Want to know what are the greatest places near the center of Madrid? Just a few minutes drive away, and you have access to some of the most beautiful places that Madrid has to offer!
Not too far from Madrid, the village of Manzanares en Real, has a lot to offer to the average tourist. Situated only 55 km to the north of Madrid, the castle of Mendoza and the hills of La Pedriza are a sight to see indeed. It is a beautiful blend of the 16th century with the romanticism of a serene lake and a village that is proud of its heritage festivals.
To the northwest of Madrid, about an hour drive away, is the historical city of Segovia. The impressive aqueduct system acts as a roof of the family-owned restaurant of Mesón de Cándido. As a starter, you may pick the white bean soup, the granja, which is a creamy, wholesome delight. For the main dish, you can have the house specialty which is the conchinillo, Spanish for roast suckling pig. It is cooked in huge, traditional ovens. Finally for dessert, you may pick their famous sorpresa, a gorgeous combination of cakes and eggs and ice-cream.
45km to the northwest of Madrid is the village of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. The monastery is really a site to see, whether from nearby or from the top of the mountains called La Cilla de Fillipe II. Don’t forget to try out the refreshing granizado de limón while you’re walking past the monastery. If you get tired trekking up the mountain, don’t worry, there’s a nice little café waiting for you up there.
Right at the end of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is the captivating yet fearsome memorial built in the memory of those that gave their lives to the civil war, Valle de los Caídos basilica. Built with the labor of many political prisoners, it houses the remains of General Franco.
If you just wanted to get away for a couple of hours, tours to someplace away from the hustle, and bustle of the city of Madrid, taking a walking trip to the Sierra region of Cercedilia would be your best bet. Just ride the local train to 50km northwest and follow the circles marked on the trees. It is truly a tranquil walk.
Also to the northwest of the main city, is Ávila. Take a day off to see the bars and taste the roast lambs (Cordero asado) and drink the vino Tinto. Visit the Santa Teresa cathedral or walk around the medieval walls of the city, if you will.
Now, head to the northeast of Madrid, to a town called Alcalá de Henares. It is steeped in religion as much as it is steeped in culture. Housing the one of the oldest universities in Europe, the Miguel de Cervantes, the town has two museums and the oldest surviving theatre in Europe.
You may also try your luck and take a stroll through Toledo or visit the beautiful churches of Chinchón!
But what you absolutely cannot miss is the strawberry train! Take a ride down to Aranjuez, and feast on strawberries on the way there, served by uniformed staff of the train itself. The train only runs on weekends on the months of May, June, September and October, so plan ahead!
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