Madrid is a huge city, and there’s enough there to entertain tourists for weeks. But it’s still nice to get out of the big city and explore another place – and in a country as diverse, varied and beautiful as Spain, it’s well worth it. Here are three places that make perfect day trips from Spain’s capital. We’ll tell you about Segovia, site of the iconic Roman aqueduct, Cordoba, whose Islamic influence makes it feel like not-quite-Europe, and Toledo, Spain’s medieval capital. Whether you’re interested in historic architecture, delicious cuisine, or medieval history, there’s something for everyone in these three cities. Read on!
How to get to Madrid from Madrid Barajas Adolfo Suarez Airport
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.
Day trips from Madrid: day trip to Segovia from Madrid
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’s home to a fairy-tale castle, a historic city center dating back to the Middle Ages, an impressive Gothic cathedral and more – but the most famous attraction in Segovia has to be its spectacular Roman aqueduct.
How to get from Madrid to Segovia
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 Chamartín 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.
Segovia day trip from Madrid: itinerary
Madrid’s Estacion de Chamartín is a short trip outside of Madrid’s 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’ll be impressed by some beautiful mountain scenery: the town is nestled in a picturesque valley with the iconic Alcazar castle perched on a hilltop.
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 – you came here to explore, didn’t 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’s 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’ll pass plenty of stores, cafes and restaurants in case you’re feeling peckish.
Segovia’s aqueduct
Let’s start with the main attraction: Segovia’s Roman aqueduct. This 1st century CE Roman aqueduct is a symbol of the Segovia and the city’s most popular attraction. The incredible construction runs about seven miles, transporting water from the Rio Frío to Segovia’s 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.
The Roman Empire’s 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’s 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.
Alcázar of Segovia (Segovia castle)
Alcázar comes from the Arabic word for castle and references Spain’s long Islamic period, when many such structures were built. Segocia’s Alcázar is perhaps the most prominent feature of its skyline and a must-see (if we’re being honest, Segovia’s castle is so prominent in the skyline that it’s 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.
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 Alcázar, you’ll find a cute museum showcasing the castle’s history, art and architecture. A climb to the top of the tower rewards you with breathtaking views of the Spanish countryside that surrounds Segovia.
Traditional Segovian lunch
Segovia’s 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’t 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
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Segovia’s Jewish quarter
After lunch, it’s time to properly explore the old town. A notable and beautiful part of the town is the old Jewish quarter, called the Judería. 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.
Segovia cathedral
If Segovia didn’t have its aqueduct, people would still come to see the Segovia cathedral. It’s 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.
Return to Madrid from Segovia
Traveling from Segovia to Madrid is just as easy as the other way around. Just get the train at Segovia station and you’ll be back in the Spanish capital in a half hour.
Day trips from Madrid: day trip to Cordoba from Madrid
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.
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’ll 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 – and quintessentially Spanish.
How to get from Madrid to Cordoba
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 – 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.
Cordoba day trip from Madrid: itinerary
The beginning part of your day will be occupied by your travel to Cordoba. If you’re taking the train, grab a bocadillo to snack on or enjoy Renfe’s (the Spanish train company) excellent dining cars. Cordoba’s 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 – we recommend it!
Cordoba mosque: Mezquita de Cordoba
Cordoba’s 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’s Islamic period. The breathtaking hypostyle hall is a prayer hall thickly wooded with a forest of pillars and red-and-white-striped arches. There’s an actual forest here as well, in the mosque’s garden, another beloved attraction. Full of fruit trees, it is the oldest continuously planted Islamic garden in the world.
Explore the Judería: Cordoba’s old Jewish quarter
Surrounding Cordoba’s Mosque-Cathedral is the lovely neighborhood of Judería, 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’re in a stunning courtyard perfumed with the scent of orange blossoms. This is why you travel – just breathe it in.
Lunch: the tastes of Andalusia
Take your time exploring the Judería – Spanish people eat lunch late! And you’ll want to work up an appetite: Andalusia is known throughout Spain for its cuisine, a distinct beast from what you’ll 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 Judería.
Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
Getting back to Catholic Spain for a moment, your next stop is the Alcázar 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.
Puente Romano
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’s Islamic period. However, the bridge’s foundations date back to the days of the Roman empire. For two thousand years, until the mid-20th century, it was the only city’s 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’s expanse, take in the historic mill buildings further downstream, and be at peace.
Return to Madrid from Cordoba
We know it’s great, but best not to linger too long in Cordoba. Remember, it takes two hours to travel to Madrid from Cordoba by train.
Day trips from Madrid: day trip to Toledo from Madrid
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’s medieval history, soak up the ambience and enjoy Toledo.
How to get from Madrid to Toledo
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.
Toledo day trip from Madrid: itinerary
After disembarking in Toledo train station, itself an impressively ornate facade, it’s 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 Río Tajo, a vantage point opposite the river Tagus that overlooks the old town and the ancient castle walls. From there, it’s 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’ll 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.
The Alcázar, an imposing, quadrangular Islamic castle looming over the city, actually dates back to the city’s Roman period, when it functioned as a palace. Indeed, it’s 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.
Traditional lunch in Toledo
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’ll have energy to continue exploring Toledo when you finish the short, hour-long trip.
Synagogues, monasteries and more
Next, it’s a good idea to check out the Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca, a short walk from the cathedral. It’s one of Europe’s most beautiful examples of Mujédar architecture – the style developed by Spain’s Muslim inhabitants after the Christian conquest. Indeed, although it’s 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’s oldest, features a striking white and gold color scheme, characteristic of the style.
Some of Toledo’s 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 Judería is also known for its local artisans, and it’s common to see small shops selling locally produced ceramics, jewelry and especially the city’s famous Damascene metalwork, which inlays gold and silver into a black steel surface.
Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes
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.
Return to Madrid from Toledo
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!