Madrid surroundings

Madrid itself has a lot of places you must see. But you should also visit some of the wonderful surrounding areas. 

If you travel by car,  I recommend you to have a look at Michelin maps which include distances, route information,  fuel cost, tolls, etc.

If you travel by train, note that tickets are often sold out early in the morning (sometimes even the day before). So check the Renfe website to buy your ticket in advance, and also read my post about "Renfe: how to get the best of it".

For specific details at each place I strongly recommend you to read Tripadvisor's users reviews, which are very useful to plan and manage your trip.

Some of the places you can visit for a single day, are:

Toledo.  

Just 70 km south of Madrid; known as the city of the three cultures for having been populated for many centuries by Christians, Jews and Arabs, Toledo has a history that goes as far as back as the Bronze Age. A good option to enjoy Toledo is getting lost int their narrow streets. A good route is from the Alcántara Bridge all the way across the city until San Martin Bridge. Don't miss the Alcazar and the magnificent view from there. Museums? Casa de El Greco, where some of  the painter's most important works are. If you love steel knives and swords, Toledo will be like paradise: you'll find a specialized store in almost every corner. Just one important detail: if you travel back to Madrid by AVE train, safety checks are mandatory. So don't forget to request a proper packaging at the store.
Read more.

El Escorial.

Just 60 km north-west Madrid,  once the Spanish Royal Family's home the Real Sitio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial is now declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.  Is an amazing place that includes a monastery, a palace and a basilica as well. Gifted by nature, El Escorial is a great place to go hiking and do other outdoor sports.
Read more

Aranjuez.

Just 48 km south of Madrid, Aranjuez is another UNESCO world heritage site you must see. Home of the Royal Palace, Aranjuez is the spring residence of Spanish kings on the late 1880s. Don't miss its watercourses and magnificent gardens.

Segovia.

Almost 70 km north-west Madrid, Segovia is a picturesque old city with twisting alleyways with the highest concentration of Romanesque churches in Europe. The aroma of roast suckling pig around every corner will lead you to the best places to eat Spanish "cochinillo". On the north-west extreme of the city wall is the famous Alcázar castle, which inspired Walt Disney and where Queen Isabel promised Columbus the financial backing he needed to discover America. On the south-east extreme is the world renowned Roman Aqueduct, the authentic symbol of the city.

Watch my own pictures from Spain by clicking here.