Day Trips From Madrid: Top 5 Must-See

Day trips from Madrid! Once you’ve spent some time in the city (maybe you even followed our comprehensive 2-day travel itinerary) Leave the hustle and bustle of the city and get to know the must-see locations surrounding the Spanish capital. Explore the most authentic side of the capital, while learning about the country’s interesting history. In the capital, there are many, many places to visit, but take a look at our compilation of the top 5 must-see day trips from Madrid that you can’t miss! Let’s go!
Alcalá de Henares, the hometown of Cervantes

Did you know that only 30 kilometres from the capital of Madrid you’ll find a gem of a city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alcalá de Henares is one of those places that is perfect for strolling along quiet streets, walking around traditional plazas and enjoying the many outdoor historical monuments.
Most importantly, it’s the birthplace for writers including Cervantes. If you take the opportunity to visit in the morning, you’ll be able to discover all the mysteries and legends that its streets hide during the day. Are you ready?
Aranjuez, The Versalles of Madrid

You don’t have to go all the way to Paris to enjoy a magnificent Royal Palace surrounded by imposing gardens and fountains. Very close to the capital of Madrid you’ll find one of the most beautiful locations in the autonomous community: Aranjuez. You’ll be captivated as soon as you see it!
Chinchón, The most original Plaza Mayor

If you like history and architecture, you can’t miss the views that one of the most beautiful villages in Madrid, Chinchón, will offer you. Have you ever heard of it? Or its Plaza Mayor?
Surrounded by ochre, golden and orange tones, Chinchón rises on small hills to give way to a landscape brimming with light-coloured houses with reddish roofs that surround one of the most beautiful main squares in Madrid. Come and discover it!
Manzanares el Real, The gateway to the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park

At the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama, close to the capital is another of Madrid’s must-see day trips, Manzanares el Real. Located in a unique enclave, this town has one of the most famous 15th century castles in the capital. Did you know that it’s one of the last symbols of Castilian military architecture?
Apart from the Mendoza Family Castle, this town has much more to offer, it’s just near La Pedriza and is surrounded by the Santillana reservoir, so if you like adventure this destination is ideal for you.
San Lorenzo de El Escorial, The monastery of monasteries

Last but not least, we couldn’t end the Top 5 day trips from Madrid without mentioning one of the most impressive locations in the autonomous community. Essential for everyone, both residents and visitors: San Lorenzo del Escorial.
So much history and so many places to visit in one place, that it can’t escape the must-see day trips rankings. Walk around the town along the cobbled streets, enjoy the views offered by the mountains, and enter one of the most important periods of Spanish history with a visit to the Royal Monastery of El Escorial.
We have already decided, but which of the top 5 must-see day trips will you visit first?