We are Traveling to Madrid in a few weeks. After a few days there we want to rent a car for a few days for a trip that starts in Segovia. We will end our trip back in Madrid.
Any recommendations on car companies and whether it is easiest to pick up at Madrid airport or in Madrid itself? We are staying at Hotel Emperador on Gran Via in Madrid.
Thanks for any info.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7160 posts
Personal choice. We always pick up our car at the airport since we leave directly to wherever we’re headed. A friend of mine picked up their car near Atocha train station. I want to say they rented from Enterprise. Atocha is closer in, but both locations are good for heading to Segovia. If you have a GPS with European maps, take it since it comes in handy when leaving towns to ensure you’re headed in the right direction. Outside of cities, the roads are very well marked and maintained. The A6 to Segovia turns into the AP6 (A=autopista/interstate AP=autopista de peaje/toll interstate). Then pick up the AP61 into Segovia. So there will be a toll part of the way, probably totaling about €10. Watch for photo cameras, especially outside of small towns where there are speed limit changes, so stay as close to the speed limit as possible.
If you enjoy castles, there are a number in that area; Arevalo, Portillo, Cuellar, Coca, Medina del Campo. Also, as you’re driving up the AP6 you’ll notice a large cross in the distance on your left. That’s the cross at the Valley of the Fallen, Franco’s monument to those who died in the Spanish civil war. It’s also where Franco is buried. Mostly, it was constructed using slave labor.
Posted by
OP
24 posts
Thank you very much for your recommendations. We are considering just grabbing a cab to the airport to do our car rental there and then return to same place.
Appreciate your other suggestions as well. We have been debating the Valley of the Fallen as we realize it ended up being more about Franco. Sounds like you recommend it for a stop?
Also thank you for the castle suggestions. We are hoping to visit El Escorial as well.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Valley of the Fallen is indeed a controversial site, and to visit is frowned upon by many in Spain who see it as glorifying the fascist era of Franco.
Some background here ...
https://elpais.com/elpais/2015/01/16/inenglish/1421412080_290015.html
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7160 posts
San Lorenzo de El Escorial is nice. Walking down the stairs to the crypt of the kings and queens is as interesting as seeing the crypt. The monastery is very nice. If you go there, then the valley of the fallen (El Valle de los Caidos) is only 8.5 miles away on the M-600 road. Very easy to get to. We spent probably 1.5 hours there. It’s a very somber place since dead from both sides are enterred there. The cross is impressive as is the view from the parking area. it’s a fairly popular location, but since you pretty much need a car to get there, it’s not as busy as many tourist sites. It would be a shame to be that close to it and not stop.
Not certain how much luggage you’ll have, but taking the metro to the airport is easy.
Posted by
OP
24 posts
Thank you very much for the information. El Escorial is on our list and Valley of the Fallen we were certainly considering.
We are spending a night in Segovia and also thinking of seeing Avila. If you have any tips for those two places that would be great.
Already wishing we had more time...