10 villages near Madrid to visit by car

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Madrid is one of the most visited cities in Spain, whether because it’s the capital or due to its wide range of cultural and leisure activities. However, the area surrounding the capital boasts a stunning heritage, particularly the nearby villages. These villages near Madrid are an integral part of rural tourism.

At DoYouSpain, we recommend hiring a car in Madrid to make your trip perfect. To help you get started, we’ve prepared a list of 10 villages near Madrid to visit by car. These destinations are ideal for a weekend getaway or a day trip, and you can plan your visit at any time.

Why visit the most beautiful villages near Madrid by car?

If you’re planning a road trip around Madrid and want to immerse yourself in its culture and discover every corner, rural tourism in these villages is a perfect idea. You’ll experience Madrid’s traditions and culture while also taking a break from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Visiting the most beautiful villages near Madrid by car is the best option: you can rent one to enjoy complete freedom, comfort, and confidence to go wherever you wish.

At DoYouSpain, you’ll find the best car rental deals in Madrid with just one click. We compare prices from all rental companies in Spain in seconds, offering you the best real-time prices.

The most beautiful villages to visit near Madrid

Thanks to our comparison tool, you’ll be part of the journey in every sense of the word. In addition to securing affordable car rental, we offer you a selection of the 10 most beautiful villages to visit near Madrid:

San Lorenzo del Escorial

San Lorenzo del Escorial

After Madrid, San Lorenzo del Escorial is the most visited place in the region. Its monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984, makes it a must-visit stop on your trip.

Buitrago de Lozoya

vulture

If you’re passionate about history, the village of Buitrago del Lozoya will captivate you. It’s the only village in the entire region that has preserved its defensive walls, which are situated along the river that surrounds it. Additionally, if you enjoy contemporary art, you can visit the Picasso Museum in Buitrago.

Rascafria

scratchy nose

Located in the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama, this village is perfect for enjoying nature in its purest form and hiking. When visiting Rascafria, don’t miss the beautiful Finland Forest and the Cascades of Purgatory. Furthermore, if the weather is suitable, we recommend visiting the natural pools—a perfect option to cool off on hot days.

Chinchon

chinchón

Chinchon is one of the most charming villages near Madrid and should not be missed during your trip. One of the most iconic sites in this village is its Plaza Mayor, surrounded by three-storey buildings with more than 200 balconies overlooking the square.

Additionally, when visiting Chinchon, don’t leave without discovering the Hotel Condesa de Chinchon, where you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a Goya painting.

Patones de Arriba

patones

This small village, located less than an hour by car from Madrid, is the perfect destination for enjoying nature and rural tourism in all its glory. Patones is distinguished by its cobblestone streets that traverse the entire town, and it’s fascinating to see how well it has been preserved over the years.

Aranjuez

Aranjuez

Although Aranjuez is more of a small town than a village per se, it deserves a spot on our list of the most beautiful villages to visit by car from Madrid. It is the third most visited municipality in the region. Don’t leave Aranjuez without visiting the Royal Palace and some of its magnificent gardens, such as the Isabel II garden.

La Hiruela

the-chickenpox

The small town of La Hiruela is one of the lesser-known spots in the Madrid region. However, it is definitely worth the detour for its streets, which still retain many stone facades. This village, with fewer than 100 inhabitants, is located in the Sierra del Rincon, a biosphere reserve, making it an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts. It’s a village near Madrid that is not well-known, but that’s exactly what gives it all its charm.

Nuevo Baztan

New Baztan

Nuevo Baztan has a different history from the other villages near Madrid that we have recommended. Indeed, this town was founded in the 18th century during the industrialisation period, as a village for workers of a nearby glass factory. It is both curious and interesting to see how its streets are laid out in a grid pattern.

Manzanares el Real

apple orchards

If you wish to discover the most beautiful villages near Madrid and explore incredible natural landscapes, starting with Manzanares el Real is ideal. This village, located in the heart of the Cuenca Alta del Manzanares Park, offers not only stunning landscapes and hiking trails but also monuments such as Mendoza Castle.

Alcala de Henares

Alcalá

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Alcala de Henares is the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes and today offers a rich cultural program. Located just 18 miles from Madrid and easily accessible by car, it is an ideal destination for a family visit, especially with children.

Tips for spending the day in one of the villages near Madrid

If you plan to visit several of these villages near Madrid in one day, it is advisable to check the weather forecast for each destination, as the climate can vary from place to place, even if they are only a few kilometres apart.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the time of year of your trip, as you may have the chance to visit one of these beautiful villages during their local festivals. It’s a great way to experience the region’s traditions. If you are travelling on a budget, don’t miss out on free activities to discover Madrid without breaking the bank!

Car Rental to Visit Madrid

As you can see, hiring a car in Madrid is essential to fully enjoy your holiday. DoYouSpain is your place if you are looking for tips to get the best car hire deal in Madrid. Additionally, if you love rural tourism, you can hire a car via DoYouSpain to visit the best villages around Madrid.

Don’t forget that the earlier you book your rental car, the more likely you are to find the cheapest available vehicle in Madrid. Moreover, if you have any questions regarding your rental, you can contact us via the Client Area or by calling +34 964 830 995.