I'm getting a wee bit burned out on big cities. We're spending a week in Valencia and will be leaving out of Madrid, so we've got 4 nights scheduled there. I've been searching the forums about day trip suggestions from Madrid which I could turn into overnight stay or stays for 5 days before we head to Madrid. I'm drawn to Segovia and Avila. Too small for 5 nights__ sorry can't figure out the question mark on this spanish keyboard. Any other suggestions_
Much appreciated!!
Posted by
Folsom
2707 posts
Toledo is delightful in the evening when the day trippers clear out. We are so glad we stayed overnight.
Posted by
Washington DC
27192 posts
Toledo!!! No question.
Second choice (but I agree 5 days is too long) would be Segovia or Cuenca. Both nice, and quite different. **And Cuenca is right on the Valencia-Madrid AVE line! I'd want a full day there, so either one or two nights, depending on how early you get away from Valencia. Cuenca has an atmospheric old quarter with hanging houses along a ravine, plus two small modern-art museums.
You could spend the rest of the time in Toledo. Unless you have a pretty late departure, you may need to move to a hotel in Madrid for your last night. If there's extra time, use it in Segovia. Avila just has less to see; I was ready to move on in 2 hours or so, which is rare for me.
Posted by
California 🦋
5226 posts
Another vote for beautiful Toledo!
If you'll be flying out of Madrid, I'd suggest spending the night before your flight in Madrid or by the airport.
Posted by
OP
Vancouver, Washington, United States
59 posts
Thanks to all of you for your input. Toledo it is!
Posted by
Washington DC
27192 posts
If you're going to have several days in Toledo, you might consider talking to the tourist office about the ticket that covers 6 or 7 of the smaller sites and includes short English or bi-lingual tours of 4or 5 of them. I'm not sure how frequent the tours would be at this time of year, but I really enjoyed them. The T.O. gives you a little wristband which, with care will stay on your arm through at least one shower, so you don't have to go everywhere on one day.
In mid- to late-May there was quite line to get into the cathedral. I don't know that it would be a problem now.
The town is quite hilly, not small, and full of twisty streets. Great fun, but do allow time to get where you need to be if you're on a schedule.
Posted by
Port St Joe Florida
513 posts
On last year's trip to Spain I spent multiple (2 or 3) overnights in Toledo, Cuenca, Salamanca and Valencia. Valencia was by far my favorite (with much more to do and see) of the four, but Salamanca and Cuenca were close behind...
Posted by
back in the Americas
678 posts
If you stay in Toledo here are a few suggestions for great daytrips.
1) Visit the Royal Palace and Gardens at Atanjuez.
2) If you like ceramics and tiles, visit Talavera de la Reina.
3) Interest in El Quijote? Look up the Quijote Trail. Beautiful, photogenic windmills in Consuegra and Campo de Criptana.
4) Look into Belmonte castle.
If you choose Madrid or Segovia, check out La Granja de San Ildefonso and visit the beautiful royal palace and gardens.
Lots of options.
Posted by
back in the Americas
678 posts
Ooooops. Just noticed that your original post was from mid October so no doubt this is too late but maybe the ideas will help someone else.