Discover the best day trips from Madrid with this handy guide. 15 brilliant locations you need to check out on your next trip to the Spanish capital.
Had your fair share of fun in Madrid? While I’m not quite sure that it’s possible to tire of Madrid’s cobbled streets and charming eateries, each to their own, I guess.
But, if you’re looking for your next travel fix, I’ve got your back. In a country as rich in culture as Spain, it’s no wonder that there are plenty of cities and villages worth exploring on day trips from Madrid.
You’ll find a number of things to do in Spain, ranging from historic sites to modern wonders. If you can, I urge you to extend your trip and take a jaunt around the entire country – I did just that a few years ago and have been dying to return ever since.
Enough of the chit chat – from the first capital of Spain in Toledo to the world-famous Barcelona, these are the best places to visit near Madrid.
Tip: Read this Madrid itinerary to ensure you didn’t miss any highlights before leaving.
The Best Day Trips from Madrid, Spain
Toledo
Toledo was the first capital city of Spain, so why not ditch the new to experience the old with a day trip to Toledo from Madrid? The majestic city is popular for its picturesque streets and cobbled squares surrounded by ancient walls.
Get your fill of history when you visit the El Greco statue, a 16th-century courtyard, and many grand churches, mosques, and synagogues from when Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived harmoniously together.
Better yet – the city is set atop a rocky hillside overlooking the Tagus River and provides stunning views.
How to Get There: Take the high-speed train from Madrid’s Atocha station to Toledo station.
Average journey duration: 30 minutes.
Hassle-free option: Book This Madrid to Toledo Day Tour
Segovia
A day trip to Segovia from Madrid is a must-do; you can’t miss out on this sightseer’s paradise.
It’s a city of exquisitely preserved Romanesque and Gothic churches that stretch back to the 14th-century. Adding to the history is the fairytale-like Alcázar de Segovia, which inspired Disney’s famous castle logo.
Get lost in time by viewing the insignia of the city, the Aqueduct of Segovia, a feat of engineering from the 1st century AD. Afterwards, you can enjoy a calming stroll on the Eresma riverbank.
How to Get There: Take the high-speed train from Madrid’s Chamartin station to Segovia-Guiomar station.
Average journey duration: 30 minutes.
Hassle-free option: Book This Madrid to Segovia Day Trip
Cordoba
Cordoba is, first and foremost, a place of beauty and wonder. The streets boast orange-tinted buildings and winding cobblestone roads that lead you to breathtaking outdoor spaces like the Guadalquivir River.
Among its awe-inspiring wonders is the Mezquita, a Great Mosque-Cathedral with a rich history. Its Moorish-style arches and intricate mosaics are the stuff of legends.
That isn’t the only piece of history here either, with the 14th-century Jewish quarter and the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs also worth the visit.
How to Get There: Take the train from Madrid’s Atocha station to Cordoba station.
Average journey duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Valencia
Beautiful coastlines, turquoise waters, and sunshine all year long are some reasons I’d recommend a day trip from Madrid to Valencia.
Take the history and spectacular architecture at the La Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or escape the hustle and bustle of the city by heading to the Albufera Natural Park for magical sunsets and scenic boat rides.
The magnum opus of Valencia is the City of Arts and Sciences, a complex with interactive science and technology exhibits, an IMAX theatre, a planetarium, and more.
How to Get There: Take the train from Madrid’s Atocha station to Valencia’s North Railway Station.
Average journey duration: 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Barcelona
Barcelona is one of Europe’s most popular and stylish cities, so it may be the best day trip from Madrid. It’s a kaleidoscopic city with something to offer every traveller.
When you aren’t gawking at Gaudi’s modernist designs or gallery-hopping between the works of Picasso and Joan Miro, snap some pictures of its Baroque architecture.
If you’re a nature lover, stop by one of the many parks, stroll on the tree-lined street of La Rambla, or head to any Barcelona beach.
How to Get There: Take the high-speed train from Madrid’s Atocha station to Barcelona-Sants station.
Average journey duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Granada
If Moorish architecture is your jam (it certainly is mine), then this next day trip is worth the slog. Madrid to Granada in a day – and back – is considerably long, but I can’t leave it off the list — I’d be doing you a disservice.
You’ll marvel in awe at the breathtaking Alhambra Palace before the Granada Cathedral takes your breath away with its elegant dome. Close by is The Albaicin, a beautiful hilltop neighbourhood with timeworn alleyways and amazing views of Granada.
Immerse yourself in Granada’s vibrant culture while listening to flamenco music in a cafe or biting into some of the best tapas around.
How to Get There: Take a high-speed train from Madrid’s Atocha station to Granada station.
Average journey duration: 4 hours and 20 minutes.
Salamanca
Salamanca is a city full of life, culture, and beauty. It’s pretty unique (and definitely very enticing) because the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Romans’ former occupation of the city is apparent in the ancient Roman walls and the Romanesque sculptures adorning its streets. Salamanca also has its own piece of history in the form of impressive plazas and a university that dates back to the 11th century.
Modern-day attractions include the bridge that overlooks the Tormes River, a magnet for picturesque photos.
How to Get There: Take a high-speed train from Madrid’s Chamartin station to Estación de Tren de Salamanca.
Average journey duration: 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Hassle-free option: Book This Madrid to Salamanca and Avila
Avila
For a day trip that seriously impresses, I’ve got you covered. Avila is partially circled by spectacular walls dating back to the 11th century.
Add to that its impressive Gothic churches, architecture, and cobblestone streets, and you have a city straight out of a fairytale.
Start your day by partaking in outdoor activities like horseriding, kayaking, and hiking in Sierra de Gredos. And, once the day draws to a close, climb up the Tower of Santa Barbara for magnificent views of the panorama.
When you’re in a city famous for its regional cuisine, it’d be a crime not to stop by its cafes and eateries and enjoy delights like cochinillo (roast-suckling pig) or Castilian soup.
How to Get There: Take the high-speed train from Madrid’s Chamartin station to Avila’s RENFE station.
Average journey duration: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Hassle-free option: Book This Madrid to Salamanca and Avila
Seville
Seville is a city with bucket loads of culture lent from various civilisations throughout history, so a day trip to Seville from Madrid is a must. Most of this history is evident in the city centre, which has the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The grand Seville Cathedral, adorned in intricate Gothic architecture, is the splendid monument of the city. In support, you’ll find the stunning ex-fortress Royal Alcazar, complete with a lush garden and Moorish architecture.
Be sure to enjoy a stroll in the picturesque alleyways of the Barrio Santa Cruz neighbourhood, circling vibrant buildings.
How to Get There: Take the high-speed train from Madrid’s Atocha station to Seville’s Santa Justa station.
Average journey duration: 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Ribeira del Duero
In a world of cities where the incredible coastline and fascinating history are the main attractions, the Ribeira del Duero offers something different. It’s one of Spain’s best wine regions renowned for harbouring delicious grapes.
Picturesque Ribeira del Duero boasts many vineyards ready to delight the palates of wine lovers — think fragrant Verdejo and the finest Tempranillo. Vineyards here range from boutique producers to those offering guided tours and tastings.
But that’s not all – the region boasts mediaeval villages and castles, so you get your culture fix between sips while venturing from Madrid.
How to Get There: Take the bus from Madrid to Aranda del Duero, then hail a taxi to the area you want to go to.
Average journey duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Hassle-free option: Book This Madrid to Ribeira del Duero Wineries Tour
Burgos
So you’ve seen the biggies and you’re looking for something a little more offbeat? Burgos is a hidden gem in northern Spain with a ton to offer.
Whether a nature enthusiast or a history buff, you’re in for an epic day trip from Madrid. Stroll along the city’s cobblestoned streets, taking in its magnificent Renaissance-style architecture.
Get up close and personal with the renowned Gothic cathedral, often referenced as an example of Spain’s best religious architecture. It’s a spectacle you’d be hard-pressed to miss, thanks to sprawling Yellowstone spires visible from miles away.
How to Get There: Take the high-speed train from Madrid’s Principe Pio station to Burgos-Rosa de Lima station.
Average journey duration: 3 hours and 50 minutes.
Logrono (And the La Rioja Region)
I could just tell you to visit the La Rioja region and be done with it – but that wouldn’t be too helpful. So let me tell you about Logrono.
Logrono is an enchanting city and renowned for its beauty. Before you even think of its history, you’ll be in awe of its lush vineyards and the vibrant houses dotting the streets.
Your history fare awaits at the Museum of La Rioja, and adventure lies in the Camino de Santiago hiking trails. Of course, swinging by the vineyards here should be high on your to do list.
But why stop in Logrono when you can expand the journey to the entirety of the La Rioja region? Enjoy the finest grapes at the El Valle de Yerri, stroll through the markets of Alfaro for magnificent souvenirs, or soak up history at the La Fabrica de San Milan.
How to Get There: Take the high-speed train from Madrid’s Atocha station to Zaragoza, then take the bus from Zaragoza’s Central Bus Station to Estación de Autobuses de Logrono.
Average journey duration: 3 hours and 50 minutes.
Cuenca
Tucked away in eastern Spain, Cuenca is a charming Andalusian city with history and fun to spare — the nickname “Enchanted City” fits perfectly.
Skip the regular attractions and enjoy something unique when you visit the hanging houses of Cuenca. These ancient dwellings teeter on cliff sides, which is quite the sight to see.
Like many of Spain’s cities and villages, Cuenca is home to an imposing Gothic cathedral. The mesmerising structure is most famous for its trio of domes that have become quite the photography magnet.
How to Get There: Take the high-speed train from Madrid’s Atocha station to Cuenca station.
Average journey duration: 2 hours and 32 minutes.
Hassle-free option: Book This Madrid to Cuenca Tour
Puerto de Navacerrada
Take a break from historical sites and fascinating art galleries and let loose at the Puerto de Navacerrada.
Located in Spain’s stunning Sistema Central mountain range, you can escape city life and zoom down snowy slopes. Oh, and thanks to its elevated location, you’ll enjoy impressive panoramas surrounding the mountain range.
In the summer, you can enjoy hiking along the many trekking paths while soaking up the incredible views and its lush green valleys.
How to Get There: Take the bus from Intercambiador de Moncloa to CTRA.M601-Club Alpino.
Average journey duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Guadalajara
Guadalajara is where red-tiled roofs and centuries-old churches compete for attention in the otherwise modern landscape. This small city, located just an hour from Madrid, offers visitors an amalgamation of both old and new.
Here, you can take strolls through a leafy area around the Zancara River and visit the historic Concordia Park with a fantastic fountain. Stop by the Palacio del Infantado and the Pantheon of the Duchess of Sevillano for a healthy dose of architecture and history.
How to Get There: Take the train from Madrid’s Chamartin station to Guadalajara’s Azuqueca station.
Average journey duration: 1 hour.
Practical Tips for Easy Madrid Day Trips
- As you can enjoy most of the day trips from Madrid by train, I recommend booking your tickets online to avoid long queues.
- Many destinations in this list have uneven terrain, and some have hiking as their top activities, so be sure to bring along a good pair of travel shoes.
