Madrid is surrounded by some of the nicest day trip destinations within a distance of 9 to 150 miles. You can reach most in an hour.
Alcala de Henares has been declared a World Heritage city. The historical importance of the city is derived mainly from the university founded there in the late 13th century. The university building boasts a fabulous Plateresque facade and its interior courtyard, the Patio Trilingue is a must see. The auditorium, cloisters and gardens are also sightseeing stops.
The city's other claim to fame is that it is the birthplace of Cervantes, author of Don Quijote, and some rare editions of the novel can still be seen in the Town Hall.
The student's residence building, the church of the Magistral Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace and Cervantes' home can also be visited. A stroll along the main street is an enjoyable way to spend time here.
Just 33 minutes from Madrid, you can get there by trains that leave every 10 minutes from the Atocha and Charmartin stations.
Aranjuez is the former Royal summer residence poised on the fertile plain by the Tagus river. The Royal Palace and its three magnificent gardens make for beautiful viewing. The Jardin del Parterre is adorned with sculptures, the Jardin de la Isla showcases lovely fountains and the crowning jewel is the English-style principle garden. While in the garden also visit the Casa del Labrador, a neo classical hunting pavilion.
As summer residence of the Kings from the 15th century, the palace has been destroyed by fire and reconstructed many times over. Various outbuildings of the palace and structures built in accordance with the ideas of the Enlightenment movement can also be admired.
Since Aranjueza comes between Madrid and Toledo, you could move on from this town to the fortified hilltop city of Toledo.
This monumental place surrounded by the Tago river is best understood by walking through its streets. The architecture of the city reflects the many moods, influences and cultures in its history.
Visit the Cathedral with its breathtaking choir stalls and many museums with works by El Greco, Caravaggio and Bellini to name a few. The Iglesia de Santo Tome displays El Greco's Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Two synagogues, the Santa Cruz museum and El Greco's home and museum are other interesting sites.
Toledo is about 2 hours from Madrid.
Manzares el Real is a picturesque town at the foot of La Pedriza mountain and plays summer residence for many madrileños. Its 15th century castle is a jewel of civil architecture. Wander through La Pedriza park and along the banks of the Manzanarez river.
El Escorial is certainly one of the most grandiose and elaborate of the sites around Madrid. A huge monastery built in the herreriano style gives shelter to many of the past monarchs of Spain in a sumptuously decorated chamber.
Built with granite, the monastery, church and palace with their courtyards and corridors, towers and spires are a austere sight.
The Basilica covered by a 92 meter dome, vaults painted by Lucas Jordan and the many painted altarpieces and the main chapel are great treasures to be admired.
The Sala de las Batallas with its frescoes, the Casita del Principe and the Casita del Infante are some castles you should take a look at.
The chapterhouses with paintings by masters and the library with more than 40,000 volumes are great art experiences.
Despite al this artistic and cultural plenty, the best part of your trip is sure to be the panoramic views God gives you.
Avila is the most complete walled city in Europe with a cathedral built into the wall. The cathedral took nearly 600 years to complete finishing up in the 14th century. The wall is in remarkably good condition and just outside is the Basilica de San Vincente. The martyrdom of Saint Vincent and his sisters is depicted on the tombs inside the basilica. The town is also the birthplace of Saint Theresa and has a small exhibit with manuscripts and relics in her memory.
Segovia is famous for its cliff perched Alcazar castle riding on clouds and for its Roman aqueduct nearly 1 km long and 30 meters tall. The cathedral and food in Segovia are other reasons to visit.
The picturesque hill village of Patones de Arriba, Chinchon with a castle converted into a distillery and the cliff top Cuenca are other places you can venture out to.
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