The Spanish capital of Madrid is a city with a ton to offer. If you have planned a vacation to the European Union’s second-largest city, you will undoubtedly find plenty of things to do.
However, if you want to escape the chaos of the city for a day, there are a lot of fantastic options that are only a short train ride away from the capital. Here are three great picks for a day trip from Madrid.
Avila
The city of Avila, located to the west of Madrid, is one of Spain’s most important historical cities. The city’s medieval walls still stand, protecting a web of cultural and religious patrimony such as the Avila Cathedral as well as Saint Vincent’s Basilica.
Toledo
Toledo is only a 30-minute train ride from Madrid, offering an escape to an entirely different world. In this Castilian city, known as “The City of Three Cultures,” Moors, Christians, and Jews have resided over its centuries-long history to weave a historical fabric that is represented in the town’s landmarks, customs, and architecture.
Cuenca
Cuenca, located to the east of Madrid, is another great pick for a day trip. Here, you can find the “casas colgadas,” a series of homes that were built perilously on cliffs above the Huecar River and still stand today.
