It can be said that Madrid is one of the most attractive cities in Spain and, not only because it is the capital, but also because of its numerous places for tourism, the numerous activities that can be done, its unbeatable gastronomy and a host of qualities that could define this great city.
The truth is that, sometimes, the crowds, traffic jams and hubbub of big cities can cause stress and fatigue, due to the routine that people are used to when they live in such big cities.
But, what many do not know is that it is not necessary to flee far to disconnect and relax because the Community of Madrid has incredible surroundings that are worth visiting.
Best of all, it is not necessary to travel hundreds of kilometers and be forced to spend a night at the destination; simply, you must organize your perfect excursion to spend an unforgettable day alone or in company.
From Barbieri Real Estate, specialists in rental housing, we want to delight you with a complete list of the best destinations that will make you disconnect and… close to home.
Places to visit around Madrid
When organizing a visit to any site, you must take into account several factors. First of all, if you want to go on a day trip or, otherwise, spend a few days away from home enjoying another nearby municipality where you can go sightseeing, rest and enjoy a pleasant getaway.
Keep in mind that, in the surroundings of Madrid, you can find all kinds of destinations that meet your demands and, of course, a multitude of activities to do.
You must also remember that, depending on the area where you go, it will have better weather conditions depending on the season of the year in which you go, although already in spring, the days are getting hotter and you may prefer to escape the heat and get closer to the mountains of Madrid.
Aranjuez
On the banks of the Tajo River and just 30 minutes from the capital, is the city of Aranjuez, a jewel of National Heritage to make the perfect getaway, with your partner, friends or family.
It is the ideal place to walk through its streets, lose yourself in its beautiful gardens and discover some of the most important points that it offers its visitors and that make up the legacy that royalty has left over time.
If you decide to visit Aranjuez, you should start from the Church of Alpajes to the Jardín del Príncipe, to walk through its beautiful forest and surrounded by an immense fence. Inside the garden, you can find a conglomeration of trees and plants that adorn the place and two of its most emblematic places: the Casa del Labrador and the Museo de las Faulas reales.
Do not forget that, when midday arrives, the fountains of the Estanque de los Chinescos are activated and make the gardens even more beautiful. Precisely from the garden, you can walk to the Royal Palace, dating back to the 18th century and with several paths along which you can walk.
The truth is that visits to the Royal Palace must be organized in advance and you should know that guided tours are organized that even include means of transport from Madrid for 60 euros.
To end the day, you can go to the Plaza de las Parejas where you can visit the Church of San Antonio de Padua.
It is clear that your perfect day to disconnect from the capital can be Aranjuez and, if you want, you can also spend the night there in the beautiful Parador de Chinchón that is only 40 km away.
Nuevo Baztán
About 50 km from the capital, is this small but curious municipality. Its history has an ancient origin, going back to the 13th century and it has been conceived as an urban unit that revolves around the main axis of the place: the palace and the church.
It has several houses and, despite being a small place, it is worth visiting the Palace of Juan de Goyeneche, noted for its seriousness and sobriety without decorative or ornate elements, but with a peculiar and important curiosity.
It presents a “baquetón in the main door where a lion’s head stands out“, an object worth visiting and that also has an important shield, where the noble titles of the “Marquis of Belzunce and the Count of Saceda” appear.
Inside you can take a pleasant walk through its patio, next to an old well and appreciating the architecture of the semicircular arch. Of course, it also has an upper floor where there are various noble rooms that provide the palatial touch it deserves.
Another of its emblematic places comes with the Church, a beautiful establishment made up of three covered naves, taking into account that inside it “the main altarpiece, made of Cuenca marble“, is preserved. Therefore, this Church is worth a visit, if only to appreciate its architectural construction, its materials and the relics it still preserves.
Thus, another of the activities that you cannot miss and, even more so if you are a nature lover, comes with the Senda de Valmores. It is a maximum of 7 km to carry out, if desired, the complete walk that usually lasts about five and a half hours. A hiking route that you cannot miss and in the middle of nature.
San Idelfonso, Segovia
The Real Sitio de San Idelfonso or also known as the Granja de San Idelfonso is located just 1 hour from the capital. It is a historical place and stands out for its importance to the Spanish monarchy, since the 17th century.
La Granja de San Idelfonso is a beautiful place surrounded by nature and at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama. It has a beautiful palace that is worth visiting, surrounded by various gardens with sculptures and fountains, reminiscent of the French court of Louis XIV. What defines this place as a site, decorated in detail and full of color.
Another place you should visit is the “Casa de Damas”, where the Tapestry Museum is located, hand in hand with the tapestry collection of the Crown of Spain, a truly artistic place with exceptional quality in each of its exhibited works.
Do not forget to visit the Sala de Mármoles, an unforgettable place as its name suggests, made of marble in every corner and with a ceiling that boasts a “golden stucco” and with various mirrors in the pure artistic rococo style.
For art lovers, San Idelfonso may be the perfect place to organize the next excursion, in addition to being able to enjoy Segovia in its entirety and spend a two-day getaway, sleeping in its beautiful Parador de la Granja.
Route of the black villages, Guadalajara
Despite being 120 km from Madrid, the blacks of Guadalajara present a fun and interesting activity to anyone who wants to take the “black architecture” route. It is a route that crosses different towns, located in the northern mountains of Guadarrama, noted for the black slate in its architecture, hence its name.
Do not forget to take a good camera to be able to take a piece of each town that has a unique beauty, combined by the black slate with colorful vegetation.
On the other hand, the gastronomy of the area is noteworthy and there is no better opportunity than to take a good walk and gather strength in one of its gastronomic places, known for the use of local products, such as asparagus, mushrooms or lamb.
Some of the towns that you can include on your route are worth mentioning; such as: Cogolludo, where the “Cogolludo viewpoint” is located, Campisábalos and its Romanesque style printed in the Church of San Bartolomé, Cantalojas and its Lilas and Zarzas rivers, Valverde de los Arroyos and its impressive 80-meter-high waterfall, located in Las Chorreras de Despeñalagua, etc.
If the burden of routine, the traffic jams and the crowds of the big city are invading your mind, you already have the perfect list that brings together some of the best destinations for your next getaway. Close to home, locations for all tastes and a multitude of activities are within your reach.
At Barbieri Real Estate, specialists in rental housing, we offer you properties in the neighborhoods of Aravaca, Chamberí and Salamanca. Discover all our offer of apartments available in Madrid.
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