Долину Павших, созданный в горах Гвадаррамы, стоит совместить с поездкой в архитектурный комплекс Эскориал, расположенный от него всего в 15 километрах. Мемориал, посвященный жертвам гражданской войны, возводили с 1940 по 1958 года во время правления генерала Франко. В памятной группе Valle de los Caidos объединены: эспланада, базилика с криптой и памятник на гранитном постаменте в виде креста, возвышающегося на 150 метров. В галереях, вырубленных в скале, в настенных нишах увидите несколько часовен, где захоронено 33700 испанцев, погибших в гражданской войне. Рядом с комплексом есть монастырь, послушники которого ухаживают за мемориалом.
In the Catholic basilica, carved into the rock, the altar dome with a diameter of 42 meters strikes. A mountain path leads to the foot of the cross, but you can also take the funicular. A breathtaking event will be the ascent inside the cross on the elevator to the observation deck, where at a height of 42 meters with figures depicting 4 Christian virtues, a breathtaking view of the surroundings opens up. Visiting the Valley of Memory is most convenient to take on a rented car.
Avila
The town of Avila, located 110 kilometers northwest of Madrid, is interesting for its unique history. It stretches along the banks of the Adaho River, which flows at an altitude of 1130 meters. The fortress wall of the 11th century, which has been completely preserved to this day, is recognized as a tourist highlight. The wall encircles the Old City for 2.5 kilometers. It has 87 towers and 9 gates, and the height of the defensive fortifications reaches 12 meters. After passing through the gates of the Alcazar, you will see the Church of St. Peter on the Great Market Square, which was previously the main temple of the city.
On the square of the Small Market there is the Annunciation Chapel dating back to the end of the 16th century. The main attraction of Ávila is the Church and Museum of Saint Teresa of Ávila, located on the site of her house. Local 7 churches built in Romanesque architecture and monasteries can be seen by sitting on San Vincento Square in the Tren Turistico Murallito ring sightseeing train. You can get off it at any stop, see the sights, and then continue the tour on another train. From the Moncloa stop, there is a direct FlixBus bus to Ávila on route K702. Travel time – 74 minutes.
Guadalajara
The town of Guadalajara is located 60 kilometers northeast of Madrid. It was founded by the Arabs in the 8th century, and the name is translated from Arabic as “river of stones”. The Cathedral of Guadalajara on the Plaza de los Caidos was rebuilt after the expulsion of the Arab conquerors in the Mudéjar architecture in the 14th century from the mosque, retaining a tower from it, which was crowned with a spire. The Renaissance style can be seen in the portico, the chapel and the magnificent altar of the 16th century. On the site of a spring that spouted near the temple in the Middle Ages, there is a column with a statue of the Virgin Mary.
Tourists who come to the Plaza de los Caidos are greeted by a monument to Cardinal Mendoza. Behind it flaunts a luxurious palace of the XV century, which combined many architectural styles. The inner façades delight with the skillful lacy stone carvings of the galleries and arcades. The outer façades, combined with Gothic and Renaissance details, evoke associations with a gigantic carved box. On Calle Mayor Square, the picturesque eclectic building of the city hall dating back to the 19th century delights. Getting to Guadalajara is not difficult by direct train from the Madrid station.
Salamanca
Salamanca is famous for finding the oldest university in Spain, founded in the 13th century. The historical center of the city is under the protection of UNESCO. Tourists enjoy the atmosphere of ancient streets with mansions built of golden sandstone. The baroque Plaza Mayor, dating back to the 18th century, has become the center of attraction for visitors to the city. It is lined with buildings of an authentic style called “Spanish Renaissance”. It is worth visiting two temples: the old – Romanesque style, founded in the XII century and the New, built in the architecture of the Spanish Baroque.
The las Conchas building attracts attention with its originality, with a facade decorated with 300 sea shells. The highlight of Salamanca was the colorful university building of the early 16th century. Its façades with royal coats of arms delight with the plateresque style, expressed by quaint relief elements of decor and stone patterns. On the outskirts, it is worth looking into the mystical cave, where, according to legend, the lessons of black magic were held by Satan. Salamanca can be reached from Madrid Chamartin Station in 1 hour 36 minutes, by bus from the South Bus Station in 2 hours 20 minutes.
Siguensa
The small old town of Sigüenza captivates with the color of the historical center. In the Plaza Mayor, founded by Cardinal Mendoza in the 16th century, tourists discover the architectural treasure of the city with the charm of the facades of secular buildings, the town hall and the Cathedral, the construction of which began in the 12th century in Romanesque architecture, ending almost 400 years later with Gothic. Outside, the cathedral appears as a medieval castle with square towers on the sides and a portico with a massive rose.
Adjacent to the church is a monastery with galleries, which house the church museum with 16 unique tapestries. The southern façade with the Gallo Tower overlooks the square. Among the civil buildings, it is worth taking a look at the Gothic tower house on Calle de San Vicente, built in the 13th century. On its facade, the heraldry of influential citizens and details of the Mudéjar style are visible. A vivid impression remains from the view of the formidable castle of the XII century, which attracts attention on a high hill, which served as a protective structure and the residence of the Bishop. Now a hotel is located in the ancient walls.
Sigüenza is 130 km away. From the station of the same name, a direct bus number 034 goes there. The way to the destination is an hour and a half.
Medinaceli
The settlement of Medinaceli, which existed during the Roman Empire as the city of Ocilis, is located 155 km from Madrid in the valley of the Halon River. The Romans discovered here deposits of salt, iron ore and silver. Today, a 9-meter three-span arch of the 1st century AD, towering on a hill, serves as a reminder of the stay of the Romans. An abandoned Moorish castle remained near the arch. Medinaceli is a two-level settlement, the historical part of which is located on a hill. The family palace of the Dukes of Medinaceli stands out among all the mansions on the main square, founded in the 16th century.
Inside the palace, among the exhibitions of newfangled installations, ancient Roman mosaics of the 2nd and 4th centuries on mythological themes, discovered during the restoration of the covering of city squares, are noteworthy. You should not pass by the Church of St. Martin, the monastery of St. Elizabeth dating back to the 16th century and the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary with a unique image of Christ, which preserved the atmosphere of the Middle Ages in the interior. Twice a day, Medinaceli can be reached by train from Madrid, departing at 7.15 and 15.45 in 2 hours and 16 minutes.
Colmenar de Oreja
Colmenar de Oreja was founded by the Romans in 220 BC. During the conquest by the Arabs, it became a Moorish fortress. The place from which sightseeing tours begin is the authentic Plaza Mayor. The pearl of urban architecture is the church of Santa Maria la Mayor. Today it appears before us in the form given by perestroika in the 16th century. Outside, the temple looks like an impregnable fortress, completed with a spire of 62 meters. From religious architecture, it is worth paying attention to the stone Chapel-Skete, named after the patron of the city Humilladero.
Its older part was built in the 16th century, the other one a hundred years later. Of interest is the facade of the Convent, built in the architectural form of the Baroque with the right wing, which was previously the palace of Count Colmenar. Art lovers will be interested in visiting the Ulpiano Ceca Museum, a world-famous artist born in this city. Near the museum there is a beautiful garden with a bust of the artist, a jug and colmenar stone – limestone, which served as a building material for royal palaces and numerous sculptures.
You need to get there by bus number 337 from the Madrid Conde de Casal station and get off at your destination at the 2nd stop, focusing on the spire of the church. Travel time is approximately 1 hour.
Consuegra
The settlement of Consuegra has been known since the 6th century BC. The fascinating history and picturesque surroundings are a good reason to visit the city included in the Don Quixote itinerary. The architecture of the Consuegra Castle in the vicinity and the 12 windmills surrounding it, with which the hero of Cervantes fought, became the hallmark of Consuegra. Breathe in the medieval atmosphere of the town at the historic Plaza Espana with the 17th century town hall and Los Corredores house, notable for its traditional La Mancha-style carved balconies. It houses the archaeological museum of the city, where you can get acquainted with interesting exhibits about the history of Consuegra and Castile.
You will see the ancient Roman dam, built in the 1st century – evidence of the great Roman Empire. Entering the church of San Juan Buatista, dating back to the 16th century, you will admire a collection of paintings by Spanish artists on biblical themes. In the workshops of artisans, you will definitely want to buy traditional and unique ceramic products. Consuegra is located 160 km from the Spanish capital. You can get there in 2 hours 45 minutes. bus 012 departing from the Madrid station.
Pedraza
The small village of Pedraço, founded in the 13th century, has passed the events and changes of the past centuries. Enclosed by a fortress wall, she never went beyond it. Today, as in the Middle Ages, you will enter Pedraza through the fortress gates with the coat of arms of the local ruler, which have retained their appearance unchanged since the 16th century. The medieval era, frozen in the architecture of houses and narrow cobbled streets, is loved by the filmmakers of historical films and tourists who travel back in time here. Immediately after entering Pedraza, you get to the city prison, preserved from the 16th century.
Now she is empty. After passing through the narrow Royal Street, you will come to the main square – Plaza Mayor, with the mansions of the local nobility surrounding it, in which the town hall and a number of authentic restaurants settled. Tourists will be most interested in the perfectly preserved castle, where every stone of its wall remembers the Romans, Arabs and Spanish infantes who were imprisoned in the main castle tower. In the last century, the castle was bought by the artist Ignacio Zuloago, who turned it into a museum. From Madrid to Pedraza, the distance is 126 km, the most convenient way to get to it is by renting a car.
Aranhuas
Having visited the town of Aranjuez, located 48 km from Madrid between the Tagus and Jarama rivers, tourists will enjoy the view of masterpieces of architecture, wonderful parks and unique collections of museums. The most majestic building of Aranjuez is the pompous summer Royal Palace, included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site and nicknamed the “Spanish Versailles”. It amazes with the luxurious baroque style of exterior facades and interiors of its premises. The elegance of the porcelain hall and the luxury of the mirror salon, the interior of the richly decorated bedrooms delight.
In the halls of the first floor there are expositions of the museum of the palace life of the monarchs. The palace is surrounded by an amazing garden and park complex with four original parks: the heirs to the throne, the island, flower garden and Isabelle II garden, decorated with sculptural compositions, fountains, pavilions and green fences. In San Antonio Square, admire the fountain and the surrounding arcades, preserved from the royal court. In the center of the square stands the baroque royal church of San Antonio.
Among the attractions are also the Museum of Royal Boats and Barges, the miniature building of the Casa del Labrador Palace, the palaces of Medinacelli and Selville. In the church of the Royal Monastery of San Pascual, dating from the 17th century, an altarpiece painted by the artist Raphael Mengs is noteworthy. A special highlight of Arajuez was the “strawberry train” – a sightseeing route that recreated an old steam-powered train of 4 wagons with a 19th-century interior. In 1 hour, having left Madrid, he arrives at the railway station, notable for the Neo-Mudejar style.
Chinchon
A tour of the sights of the city of Chinchon, located 40 km from Madrid, is better to start from Plaza Mayor, where you will immediately feel the medieval spirit of the town. The square is surrounded by authentic three-story houses of the 15th-17th centuries with wooden balconies. A popular tourist attraction is the Clock Tower, which served as a church bell tower in the 15th century, and over the centuries turned into a watchtower. Small Chinchon has several churches of interest to tourists.
The Church of the Assumption of Our Lady (1534-1626), combining the architecture of Gothic, Plateresque, Renaissance and Baroque, is famous for the painting by Francisco Goya “Ascension of the Virgin”, which adorned the main altar. Don't miss out on the Baroque Church of St. Roque, erected in the 16th century in honor of the patron saint of the city, notable for the sculpture of the saint near the entrance. There are 2 ancient monasteries in Chinchon: the cloister of the Clares, founded in the middle of the 17th century, and the monastery of the Augustines of the 15th century, reconstructed at the end of the last century into an authentic hotel.
Next to the convent, the House of Chains, built at the end of the 17th century in Baroque architecture, will attract attention. From here, climb the hill to the ruins of the count's castle Castlillo de los Condes (XVI century), passing along the preserved ancient stone bridge with the coat of arms of the count. From this place, an amazing view of the ancient town appears at a glance. Going downstairs, end your tour of the city with a visit to the building of the Lope de Vega theater, which stands out with a pink facade and a stone coat of arms of the city.
It will not be difficult to get there by bus number 337, departing from the Av.Mediterráneo-Conde De Casal station, spending about an hour on the road.
Cuenca
The color of the town of Cuenca, located on a rocky hill 138 km away, is created by a scattering of medieval houses Casas Colgadas hanging from a cliff. Its main square, Plaza Mayor, is notable for the baroque architecture of the buildings and the Gothic style of the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Mayor, built at the end of the 12th century. In its interior, admire the Ventura altarpiece XVIII, a magnificent renaissance style arch. Next to the church, enter the courtyard of the Bishop's Palace, where you can see the art collection of the Diocese Museum in the arcade galleries.
Also, the historical center is interesting for the Cuenca archive building, where the Inquisition Court was located in the Middle Ages, and the Magnana clock tower, recognized as a symbol of the city. Several churches deserve attention: San Felipe de Neri (XVIII century) with a rococo interior, Virgen de la Luz, dedicated to the Virgin Mary (XVI century) with rococo facades, baroque Nuestra Señora de las Angustias (16th century). The baroque building of the 17th century Carmelite monastery now houses the university.
You can also visit museums: archeology, painting and wildlife. The end of the tour will be the high hill of Cuenca, where the monument of the Sacred Heart of Jesus rushes to the sky, blessing the city. Tired of the ups and downs of the streets of Cuenca, take a break in the quaint rock park of San Ciudad Encantada. You can get to Cuenca from Madrid by renting a car in 2 hours.
Buitrago del Lozoya
While in Madrid, it is worth visiting the town of Buitrago del Lozoya, located 78 km from it. It is notable for the fortress walls surrounded by water, erected by the Moors in the 11th century. The old city is spread out on the cape of the river, similar to an outstretched thumb. Start the tour from the historical center – Constitution Square with an inspection of the ancient fountain, the municipal building, which houses the museum of paintings by the outstanding artist Pablo Picasso and the Clock Tower.
After passing through the tower arch, you will find yourself on the Square of the Fallen near the castle church of St. Mary, built 7 centuries ago with a facade that stands out with a combination of Gothic, Renaissance and Mudéjar architecture. Impressive castle Castillo de Buitrago del Lozoya, erected in the XV century in a square shape, fortified with 7 towers. The main style of castle masonry is Mudéjar. The castle is surrounded by a two-level fortress wall 800m long with three entrances. You can walk along the low part of the wall, parallel to the river, admiring the amazing views from above. The entrance to the upper – southwestern wall is limited.
There is no direct connection to Buitrago del Lozoya. The easiest way to get to the town is by rented car. You will spend 1 hour on the way.