Lonely PlanetOct 27, 2026
The Top 6 Day Trips from Madrid
Soak up all Madrid offers, then head for the countryside. These top day trips from Madrid will take you to Roman ruins and historic towns and villages.
24 things in this story
- El EscorialMuseumUNESCO monastery northwest of Madrid
- Real Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El EscorialMuseumVast formal gardens and astonishing artworks
- Jardín de los FrailesSightClassic example of Spain's monumental royal gardens
- Casita del PríncipeSightNeo-classical retreat built in the 1770s
- Elsewhere
- El Greco trailPlaceToledo, SpainRewards art lovers in Toledo
- El AlcázarSightSegovia, SpainCastle said to have inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty
- Plaza MayorSightChinchón, SpainScene for town's biggest fiestas in Chinchón
- Ávila's medieval wallsSightÁvila, SpainStretch 2.5km, built to defend the city
- Aranjuez's palaceSightAranjuez, SpainModeled on Versailles, a favored royal retreat
- Catedral de ToledoSightToledo, SpainSee El Greco's The Disrobing of Christ
- Museo del GrecoMuseumToledo, SpainOnly museum in Spain dedicated to El Greco
- Museo de Santa CruzMuseumToledo, SpainSee El Greco's Sagrada Familia con Santa Ana
- Museo SefardíMuseumToledo, SpainLearn about Jewish culture in Spain
- Mezquita del Cristo de la LuzSightToledo, SpainDates back to around 1000 CE
- El AcueductoSightSegovia, SpainImpressively preserved Roman monument
- Nuestra Señora de la MisericordiaFestivalChinchón, SpainCelebrations held in September in Chinchón
- Fiestas de Nuestra Señora del RosarioFestivalChinchón, SpainHeld in September in Chinchón
- MurallasSightÁvila, SpainClimb the walls and walk along battlements
- Los Cuatro PostesSightÁvila, SpainStone monument for best views toward the walls
- Catedral del SalvadorSightÁvila, SpainExtraordinary house of worship in Ávila
- Convento de Santa TeresaSightÁvila, SpainPilgrimage site of great spiritual significance
- Palacio RealSightAranjuez, SpainFavored retreat for Spanish royals
- Casa del LabradorMuseumAranjuez, SpainShowcases royal finery
- Museo de Falúas RealesMuseumAranjuez, SpainShowcases pleasure boats beloved by royals