For those who’re trying to journey to Spain and discover the fantastic thing about this European nation (and the remainder of the Iberian Peninsula) past Madrid, we advise getting in a automobile and hitting the open street.
With 22 distinctive routes, the next itineraries for street journeys from Madrid could have you exploring all the things from historical cities and coastal landscapes to Portugal and past.
Brief-Distance Street Journeys From Madrid
To begin your journey, take a look at our suggestions on the place to remain in Madrid. Selecting the best neighborhood could make it simpler to relaxation correctly earlier than embarking on these short-distance street journeys from Madrid.
Salamanca and Ávila
Attending to Ávila from Madrid takes simply over an hour on the A-6. As soon as there, you possibly can spend just a few hours wandering across the fortified metropolis partitions and Twelfth-century Ávila Cathedral.
Then, take the A-50 northwest for about an hour to achieve Salamanca. The College of Salamanca is a good spot for people-watching, as is the Baroque-style Plaza Mayor.
Cuenca and Alcalá de Henares
For those who’re a fan of Spanish literature, take a street journey to Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes. Take the M-30 out of Madrid earlier than merging onto the A-2, and also you’ll be there in not more than 40 minutes.
Discover the native structure and cease at an area restaurant to order the realm’s well-known roast lamb. After, take the E-90/A-2 and head in direction of Guadalajara—it’s the very best path to Cuenca to keep away from tolls. From Guadalajara, you’ll take the N-320 for about an hour and a half earlier than reaching Cuenca. Go to the hanging homes in Cuenca’s fortified Outdated City, a UNESCO World Heritage website.
Sierra de Guadarrama Nationwide Park and El Escorial
For a nature-filled escape from the town, discover the Sierra de Guadarrama Nationwide Park—about an hour north of Madrid through the M-601. Hike by means of the granite rock formations and pine timber to get to locations just like the Lagunas de Peñalara or Valle de La Fuenfría.
Head again in direction of Madrid, however take the M-614 for about 45 minutes and cease in El Escorial, residence to the El Escorial Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site that when served because the Spanish royal palace.
Ávila, Segovia, and La Granja de San Ildefonso
When you may end up pressed for time should you attempt to match this street journey into simply sooner or later, exploring these three charming pueblos from Madrid on one scenic journey is attainable.
Begin by taking the AP-6 freeway northwest till you veer west onto the AP-51 in direction of the walled metropolis of Ávila. After, get again on the AP-6 and head northeast towards Segovia through the N-110 for about 50 minutes.
Discover the Roman Aqueduct and the fairytale-like Alcazar Fortress in Segovia earlier than hopping again within the automobile for a fast 15-minute trip to La Granja de San Ildefonso, recognized for its opulent Royal Palace and gardens.
Burgos and Surrounding Areas
Beginning in Madrid, hop on the A-1 to Burgos, a metropolis simply two and a half hours north with a must-see Gothic cathedral. Then, take the N-234 for about an hour to achieve the country village of Santo Domingo de Silos and its monastery.
Head again to Burgos for the evening so you possibly can get up recent the following morning to take pleasure in a fast 25-minute drive down the A-1 to get to Lerma for wine tastings at native vineyards. Finish the journey in Ribera del Duero, the place you possibly can wander alongside the River Duero or go to one of many bodegas within the area—Bodegas Portia is among the greatest!
Toledo and Segovia
A Toledo day journey is extremely advisable once you’re in Madrid, and you may simply attain the medieval metropolis in about an hour through the A-42. Go to the Thirteenth-century Toledo Cathedral and Alcázar of Toledo earlier than getting again on the A-42 and heading north in direction of Segovia, residence to the attractive Alcazar Palace and the well-known Roman Aqueduct.
Lengthy Distance Street Journeys From Madrid
When you’ve got per week or two to spend in Spain, the next itineraries are nice should you can dedicate about seven to 10 days to savoring Spain’s beautiful landscapes by automobile. Don’t fear—there’s time to cease alongside the way in which!
Andalusia Street Journey
Get able to discover Andalusia through the A-5 and A-66, which carry you to Seville in just below 5 hours. Take your self on a strolling tour of the town, hitting hotspots just like the Plaza de España and the Royal Alcázar of Seville, earlier than treating your self to a flamenco present.
From Seville, it’s only a two-and-a-half-hour drive on the A-92 in direction of Granada, the place you possibly can marvel on the Alhambra. For those who love science and historical past, cease on the Parque de las Ciencias, too.
Get again on the A-92 and head south for about an hour and a half till you attain the sandy shores of Málaga. Chill out on the Mediterranean seashores, go to the Alcazaba, spend time on the Museo Picasso, and take a day journey to El Caminito del Rey.
Additionally learn: Finest day journeys from Seville
Northern Coastal Spain Street Journey
Porcia seashore, Asturias
Get able to gawk at Spain’s beautiful seascapes on a week-long or ten-day street journey from Madrid to the northern coast.
It’ll take you thru scenic southwest France en path to San Sebastian’s seashores. It’s a few four-and-a-half-hour drive alongside the A-1 and AP-1 highways.
From San Sebastian, you’ll take the AP-8 and A-8 alongside the Cantabric coast for about two hours to make it to Santander earlier than venturing off to the charming port metropolis of Gijón. Lastly, you’ll arrive at Estaca de Bares, considered one of Spain’s northernmost factors.
Basque Nation Discovery
To traverse the picturesque Basque Nation, begin in Madrid and head north on the A-1 freeway to Bilbao, the place you possibly can go to the enduring Guggenheim Museum and indulge within the metropolis’s dynamic culinary scene.
From there, take the A-8 freeway to San Sebastian, famend for its lovely seashores and Michelin-starred eating places. Lastly, drive southwest on the N-1 freeway to Vitoria-Gasteiz, an enthralling medieval city with a wealthy historical past, beautiful structure, and lovely environment.
Portugal Exploration
Nazare seashore and metropolis heart buildings as seen from Miradouro do Suberco
If you wish to mix two Iberian nations into one journey, take a ten-day street journey from Madrid to Lisbon and Porto.
Usually, heading to Porto through the AP-6 makes essentially the most sense. As soon as there, take a port wine tour with tastings, discover the Gothic structure, and luxuriate in sundown views over the Douro River.
Spend two to 3 days right here earlier than taking the A1 to Lisbon, the place you’ll need to keep for no less than 4 or 5 days. Take a Tagus River cruise, go to close by Sintra, and wander the cobblestone streets.
Northern Spain Street Journey 
On a street journey from Madrid, you possibly can discover Northern Spain in about six or seven days should you comply with the A-1 and A-6 highways as they minimize by means of the strikingly lovely peaks of the Cantabrian Mountains.
Cease to admire the turquoise waters of the Bay of Biscay earlier than arriving in Santander. Order some seafood and stroll round El Sardinero Seashore. Additional up, Gijón awaits with scrumptious seafood markets.
Finish your street journey within the city of Oviedo, the place you possibly can marvel at medieval structure and eat genuine Asturian delicacies.
Pyrenees Journey
There are few higher methods to see the Pyrenees than by admiring them alongside the horizon as you drive your means by means of the area earlier than stopping to hike, ski, or bike by means of the majestic landscapes. How do you get there?
Beginning in Madrid, comply with the A-2 freeway in direction of Zaragoza, then change to the A-23 in direction of Jaca. From there, take the A-138 in direction of Aínsa, surrounded by dramatic peaks and luxurious forests.
Lastly, cross the border into Andorra and expertise the tiny nation’s lovely nature—it’s nice for snowboarding or snowboarding, relying on the season.
Picos de Europa Discovery
For those who love exploring the good open air, it’s important to go to the Picos de Europa Nationwide Park—Spain’s solely inhabited nature reserve. Hit the A-6 motorway in direction of the quaint city of Potes, nestled between the majestic Picos de Europa mountains.
From right here, comply with the winding roads in direction of the attractive Covadonga Lakes and cease for awe-inspiring views of the encompassing peaks. Don’t miss the village of Cangas de Onís and its iconic Roman bridge.
Extremadura Exploration
It’s easy to set out on an exploration journey by means of Spain’s southwestern area of Extremadura.
Take the A-5 freeway from Madrid to Cáceres, a UNESCO heritage metropolis that has preserved its medieval and Renaissance structure. Proceed to Mérida and witness the Roman ruins that date again to 25BC. Finish the journey in Badajoz, recognized for its fortress and Gothic cathedral.
All of the stops you can not miss on an Extremadura street journey
Galician Delights
A journey to Spanish Galicia from Madrid takes roughly ten hours (of driving time—you’ll need to plan no less than per week to discover all of the sights in every city), masking over 600 km on highways A-6, AP-9, and AG-55.
Alongside the way in which, snap pictures of the emerald-green forests, hovering mountains, and coastal villages. Take pleasure in Galicia’s famed seafood and wine, and marvel on the structure and historic landmarks, resembling Santiago de Compostela’s UNESCO-listed cathedral.
León and El Bierzo
Whereas much less visited by most vacationers, the Castile-León area is properly price your time should you love Gothic structure and distinctive mountainscapes.
You’ll take the A-6 and AP-71 highways from Madrid to get to León, the place you possibly can go to the majestic Gothic Cathedral, the Roman metropolis partitions, and the charming Barrio Húmedo.
Proceed to Ponferrada to see the Castillo de los Templarios. Then, drive to Las Medulas, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site residence to Roman gold mines. Lastly, head to Villafranca del Bierzo to expertise the peacefulness of this quaint city, surrounded by lush vineyards.
Costa da Morte and Rias Altas
A street journey alongside the Costa da Morte is among the greatest methods to discover Galicia and its coastal cities. After taking the A-6 freeway from Madrid, you’ll attain A Coruña first, the place you possibly can tour the Tower of Hercules and loosen up at Orzan Seashore.
From there, hit the AP-9 and A-8 highways for the smoothest journey to and thru the Costa da Morte and Rias Altas, the place you’ll uncover hidden coves and small fishing villages.
Coastal Gems of Galicia
Wish to discover the Galician coast? Observe the A-6 and A-52 highways from Madrid to achieve Vigo. Subsequent, cease in Santiago de Compostela, well-known for being the ultimate cease on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Then, proceed on the AP-9 freeway to the Rias Baixas, recognized for its world-class wine and epic landscapes.
León Mountains and Sil River Canyon
For those who’re concerned with turning your street journey right into a mountain climbing journey, it’s price exploring the distinctive, jagged León Mountains and Sil River Canyon. To get there, drive alongside the A-6 freeway to Valdeorras, a small city residence to distinctive wines.
Then, proceed to Ponferrada, the place you possibly can witness the breathtaking silhouette of its medieval fortress. Lastly, discover historic Astorga and the Sil River Canyon as you journey again to Madrid.
Mediterranean Explorer Street Journey
What higher approach to discover Spain’s Mediterranean shoreline than with a scenic street journey from Madrid? First, you’ll comply with the A-2 and AP-7 highways to achieve the azure blue seashores of the Costa Brava—it’s a few seven-hour drive, so put together accordingly.
From there, Barcelona’s simply over an hour and a half away. Plan to spend no less than three or 4 days within the Catalan capital metropolis, immersing your self in the magic of Gaudí and Gothic structure.
Proceed alongside the coast to discover the full of life metropolis of Valencia and its spectacular Metropolis of Arts and Sciences. Lastly, head to the sunny, rugged landscapes of Cabo de Gata Pure Park for a style of unspoiled nature.
Andalusian White Villages Street Journey
Observe within the footsteps of literary greats like Hemingway and discover the white villages of Andalusia. Whereas there are a number of to go to, our itinerary takes kind by means of Ronda, Grazalema, and Arcos de la Frontera.
To discover these picturesque pueblos, take the A-4 in direction of Seville, adopted by the A-374 onto the Sierra de Grazalema Pure Park. One of the best ways to benefit from the journey is to hike the paths that snake by means of the area and study every village’s distinctive historical past.
Pyrenees Journey
Discover the peaks of the Pyrenees from afar by taking a street journey from Madrid to Jaca, Aínsa, and Andorra. Observe the A-2 and A-22 highways for a scenic drive stuffed with towering peaks and charming cities, like Jaca, residence to a singular Eleventh-century Romanesque cathedral.
In your approach to Aínsa, schedule a while to hike, ski, or raft within the Parque Pure de la Sierra y los Cañones de Guara earlier than having fun with some tax-free procuring in Andorra.
Conclusion
In abstract, these 22 street journeys from Madrid provide a fascinating journey by means of the Iberian Peninsula. From medieval cities to beautiful coastlines, every itinerary guarantees distinctive experiences and unforgettable recollections. So, hop in your automobile, embrace the open street, and let the wonders of Spain and Portugal unfold earlier than you.
Completely happy travels and completely satisfied exploring!
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Timon, the voice behind TravelSpain24.com, is a seasoned journey author and storyteller. As a digital nomad with a powerful connection to Spain, he navigates readers by means of the nation’s landscapes, merging private anecdotes with skilled journey recommendation.
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