Madrid is a lively city with lots to offer travelers from cultural venues to unrivaled nightlife with plenty of round-the-clock activities. Home to 6 million inhabitants and the second-longest subway network in Europe, it’s truly a city that never sleeps yet it never hurts to escape the constant hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle.

Thankfully, the Spanish capital is centrally located inside of the Iberian peninsula and the Community of Madrid and its surrounding regions are filled with charming towns that make for the perfect getaway. Whether you’ve been living in Madrid for years or just visiting for the time being, perhaps you crave a quick weekend escape reachable via public transportation.

If you have some more time to explore Madrid, most of these destinations in this article are within an hour of the central transport hubs, making it a breeze to get around. From Castilla y León to Madrid’s north to Castilla-La Mancha in the south, each town is more precious than the last and certainly worth a visit.

What are you waiting for? ¡Vamanos!

1. San Lorenzo de El Escorial (Madrid)

San Lorenzo de El Escorial is situated to the northwest of Madrid in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range just 47 kilometers away and is named after the Monastery of San Lorenzo, its most notable monument. A remnant from the Spanish renaissance, the monastery and its surrounding area were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 as well as Property of Cultural Interest by the Community of Madrid in 2006.

Over its centuries of history, the monastery was expanded into a royal palace, basilica, university, school, and hospital that are currently open to visitors. Now the largest Renaissance building in the world, El Escorial is a must-see royal site just a stone’s throw away from Madrid with a captivating town around it is worth traipsing through. The monastery also houses the remains of nearly all Spanish royalty since the reign of King Philip II in the 16th century.

It’s easy to get to El Escorial using a commuter train from either Sol, Atocha, or Chamartin Train Stations.

BONUS TIP: On the outskirts of El Escorial, you can also visit Valle de los Caídos (Valley of the Fallen), a national memorial dedicated to the victims of the Spanish dictator, Francisco Franco.

2. Aranjuez (Madrid)

Nestled 50 kilometers to the south of Madrid, Aranjuez is an idyllic town that was incorporated into the Royal Estates of the Crown of Spain in 1560 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Founded by King Philip II, the town began with just the royal palace designed by Juan Bautista de Toledo until it spread and grew over time.

The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is open to tourists curious enough to venture inside and also boasts copious gardens and parks that are ideal for a midday stroll. Besides the palace, Aranjuez has several other landmarks of note that should be on your radar. Its Plaza de Toros (a bullfighting ring) is one of the oldest in Spain while the Church of San Antonio has been meticulously maintained since it was constructed in the 18th century.

Aranjuez is conveniently reachable by commuter train leaving from either Sol, Atocha, or Chamartin Train Stations.

FUN FACT: Until 1753, only members of the royal family, as well as other nobility, were allowed to reside in the town.

3. Manzanares el Real (Madrid)

***View from Manzanares el Real Castle***

Manzanares el Real is a picturesque town that looks straight out of a storybook yet is located only 55 kilometers to the north of central Madrid. With less than ten thousand inhabitants, the town gets its name from its central palace, which is one of the best-preserved castles in the Community of Madrid. Commissioned by the House of Mendoza to replace the Old Castle of Manzanares el Real, construction on the modern-day castle began in 1475.

Since then, the fairytale castle has been featured in several films and currently houses a museum along with a collection of Spanish tapestries. The small town around the castle is equally as enchanting and, while in the area, you can observe the last two remaining walls from the previous ruins in the Plaza de Armas or check out Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, a 14th-century church.

Manzanares el Real can be reached by taking the 724 Bus from either Hospital Ramón y Cajal or Intercambiador de Plaza de Castilla.

FUN FACT: The castle is privately owned by the Duchy of the Infantado although the property is managed by the Community of Madrid to keep it open to the public.

4. Segovia (Castilla y León)

Also the capital of the province of Segovia, this breathtaking city is located in the autonomous community of Castilla y León to the northwest of Madrid. Revered for its historical monuments, the city center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, and with good reason. As demonstrated by the Segovia’s coat of arms, it also sports one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in Europe, which was erected around the 1st century AD.

Along with the aqueduct, the city also encompasses the Alcázar de Segovia, a gorgeous, medieval castle that is said to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella’s Castle. Initially erected in the 12th century, the former palace was first inhabited by Castille royalty but is now open for public visitations while housing a museum as well as military archives. The 16th-century Segovia Cathedral should also be on your bucket list since it’s arguably one of the best most beautiful churches in all of Europe.

Travelers can get to Segovia by taking Renfe’s Avant train from Madrid’s Chamartin Train Station and transferring at Segovia-Guiomar Station for the 11 Bus until they reach Segovia’s Plaza de Toros.

FUN FACT: Alcázar de Segovia served as a state prison for nearly two hundred years until it became a military academy in the 19th century.

5. Buitrago del Lozoya (Madrid)

One of the most adorable towns around Madrid, Buitrago del Lozoya lies around 80 kilometers directly north of Madrid and is a must-visit for traveling history buffs. Its origins stretch as far back as 11th-century Moor dynasties, which is evident by the ancient walls that still encircle the Old Town. These walls also encompass several other landmarks of note such as the Buitrago del Lozoya Castle (constructed in the 15th century), the Picasso Museum, and the 14th-century Church of Santa Maria del Castillo.

The town itself is located on a peninsula surrounded by the Lozoya river and travelers must pass through the Clock Tower (a 16-meter tall monolith) to access the Old Town. The castle was commissioned by the noble Mendoza family (who were also behind the construction of #3) and offers an amazing vantage point of the scenery from atop its high walls. Get lost in time by traveling to this medieval town, especially if you like panoramic views.

Get to Buitrago del Lozoya by taking the 191 Bus from Plaza de Castilla Bus Station.

FUN FACT: The paintings and drawings in the Picassao Museum were collected by Pablo Picasso´s former barber/friend as payment for his service to the artist.

6. Ávila (Castilla y León)

Yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, Ávila is the capital of the province of the same name within the Community of Castilla y León. The city is also the farthest from Madrid on this list, at 114 kilometers northwest of the Spanish capital, but is certainly worth a visit. Bordered by the Adaja river, the city is famous for its 11th-century medieval walls as well as its gothic Cathedral of Ávila, whose construction began in the 12th century.

Nicknamed ‘‘The Town of Stones and Saints,’’ Àvila arguably houses the most Romanesque and Gothic churches per capita in the nation, such as the spectacular Basilica de San Vicente, the splendid Palacio de Don Diego del Águila, the incomparable Convento de San José, and the majestic Ermita de San Segundo. Also dubbed ‘‘the most 16th-century town in Spain,’’ Ávila should be your top pick if you crave to be transported back in time.

You can get to Ávila by taking a long-distance bus from Madrid’s Estación del Sur-Méndez Álvaro Bus Station or by taking the long-distance train from either Chamartín or Príncipe Pio Train Stations.

FUN FACT: At 1,130 meters above sea level, Ávila is the highest provincial capital in the country.

7. Alcalá de Henares (Madrid)

This renowned university city just 35 kilometers to the northeast of Madrid has had many claims to fame throughout its long history. Beginning as a Roman settlement in the 1st century BC, the territory was eventually conquered by the Moors in the 8th century (hence, its name which derives from ‘‘citadel’’ in Arabic) before being reclaimed by Spain’s Christian monarchs in the 12th century. Alcalá de Henares is also the hometown of famous Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes (of Don Quixote fame) and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.

Alcalá de Henares is the birthplace of two of Spain’s most prestigious universities; Complutense University, founded by Cardinal Cisneros in the 15th century, and the University of Alcalá, an off-shoot from the 1970s. Wander around the breathtaking campuses or check out some of the city’s other iconic sites like the Cathedral of Saint Justus and Saint Pastor (erected in the 15th century) and the Archiepiscopal Palace of Alcalá de Henares (whose origins date back to the 13th century). Visit Alcalá de Henares if you want to be thrown into the philosophical writings of Cervantes and Francisco de Quevedo in a city lost in time.

To travel to Alcalá de Henares, take the commuter train from Atocha Train Station and exit at Alcalá de Henares Train Station.

FUN FACT: Archiepiscopal Palace of Alcalá de Henares is where Christopher Colombus and King Ferdinand II of Aragon plotted the Italian explorer’s course to the West which would eventually lead to Europe’s discovery of the Americas.

8. Toledo (Castilla-La Mancha)

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning one of Spain’s most prominent cities and former capital, Toledo, which was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. The historic city is located just 72 kilometers southwest of Madrid in the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha and was originally the capital of the Visigothic kingdom between the 6-8th centuries, before falling to the Romans and then the Moors before finally being conquered by the Spanish Christian kings. Moreover, Toledo was once known as the ‘‘Imperial City’’ since it used to act as the seat of the high court of King Charles V (AKA the Holy Roman Emperor) yet it also has another moniker, the ‘‘City of the Three Cultures,’’ owing to its Muslim, Christian, and Jewish influences.

Toledo is bursting with illustrious landmarks such as Alcázar de Toledo (a 16th-century palace turned military museum), Primatial Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo (a 13th-century gothic cathedral), Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes (a 15th-century gothic monastery), and El Greco, just to name a handful. Honestly, visitors would do well to spend a few days in Toledo to truly uncover the city’s secrets since it has so many sights to see that this article simply won’t do it justice. If you only have time to visit one town outside of Madrid, Toledo would be your best bet!

To reach Toledo, take the Renfe Avant train from Atocha Train Station directly to Toledo’s central train station.

BONUS TIP: Venture up to Toledo’s mirador (look-out) for an unbeatable view of the city.

Final Thoughts

Still looking for more to explore around Madrid? While cities like Barcelona are more emblematic of Spain, Madrid and its neighboring communities have much to offer travelers. As long as you don’t mind renting a car (daily rates start at about 35€), there are several more cities that are only a couple of hours away, each with its own unique characters.

Salamanca (Castilla y León) is another medieval city praised for its gothic and Romanesque architecture (as well as the biggest New Year’s Eve party in the country). Zaragoza (Aragón) is also worth a stop for its grandiose cathedral and scenic avenues, while Cuenca (Castilla-La Mancha) can’t be missed for backpackers into adventure sports such as rafting and rock-climbing.

Even tiny towns like Chinchón (Madrid) have their charms so get out there and explore! With so much to see and do around Madrid, what more could you ask for?

May you get lost in the wonder,

M

The 8 Most Charming Towns to Visit Around Madrid