Madrid, Spain has a lot to offer without leaving the city limits. It has a rich history with many places of interest to keep visitors engaged for several days. Most visitors spend about two days in Madrid, which, in our opinion, is barely enough time to see the essential sites. You can read more on Madrid in some of our earlier posts and we have another one coming soon. If you have more than a couple of days to spend in Madrid, there are many day trip options. So, if you're tempted to squeeze too much in, you're not alone!
Toledo and Segovia in One Day?
Over the past several months we've seen more than a few people post on Facebook asking if they should group both Toledo and Segovia into one day trip. These are probably the top two day trip destinations from Madrid. And, yes, you can do both in one day. There are even tours you can book for this. But we don't really recommend doing them both in one day, especially if you want a full experience in each city. We looked at one that's an 11-hour day trip with a guide to take you to a few of the essential places with free time in both locations. If you dig into the details of this particular tour, you'll see that you have three hours in Toledo and three hours in Segovia with the remainder of the time devoted to travel. To get a sense of why we recommend not visiting Toledo and Segovia in the same day, we plotted locations on a map for you. Toledo is more than 50 miles south of Madrid and Segovia is more than 60 miles northwest of Madrid. The trip from Toledo to Segovia is about 100 miles. And, in our experience, once you arrive at these places, there are narrow streets that are slow-going for a tour bus. So, you'd be spending a lot of your day sitting on a bus.
Our List of Potential Day Trips from Madrid
We've developed a list of eleven places you might want to visit from Madrid on day trips, immediately below. Then we dig into each with a description and other information and links you might find useful. It was going to be a top ten list. But we added one that's more about hiking for those of you who are up for that kind of an adventure. So read on to learn more. Included on the list are the two we've already mentioned as an example: Toledo and Segovia. We love both of these places and you might want to visit one or both of them. Let's get on to the list. We decided to put it in alphabetical order to avoid what might otherwise seem to be a random ranking. We hope this information will help you decide which day trip will delight you and your fellow travelers. You can probably find guided tours for all of these locations if you want the luxury of having a guide and private transportation. Here we'll focus on the public transportation options.
Alcalá de Henares
Aranjuez
Ávila
Chinchón
El Escorial
Patones de Arriba
Real Sitio de San Idelfonso
Salamanca
Segovia
Sierra del Rincón
Toledo
Here's the List in More Detail
Alcalá de Henares is a city located 30 kilometers northeast of Madrid. It's a city built around a university and religious center with a medieval center that's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some notable people associated with the city include Miguel de Cervantes, Cardinal Cisneros, and Katherine of Aragon. Alcalá de Henares was the first city built as a university seat, meant to exemplify the concept of a "City of God," a city consisting of those committed to eternal truths. This is in contrast to the Earthly City which comprises those pursuing worldly pleasures. The City of God is destined for salvation, while the Earthly City is destined for damnation. I know, heavy, right?!
Don Quijote
Alcalá is also notable for significantly contributing to linguistic advancements, especially through Cervantes and Don Quixote, one of the founding works of Western literature. This work, published in two parts in the early seventeenth century, is considered by many scholars to be the first modern novel. You might think of Don Quijote battling windmills that he thought were giants.
If you haven't figured out yet, we're going to digress from time to time in this article in order to give you some history and anecdotes that you might not learn elsewhere.
Historic Alcalá
While in Alcalá de Henares, you can visit the House of Cervantes' Birthplace and some of the original university buildings and do a tour of the historic part of the city. The third photo in the gallery below is one of the original university buildings where we attended classes in the late 1980s. Its a beautiful and enduring example of Plateresque architecture, typical during the Spanish Renaissance in the late 15th century and the 16th century. The name plateresque comes from the Spanish word for Silversmith, platero, and refers to the ornate design elements that you might find in silver decor.
While touring, be sure to look up because Alcalá is famous for the storks that nest on the rooftops. This is one of the endearing things that was pointed out to us when we first started attending classes there. The symbol of the University of Alcalá de Henares shows a rooftop or church spire with two nesting storks facing each other (our feeble attempt at describing it). Next time we visit, we're going to look for a tee shirt with this design.
La Puerta de Madrid
In Madrid you may have walked along the Calle de Alcalá where you would see the Puerta de Alcalá (Alcalá Gate) near one of the entrances to Retiro Park. Heading east from there would take you in the direction of Alcalá de Henares. And, in Alcalá there is a Puerta de Madrid (Madrid Gate). In the middle ages, Alcalá was a walled city and you could only enter or leave it through one of various gates. La Puerta de Madrid is one of these gates that still exists on the west side of the old city.
Roman city of Complutum
Alcalá was originally a Roman city. It was apparently destroyed in AD 1000 and rebuilt soon thereafter by the Moors. There are Roman ruins you can visit on the western edge of the city. It's a bit of a hike from the center, about a half hour walk. And taking the bus won't save you any time. If you Uber or take a taxi, you'll arrive in about ten minutes. We suggest taking a taxi and paying attention to the sights along the way. Then if things look interesting, just walk back and explore.
Lodging in Alcalá
If you want to spend more than a day here, and there's plenty to see and do, the Parador de Alcalá de Henares might be the right place for you to stay. We're currently planning to spend some time in Alcalá in early December 2024. And we intend to stay at the Parador. We've lodged in and dined at the restaurants of various Paradores over the years. In our experience, they have welcoming staff, comfortable accommodations, and offer beautifully prepared, tasty food in comfortable settings with friendly, efficient service. Of course, there are other lodging options. A friend of ours was recently there and had a great experience at the PCM Forum Hotel. And it's just a short walk east of the Complutum ruins.
A Note about the National Paradors
National Paradors in Spain are unique government-run hotels, sometimes situated in restored, historic castles, monasteries, and palaces. They typically offer a blend of up scale or luxury accommodation and cultural heritage, allowing guests to experience Spain's rich history while enjoying modern amenities. In our experience they have very good restaurants. So, even if you aren't staying as a guest, you can enjoy well prepared food and gracious service at these hotels.
Getting to Alcalá
If you go to Alcalá, the best way for tourists to get there is probably by train which takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on which station you use in Madrid. You can also take a bus or drive if you have a car. From the train station, it's about a 10 minute walk to the historic part of town. We suggest taking a taxi to the Plaza de Cervantes (one of our favorite places to hang out and only a short walk from the House of Cervantes' Birthplace and the original university building). We know how to walk from the train station. And you could probably find your way with GPS. We did this walk every day when we were living in Madrid and studying in Alcalá back in the day. For lunch, we recommend finding a place on Calle Mayor with a menú del día (we wrote about the menú del día in a previous article about dining in Spain). Check out the website for more information on what to see and do during your visit.
Aranjuez, around 50 km (31 miles) south of Madrid, is a Historic-Artistic Site featuring a royal palace and gardens along the Tagus River, reflecting Age of Enlightenment ideals in its harmonious urban design. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, it showcases attractions like the Strawberry Train (an old time train that you can take from Madrid; this might be fun for adults and children alike) and the Motín de Aranjuez (Revolt of Aranjuez) festival. The Strawberry Train, so named because strawberries are offered to passengers, pays tribute to Madrid's first railway line inaugurated in 1851. It departs from the old Delicias Station. The staff is dressed in period attire, providing an authentic experience.
Established as a Royal Site during Felipe II's reign in the 16th century, the town evolved under Felipe V and Carlos III into a courtly center where architecture and nature coexist. The Royal Palace of Aranjuez underwent significant reconstruction by architects like Juan Bautista de Toledo, Juan de Herrera, and Francisco Sabatini, featuring stunning Baroque art in its interiors, including works by Lucas Jordán and Vicente López.
Getting to Aranjuez
You can get there by direct train (45 minutes from the Atocha train station) or bus (1 hour). Or take the aforementioned Strawberry Train which has various offerings, the most basic of which is the Natural Strawberries route. It only includes the train which leaves from Madrid at 10 AM and returns to Madrid at 7:30 PM. Other itineraries include visits to the palace and other attractions.
Ávila, located about 110 km (68 miles) to the northwest, is famous for its impressive city walls, which are among the best-preserved in Europe and enclose a charming medieval town filled with cobbled streets and beautiful churches.
Ávila: What to See and Do
During your visit, be sure to spend time enjoying the delicious local food. You can stroll along a 1,700-meter walkway on top of the walls for stunning views of the cathedral, Spain's first Gothic cathedral. Saint Teresa de Jesús is another key figure here. Yemas de Santa Teresa are a sweet local treat you should try. Don’t miss the Convent of Santa Teresa. This convent was completed in 1636 on the site of Saint Teresa's birth home. It has a Baroque façade and the interior is in the shape of a Latin cross with elaborate sculptures by Gregorio Fernández in the two naves.
Who was Saint Teresa de Jesus?
To paraphrase a Wikipedia article, Teresa of Ávila (28 March 1515 – October 1582) was a Carmelite nun, mystic, and religious reformer. During the Counter-Reformation, she led a movement to renew and reform the Carmelite Orders for both women and men, establishing the Discalced Carmelites with Saint John of the Cross in 1580. Her key writings include The Life of Teresa of Jesus, The Interior Castle, and The Way of Perfection, which explore stages of spiritual ascent and provide guidance for Christian meditation. Canonized in 1622, she was named the first female Doctor of the Church in 1970, acknowledging her significant impact on Catholic spirituality. Summarization of: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teresa_of_%C3%81vila (downloaded on 24 October 2024)
What is Baroque Architecture?
Baroque architecture can be identified by its dramatic features. Complex shapes and interpenetrating spaces are used to evoke motion and sensuality. You'll see the use of painted ceilings, often with trompe l'oeil techniques, perhaps creating the illusion of an open sky. To achieve the feeling of motion, curves and colonnades are used. Rich, bold colors such as purple, ochre, and gold enhance visual impact. Gilding is used, both inside and out, creating a feeling of opulence. Frescoes add expressive artistry, and the design often incorporates irregular elements that are grounded by symmetry. Now back to Ávila...
Sunset at Los Cuatro Postes
Los Cuatro Postes is another attraction in Ávila. It's at the chapel of San Sebastián on the left bank of the Adaja River overlooking the city from the west. This site features four monumental Doric columns connected by a beam bearing the city's coat of arms, with a granite cross at the center. Built in 1566, some believe it marks the location of a Roman temple, while others claim it commemorates where Francisco de Cepeda found his niece, Teresa of Jesus, and her brother Rodrigo as they fled to martyrdom. The site offers a unique viewpoint of the walled city, especially at sunset. After dark, the city wall is all lit up and the view from Los Cuatro Postes is memorable. The tourism website featuring information about this site is currently only functional in Spanish. There are a few hotels adjacent to this site, such as Sercotel Cuatro Postes. So, you can probably put one of them in your phone GPS to navigate there.
Parador de Ávila
If you're looking for a majestic place to stay or have a nice meal in the historic center of Ávila, the Parador de Ávila might be for you. It's a nationally run hotel in a converted sixteenth century palace, Palacio de Piedras Albas. Legend has it that Saint Theresa of Jesus, played in the garden of this palace as a child where her aunt was a caretaker of sorts.
The trip to Ávila is a little under 2 hours by train. Click the link in the city name at the beginning of this section for more details.
Chinchón, located 45 km (28 miles) southeast of Madrid, is renowned for its beautiful medieval square, Plaza Mayor, featuring irregular layouts and two- to three-story houses with balconies. The square hosts various activities and shows, including bull fights during the season. Notable sites include the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, originally completed in the seventeenth century, it was partially destroyed by Napoleon's forces in 1808. The current church was completed in 1828 and features a blend of architectural styles: Gothic (similar to Notre Dame Cathedral), Plateresque (ornate 15th-century Spanish design), Renaissance (revival of classical Roman architecture), and Baroque (as mentioned in the Ávila section above).
One of its treasures is Goya's painting of the Assumption of the Virgin. Other points of interest in Chinchón are the 17th-century convent of Saint Clare, the restored clock tower, and the remains of a 15th-century castle, reflecting Chinchón's rich history and architecture. The, irregular buildings of the Plaza Mayor with its green-painted balconies make it an instantly recognizable and endearing landmark in Chinchón.
Like Alcalá and Ávila, Chinchón has a nationally run Parador hotel with a nice restaurant. The Parador de Chinchón in a converted 15th century monastery. If you're looking for a unique place to stay, check out their web page and book a room. Or reserve a table there for lunch.
Anís
The town is also known for its anisette liquor, anís. So, if you go, you should try some and grab a bottle to take with you.
There are various buses from the Atocha bus station and the trip is a little over an hour. Click the link in the city name above to plan your visit.
El Escorial, roughly 50 km (31 miles) northwest of Madrid, San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a charming town centered around the stunning Monastery of El Escorial. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, commissioned by Felipe II in the 16th century to commemorate the Battle of San Quintín, features a mix of elegant ancestral homes and rationalist avenues. The monastery itself, designed by Juan Bautista de Toledo and built by Juan de Herrera, boasts over 4,000 rooms, impressive courtyards, and a basilica with a 95-meter dome. It also houses the Royal Pantheon, where Spanish monarchs from the Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties are buried.
Culture lovers will appreciate the Library's manuscripts and the extensive collection of paintings by masters like El Greco and Velázquez. You can explore notable buildings like the Servants' Quarters, the Palace of the Marquis of Campo Villar, and the quaint Cottage of the Infante, all contributing to its rich architectural heritage.
Whether you're soaking in the mountain views or diving into history, San Lorenzo de El Escorial has something for everyone. This vast complex includes impressive architecture and royal tombs, with the Valle de Cuelgamuros (previously called Valle de los Caídos or Valley of the Fallen in English) nearby.
How to get to El Escorial
You can get to El Escorial by train or bus in about an hour. Combining a visit to El Escorial with the Valley of the Fallen is feasible, but adding another city might be too rushed. If you you're going on your own and want to do a side trip to Valley of the Fallen, you might be able to arrange for a car to take you there. We know there are tours that include both locations. Read more about this special place by following the link in the city name at the beginning of this section.
Patones de Arriba, 60 kilometers (37 miles) to the north of Madrid in the Sierra Norte, is famed for its unique black architecture, featuring slate houses built to endure harsh winters. Once a timeless village, it became a Cultural Heritage Site in 1999, for its ethnographic and environmental significance. The village showcases ancient ways of life, where residents relied on local resources to create structures harmoniously integrated with their surroundings, exemplifying sustainable living.
With origins dating back to the 16th century and ties to the Spanish Civil War, locals, known as Patones, historically elected a trusted leader called the "King of the Patones."
Experiencing Patones de Arriba
The lower part of the village features houses perched along steep slate streets, while the upper section contains remnants of early structures, such as barns, highlighting the historical importance of livestock in the local economy. Strolling through the narrow streets transports visitors back in time, revealing a community that thrived on agricultural practices and animal husbandry.
A notable landmark is the old Church of San José, which now serves as a tourism office and exhibition space rather than a place of worship.
At the village’s highest point, visitors can find low slate structures, some in ruins, which once served vital purposes in the community. Nearby, the old stone terraces known as "eras" provide stunning viewpoints of the surrounding landscape.
Additionally, remnants of ancient wood-fired ovens, primarily used for baking bread, can be seen throughout the village and are among the defining features of Patones de Arriba’s traditional architecture, alongside the eras and barns. Another popular spot is the traditional laundry area, where a picturesque waterfall can form during heavy rains, offering a striking photo opportunity.
It's a Popular Place...
The village attracts many visitors, especially on weekends, leading to congestion. Generally, it should take you about an hour to get here by car. You might be able to find a tour to visit this place. There are several restaurant options to choose from, So, if you make it a day trip, you'll have time for a long lunch.
When and How to Go to Patones de Arriba
It’s best to visit during the week or early, as cars cannot enter. From Madrid, take the A-I, Autovía del Norte, to the exit at kilometer 50 and continue toward Torrelaguna on the N-320. After crossing this town, continue to Patones de Abajo via the M-102, where there is a large free parking area available. Patones de Abajo, the neighboring village was established during the Spanish Civil War. It's an uphill hike to Patones de Arriba; steep at times. So, if you go, you'll need to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
Real Sitio de San Ildefonso, situated around 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Madrid, near Segovia, offers stunning palace architecture and beautiful gardens.
The main attraction in this town is the Palacio Real de la Granja (Royal Palace of La Granja) with its impressive architecture and beautiful gardens. In 1450, Enrique IV built a hunting lodge in the area, which was later donated by the Catholic Monarchs to the Hieronymite monks of Parral.
In the 18th century, Felipe V, the first Bourbon king of Spain, constructed the Royal Palace of San Ildefonso, a stunning example of European palatial architecture. Its gardens and fountains are inspired by Versailles, incorporating references to legends and mythology. The interiors feature decorations of Carrara marble, Japanese lacquers, and crystal chandeliers. The palace's name originates from an ancient farm belonging to the Hieronymite monks.
Beautiful Fountains
Earlier we mentioned the beautiful gardens here. There are various fountains in the gardens. During the warmer months of the year they're operational. Notably, the Andromeda fountain was recently reopened after being closed for many years.
Special Fountain Displays
There are usually three extraordinary displays of these fountains each year: May 30 (San Fernando), July 25 (Santiago), and August 25 (San Luis). These events involve the activation of the following seven fountains starting at 5:30 PM: La Selva, Carrera de Caballos, Canastillo, Ocho Calles, Ranas, Baños de Diana, and La Fama.
Like Chinchón and Avila, el Real Sitio de San Idelfonso has a Parador (national hotel) in a converted historic building, the eighteenth century Casa de los Infantes (the sons of Carlos III lived here). If you'r looking for a place to stay or to have a nice lunch in La Granja, check out the Parador de la Granja web page.
How to Get to La Granja
The town is accessible by car (1 hour 15 minutes from Madrid) or a combination of train and bus from Madrid. Combining a visit to La Granja with Segovia is practical and makes for a well-rounded day trip because they are just a short drive apart. You could take the 30-minute Ave train to and from Segovia and then take a taxi between Segovia and La Granja.
Salamanca, about 200 km (124 miles) west of Madrid, features the vibrant Plaza Mayor, the historic University of Salamanca, and the Salamanca Cathedral, among other special places. We've visited Salamanca several times, most recently in early September 2024. We have a feature article planned to show the highlights of our visit. So, we'll briefly share the highlights here.
The Largest (and some say the most beautiful) Plaza Mayor in Spain
The Plaza Mayor de Salamanca would be a great place to start your visit to the city. On our recent visit we started at a nearby restaurant for lunch and then headed to the Plaza Mayor. Since we had parked in a lot near the restaurant, it made sense for us to end our visit at the Plaza Mayor too. Some say it's the most beautiful Plaza Mayor in Spain. It is beautiful, for sure. At 70 meters square, it is the largest one in Spain. It has a beautiful clock tower and the perimeter has eighty-eight archways, each decorated with a medallion featuring key historical figures. The ornate Baroque architecture is truly quite remarkable.
Not One but Two Cathedrals
The other main attractions are the two Cathedrals, one from the 12th and 13th centuries and the other from the 16th century. You'll probably spend an hour or more seeing these spaces. The ticket covers both and includes an audio guide. We bought our tickets at the door with no problem. If you want to purchase them online, click the link at the beginning of this paragraph.
Notable Architecture around the Historic Center
The Casa de las Conchas is another landmark. It was once a home of nobility but now houses a library. It was built at the beginning of the 16th century and the exterior has a remarkable shell motif.
How to Get There
High-speed AVE trains (1 hour 30 minutes) and buses (2 hours 30 minutes) connect Madrid and Salamanca. The distance makes it more practical to dedicate a full day to Salamanca rather than combining it with another city.
Segovia, situated about 100 km (62 miles) northwest of central Madrid, is renowned for its impressive Roman aqueduct, the Segovia Cathedral, and the fairy-tale Alcázar of Segovia. These are the key sites to see. And you'll be truly astounded by the aqueductl The first time we saw it decades ago we were quite impressed. And the Alcázar is quite different than others in Spain. Let's take a closer look.
The Impressive and Gigantic Aqueduct
Built likely during the Flavian era, between the late 1st century and early 2nd century under emperors Vespasian and Trajan, the Aqueduct of Segovia was designed to transport water from the Acebeda River to the city. Remarkably well-preserved, it begins near the Palacio de la Granja with simple arches leading to the Caserón cistern. A stone channel then carries the water to a second tower, where monumental rows of overlapping arches emerge at Díaz Sanz Square. Composed of 20,400 stone blocks, the structure holds together without mortar or cement, relying on perfect balance. Its maximum height of 28.10 meters is reached at Plaza del Azoguejo. The aqueduct features a total of 167 arches.
The Alcázar of Segovia, A Lasting Favorite
Built on a rocky foundation, the Alcázar de Segovia originally served military purposes and later became the residence of Alfonso VIII. In the 13th century, it took on a Gothic appearance due to the work of architects under Juan II and Enrique IV. Its final architectural phase occurred in 1587, led by Francisco de Mora, possibly with Juan de Herrera, who created the Main Courtyard and the School of Honor. In 1764, Carlos II established the Royal Artillery College here. The building features numerous secret passages that connect to the river and various palaces in the city. Some say the Disney castle resembles the Alcázar of Segovia in certain ways. You can purchase tickets online. But the website is only in Spanish.
The Segovia Cathedral
Located at the highest point in the city, Segovia Cathedral began construction in 1525 during the reign of Carlos V. This late Gothic structure was built after the 1520 fire that destroyed the old Romanesque cathedral. It features a three-nave layout with side chapels and a semicircular apse. Designed by Juan Gil de Hontañón, the cathedral has three entrances: the main facade includes the Door of Forgiveness, crafted by Juan Guas, while the south facade features the Door of San Geroteo and the Door of San Frutos. Measuring 105 meters long, 50 meters wide, and 33 meters high in the main nave, its high altar is made of marble, jasper, and bronze. The cathedral was consecrated in 1768. You can purchase tickets online. But we think you'll be fine purchasing them at the door. The main website is in Spanish. But, clicking on the Entradas section will bring you to a page where you can purchase your tickets in English.
A Note about Gothic Architecture
Late Gothic architecture, prominent from the 14th to the 16th centuries, is characterized by intricate detailing, pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. This style emphasizes verticality and light, often featuring elaborate stained glass windows that create vibrant interior spaces. Notable examples include the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona, renowned for its stunning proportions and harmonious design. Late Gothic structures often display a blend of decorative elements and structural innovation, reflecting the artistic and spiritual aspirations of the period.
Cliché Cochinillo Asado
In our opinion, your visit to Segovia would not be complete without a leisurely lunch of cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig). You typically order it for the table. And it is so tender that they can cut it with the side of a plate! If you tell a Spaniard that you went to Segovia, their first question will be to ask if you had cochinillo. We've always gone to Meson del Cándido. But there are several others, such as Restaurante El Bernardino, Asador Real, and Restaurante José Maria.
Templar Chapel
If you have time, you could visit a little templar chapel outside of town. We've only ever viewed it from afar. Also, as we mentioned in the Real Sitio de San Idelfonso above, you could possibly skip the long lunch and split your day between Segovia and the Palacio de La Granja.
Getting There
Accessible via high-speed AVE train (30 minutes) or bus (1 hour 30 minutes), Segovia’s concentrated attractions make it ideal for a day trip. Like Toledo, it is best visited alone due to its full slate of sights.
Sierra del Rincón is a picturesque mountain range located about 90 km (56 miles) northeast of Madrid.
A Beautiful Place for a Hike
Known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities, the Sierra del Rincón is a great destination for nature lovers and hikers. Popular spots include the charming village of Rascafría, with its historic monasteries and natural surroundings, and the Valle de las Tablas de Daimiel, a unique wetland area ideal for birdwatching and hiking.
How to Get to Sierra del Rincón
The most convenient way to reach Sierra del Rincón is by car, taking approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Madrid. Public transportation is less direct, but you can take a bus from Madrid to Rascafría, followed by a local taxi or bus to explore the area further. Specialized tours may be available that include transportation from Madrid and guided hikes or visits to key sites in the Sierra del Rincón.
We must admit that we are not avid hikers. So, we haven't done this sort of day trip. We wanted to include it here for those of you who enjoy hiking. In 2005 the Sierra del Rincon was declared Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and over 90% of the area is protected. According to the official Madrid tourism website, the tour is limited to certain areas and you need a permit. So, plan well ahead or see if you can join a guided hike. We didn't include this on the map image. But it's just a little father north from Patones.
Toledo is a top choice for a day trip from Madrid. It's located approximately 90 km (56 miles) southeast of central Madrid. This UNESCO World Heritage city offers a wonderful cultural experience with its well-preserved medieval streets and varied architecture dating back many centuries. Key highlights include the Toledo Cathedral, the Alcázar of Toledo, and the charming historic center. There's also the El Greco museum which houses a memorable collection of his beautiful paintings.
The Stunning Toledo Cathedral
Construction began on the Catedral Primada Toledo (Toledo Cathedral) in 1227 and it was completed by 1493. It's a Gothic structure dedicated to the Virgin Mary’s Ascension. Built over a former Visigoth Cathedral and mosque, it features 5 naves, numerous pillars, and chapels added through the 14th to 16th centuries. We recall reading that there was originally supposed to be a second bell tower that was never built. Look for the scene of the Last Supper in the façade of the Cathedral.
Once inside, look for the Transparente, a unique and stunning architectural feature that serves a practical purpose. The Transparente is a Baroque altarpiece crafted by Narciso Tomé and his sons from 1729 to 1732. Constructed using Genoese, jasper, and bronze marbles, it is notable for its illumination, provided by a large skylight and an opening at the back of the altarpiece. This design enables viewers to see through to the tabernacle behind it. There are three types of visits, two of which are more expensive night experiences. We think you'll need at least an hour here. Check the website where you can learn more and purchase tickets.
Once a Royal Residence, Now a Military Museum
The Alcázar of Toledo, initially a Visigothic royal residence, was transformed into an Arab fortress in 932 AD. Rebuilt by Alfonso VI and later remodeled by Charles V in 1535, it became a Renaissance palace. It suffered damage in the Spanish Civil War but was rebuilt in the mid-20th century. September 27, 2024 Update: We originally wrote that "it now houses a museum, a library, and government offices. So, it's something to see and learn about from the outside." We have since learned that the Museo del Ejército (Spanish/Toledo Army Museum) is housed in the Alcázar of Toledo. You can visit it for a small fee and tickets are available at the door. We plan to check it out on our next visit. You can read more about it at the Spain Info page. Plan to spend an hour or so here.
Shopping in Toledo
In the streets around the Cathedral you'll want to do some shopping. Look for Toledo swords, damascene (damasquinado) jewelry and accessories, and handmade pottery from Talavera de la Reina, a neighboring town famous for its pottery.
If you have a car and plan to be in the Toledo area for a couple of days, you could do a day trip from Toledo to Talavera de la Reina. The pottery is beautiful and there's more to discover in this picturesque town, the main town in the province of Toledo.
Talavera Ceramics
If you decide to purchase some Talavera pottery while in the city of Toledo, be aware that the shops sell other pottery not from Talavera. So, you'll want to make sure you are purchasing authentic Talavera pottery. To do so, you can usually check the bottom of the peice.
Damascene Trinkets
In some shops you can actually watch them making damascene pieces. It's a really painstaking process of gently and carefully hammering gold and or silver filaments into steel that's been heavily oxidized to make it black. The gold and silver inlays really stand out against the black background. Take the time to admire these treasures. They are really unlike anything you've seen before. These pieces are not inexpensive. But you may find them to be the perfect souvenir to gift or to bring back as a remembrance from your time in Toledo.
Toledo Blades
About the swords, Toledo, Spain was known throughout history for the quality of the steel and the metalworking industry, and thus, sword-making. If you buy a sword you can bring it back home in your checked baggage according to this TSA guidance. Worth noting, the city of Toledo, Ohio is the sister city of Toledo, Spain. They don't have a lot in common. But we happen to know that the main newspaper of Toledo, Ohio is the Toledo Blade.
The El Greco Museum
Once you've finished shopping, head over to the El Greco Museum. There you'll be amazed by the beautiful Mannerist Renaissance works of this Greek artist who settled in Toledo. When we first visited in 1986, we were blown away by the facial expressions of the subjects of his art.
Opened in 1910, the El Greco Museum in Toledo's Jewish Quarter consists of two buildings: a 16th-century house with a courtyard and an early 20th-century extension, both sharing a garden. The museum features numerous works by El Greco, especially from his later period, as well as paintings by other 17th-century Spanish artists, period furniture, and pottery from Talavera de la Reina. You'll probably spend at least a half an hour here and we've been able to get tickets at the door without a problem.
We've visited the cathedral and the El Greco museum a few times and they never disappoint. A comprehensive tour would include exposure to this cultural history and the associated architecture and monuments, including Jewish temples, Moorish mosques, and Catholic churches. Spain's official tourism website has an interactive map and great information on what to see during your visit to Toledo.
Getting to Toledo
You can reach Toledo by car in about an hour. There's also a high-speed AVE train that takes a little over half an hour. Or you could take a bus (1 hour 15 minutes). While Toledo is best enjoyed as a standalone visit due to its rich history and compact size, it’s feasible to combine it with other nearby destinations in a day if time allows. We like to include time for a nice lunch and exploration.
A Great Vantage Point
The Parador de Toledo is a hotel and restaurant outside of town with stunning views of the city. If you can manage to have lunch there, you should make your way out to the back terrace. You won't be disappointed.
We suggest looking at the map to identify what you might be able to group with Toledo, if you really want to squeeze more in. One time we left Toledo in the mid afternoon in our rental car and found our way to Tembleque with its quaint Plaza Mayor, and three windmills (think Don Quijote).
We initially thought this was going to be one of our "quick read" articles. But, we soon realized that was not going to be the case. We wanted you to have a sense of all the wonderful and unique places to visit on day trips from Madrid. So, if you fall in love with Madrid and decide to return, you'll always be able to do a special day trip on your own or as part of a tour.
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