The question of which of these trips to do when time is limited is hotly debated on internet forums. Of the two 'main' day trips, Segovia and Toledo, I'd pick Segovia as it's relatively easy to combine it with a half-day in El Escorial or Avila, whereas Toledo is a little more isolated, to the south of Madrid.
Combined Guided Tours of Cities Around Madrid
If you are in a rush, it can be difficult to see everything the Madrid region has to offer. Click on the above link for guided tours that combine a couple of cities in a single day.
All the cities on this page are visitable in a day. If you are considering a longer excursion from Madrid, check out this page on Spain Tours from Madrid with tours organized by duration (one to five days).
- Toledo The former capital of Spain, Toledo has retained its medieval charm, with its city walls and winding streets.
Book a Toledo Guided Tour (book direct) - Seville (by AVE) Seville is quite a long way from Madrid, but that's what the AVE train was invented for. Take this guided tours of Seville from Madrid and be back in time for bed. It's the most expensive trip here, but that's because the train tickets are included in the price.
Book Day Trip to Seville by AVE (book direct) - Cordoba (by AVE) The high-speed train from Madrid also passes through Cordoba. The best way to tackle a day in Cordoba is to take a two-day trip from Madrid to Seville and stop in Cordoba. You can organize this yourself or do a guided tour:
Book Two-Day Trip to Seville and Cordoba by AVE (book direct) - Segovia The twin charms of Segovia's fairytale castle and Roman aqueduct make Segovia an essential day trip from Madrid.
Book a Segovia and Avila Guided Tour (book direct) - Avila Often overlooked city between Madrid and Salamanca, with some of the best preserved medieval city walls in Europe.
Book a Segovia and Avila Guided Tour (book direct) - El Escorial
El Escorial's monastery and kings' crypt (where the majority of Spain's kings for the past 400 years are buried) are a nice alternative to tourist-heavy Segovia and Toledo.
Book an El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Guided Tour (book direct) - El Valle de los Caidos
Controversial burial ground for former dictator, General Franco, complete with magnificent stone cross and basilica, built by Franco's prisoners of war from the Spanish Civil War. Close to El Escorial to make a perfect combined day trip. English name is 'The Valley of the Fallen'
Book an El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Guided Tour (book direct) - Aranjuez A royal residence, easily reached by train from Madrid.
- Salamanca
The university city of Salamanca is a bit further from Madrid than the other day trips (two-and-a-half hours away by bus or train) and it warrants at least a night there, but if pressed for time, it is certainly possible in a day trip.
- Cuenca Town famous for its 'casas colgantes', houses that hang off the edge of a precipice! Gulp.
- El Pardo Country retreat of former dictator General Franco.
- Warner Brothers Theme Park Amuse the kids with this movie-themed amusement park.
- Consuegra Windmills and saffron - two of Spain's most famous sights can be found in this one town.
- Chinchon A circular Plaza Mayor and excellent restaurants (much cheaper than in Madrid).
- Alcala de Henares Classic university town and birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quijote.
- Manzanares El Real The well preserved Castle of the Mendoza is the main attraction here.
- Cercedilla Beautiful town in the mountains.
- Buitrago A meeting point of the diverse cultures (Christian, Jewish and Muslim) that made Spain the melting pot it is today.
- Sepulveda Romanesque churches and a great nature reserve.
- Siguenza Home to a fine cathedral.
