I’m looking for recommendations for towns to visit and places to stay for our July trip flying in/out of. Madrid with two 18 year olds. At the moment we are planning to get around by train. We know it’s a short trip so maybe 1 or 2 towns in addition to Madrid and Toledo. We also like to spend time at the beach or pool in the afternoons. The only big thing we have planned is a wedding we will be attending in Toledo, July 1st and 2nd. Thank you!
Posted by
9919 posts
You have one week and are flying into Madrid, which is in the middle of the country no were near a beach.
I suggest these choices:
1) Stay in the Madrid area, do day trips to Toledo; Segovia; Avila or Cordoba.
2) Madrid for 2-3 nights, a day trip to Segovia, then head south to, then to Cordoba (1 day), then Seville for 2 days, then back to Toledo (1 day there) returning to Madrid for flight.
Posted by
6753 posts
You could change your flight or just enjoy Madrid and close in cities. Are you staying in Toledo and flying out on the 2nd?
Posted by
new york
1472 posts
You already know that the coastal beaches are out, so I'd suggest booking a hotel in Madrid with a pool. (although you could take a train to Barcelona or Valencia but it's probably not the wisest use of your limited time)
If you want to minimize time in (hot) Madrid and are willing to rent a car, you could get up to the Sierra de Gredos, not far from Avila, for walks and swimming in the natural pools, some of which are ringed by beaches.
There is the PARADOR DE GREDOS, and also at least one good rural hotel in the area, with an excellent restaurant.
If you've been to Madrid, or if you don't want to do the usual sightseeing routine, the heat might send me out of the city to a higher elevation, like that one....
Another option but only if you decide to rent a car, is to drive two hours towards the Ribera del Duero wine region in the valley of the Duero River. ABADIA RETUERTA is located in a former monastery in the Duero River Valley, with a lovely pool and two excellent restaurants; it's set in the middle of vineyards and they have a spa...I can't think of a better way to spend a few nights if you are a wine- or architecture-lover. This is the finest hotel in the area, but there are other winery hotels not far away; some of Spain's finest (red) wines come from this region. The route from Madrid is all on very good highways, so it's an easy drive.