Need to escape the city? Here are seven easy day trips you can take from Madrid

Segovia, Spain | **Alexandre.ROSA / Shutterstock**

Madrid may be Spain’s beating heart, but pair scorching temperatures with a touch of air pollution and even the locals want to get out of town for the day.

If you’ve seen all you need to see, have a spare day on the schedule, or just want to see something else, then this list of seven best Madrid day trips has you covered.

1. Toledo

Medieval and Alcantara Bridge Toledo | **Pani Garmyder / Shutterstock**

A quick 35-minute ride on Spain’s high speed AVE train will land you in Toledo, a seriously underrated chunk of Spain’s history. This small but perfectly formed city was once the capital of the Spanish Empire, and you can still see the wealth and power on its winding streets.

Perched on a defensive hilltop, the UNESCO world heritage site that is Toledo is a seamless blend of Christian, Muslim and Jewish heritage. Toledo was once the epicentre of Sephardic Judaism, a branch that you can learn more about in the Sinagoga del Tránsito and El Greco Museum, both open to visitors.

Moorish buildings still dot the city, but the gothic cathedral tends to overshadow everything, with its flying buttresses and gigantic bell tower casting a shadow over the alleyways and squares.

Stop off at Restaurante Adolfo, offering Castilian cuisine in a 12th-century house, before grabbing marzipan bread on the Calle Comercio for the train ride home.

2. Segovia

The fairytale castle that supposedly inspired Disney | **SCStock / Shutterstock**

Hop on the AVE again, this time in the opposite direction to reach Segovia, in under an hour. Cities like Barcelona, Granada and Seville get all the attention when it comes to exploring the nation’s past, but Segovia is right up there when it comes to historic places in Spain.

The town is known for two massive pieces of architecture; the fairytale castle that is the Alcázar of Segovia, and the 167 granite arches of the 2,000 year old Roman aqueduct that bisects the city.

The Alcázar’s dreamy towers and turrets are said to have inspired Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle, found at the heart of each Disney Magic Kingdom Park. Head up to explore royal life in medieval times, as well as sweeping views of the countryside.

Aside from architecture, Segovia is also heaven for foodies. Try the city’s signature dish or cochinillo asado, or to me and you, roast suckling pig. José María Restaurante or the storied Mesón de Cándido offer the dish along with a view of aqueduct while you dine.

3. San Lorenzo de El Escorial

The sprawling Monasterio de El Escorial | **Yago Fernandez / Shutterstock**

If you like the sound of a Madrid day trip that blends regal history, natural beauty and plenty of clear mountain air, then the one hour bus or train trip to San Lorenzo de El Escorial is well worth it.

The town’s focal point is the sprawling Monasterio de El Escorial. This vast Renaissance royal palace, monastery and library all rolled into one was commissioned by Prince Philip II in the 16th century and is a show of the serious power and money wielded by Spain’s royalty during this period.

Spend a morning exploring the frescoed ceilings, marble tombs and quiet courtyards that are packed with stories and moments stretching back 500 years.

If you have enough time, hike the Silla de Felipe II, a short but steep trail that takes you above the entire complex for some unmissable views of the surrounding area.

4. Ávila

The walls and towers of Ávila | **JlAlvarez / Shutterstock**

High on the plains to the northwest of Madrid lies one of Spain and Europe’s best-preserved cities from the middle ages, the gigantic walled city of Ávila.

Here, the medieval town is wrapped in almost two unbroken kilometres of imposing stone walls, with 88 watchtowers squeezed tightly along them. In around 90 minutes from Madrid you can step into the soul of old Castile.

Inside the walls, explore the Convent of Saint Teresa and the Cathedral of Ávila, with the latter blending into the fortifications with little effort.

Make sure you stay for either lunch or dinner, ordering the chuletón de Ávila. These massive T-bone steaks are Ávila’s speciality, with Restaurante Alcaravea or El Almacén both great options.

5. Aranjuez

The Royal Palace at Aranjuez | **birdpits / Shutterstock**

Another 45 minute train ride, this time on a Cercanías commuter train, brings you to Aranjuez. This quiet and extremely pretty spot was the spring residence of the Spanish Royal Family and there’s certainly an aristocratic air to the place.

You can get a sense of the royal grandeur at the well-preserved Palacio Real de Aranjuez, a huge baroque palace surrounded by manicured gardens, soundtracked by the trickle of the Tagus River.

Understated on the outside, the Palacio Real more than makes up for any muted outward looks with utterly lavish interior decor. The porcelain room shows a level of craftsmanship that simply doesn’t exist anymore. The intricate carved boats in the Royal Barge Museum are another example of the vast wealth available to Spain’s royals.

Once you’re done exploring, take a stroll through the Jardín del Príncipe, which lies by the river. Rent a bike to explore it all, or unpack a picnic in a shady spot.

If you need something a little more hearty, then book a table at Casa José, with its locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal tasting menu earning it a Michelin star.

6. Chinchón

The medieval central square still features bullfighting | **Jose Miguel Sanchez / Shutterstock**

If trawling through royal palaces doesn’t quite hit the spot, then go for something a little more rustic in Chinchón. This quintessential Castilian town is a 50 minute drive, or an hour or so by bus from Madrid’s Estación Sur.

All the action happens in the perfectly preserved Plaza Mayor, a 15th century oval square lined by wooden balconies and traditional houses. Chinchón makes use of its square, with medieval festivals and even bullfights still held in it throughout the year.

Aside from the square, Chinchón is a great place to see the crafts and produce of this historic part of Spain. Make sure you sample Anís de Chinchón, a local anisette (aniseed) liqueur with quite a kick. The Teatro Lope de Vega is also impressive, and boasts a previous employee by the name of Francisco Goya as a set painter.

7. Ribera del Duero

The vineyards of RIbera del Duero grow some of Spain’s finest reds | **Carlos Sanchez Benayas / Shutterstock**

Most Spanish wine aficionados will likely head straight to Rioja or Jerez, but there’s a perfectly capable wine region a couple of hours from central Madrid in the Duero River Valle. Here, superb, flavour-packed reds are the order of the day and there are plenty of wineries to explore.

Just remember to bring along a designated driver, or turn your day trip into an overnight if you plan on sampling the produce!

Start your wine adventure at Bodegas Protos, a cutting-edge winery that is housed underneath Peñafiel Castle. Here, wine is still made in ancient caves, but the facilities have been fully upgraded with modern architecture. The castle is worth a visit too, and also included a museum dedicated to the history of the area’s wines.

Above ground, check out Dominio de Cair or Pago de los Capellanes, both known for complex Tempranillo-based wines.

Try lunch at Asador Molino de Palacios in Peñafiel, with riverside views and lechazo asada, roast suckling lamb cooked in a wood-fired oven.

The Roundup

With this selection of easy Madrid day trips, you can now expand your trip, or simply get away from the traffic and noise for a few hours.

Whether it’s gothic castles, royal palaces or underground wineries, Madrid’s excellent train and bus links make it easy to get in and out without much hassle. In fact, with AVE, there’s nothing stopping you from reaching Zaragoza