Top 4 road trip itineraries to explore Madrid

Madrid

Are you planning the best road trips around Madrid? The region offers a wealth of routes and destinations, from urban areas to rural villages and breathtaking mountain landscapes.

But the best road trips around Madrid aren’t just about mountain scenery. You’ll also discover stunning lakes, reservoirs, and charming mediaeval villages, ensuring there’s something to cater to every interest.

At DoYouSpain, we’ve brought together the four best road trip itineraries to help you explore Madrid and its surroundings while immersing yourself in the traditions of the region—all from the comfort of a car! And if you don’t have a vehicle, there’s no need to worry—you can hire a car in Madrid in under three minutes.

How to get around in Madrid?

It’s true that many people in Madrid don’t own a car, particularly those living in neighbourhoods close to the city centre. Additionally, most tourists don’t limit themselves to exploring just the city centre—they often take the opportunity to visit some of the most iconic villages, enjoy day trips, and uncover the hidden gems of this beautiful region.

For this reason, many visitors choose to hire a car at Madrid Airport upon arrival. A rental car is undoubtedly the best option for exploring the city and its surroundings with complete freedom. On DoYouSpain, you can select the vehicle that best suits your needs at the lowest price.

Reasons to enjoy road trip itineraries near Madrid

While Madrid offers an extensive array of cultural and leisure activities, many tourists wonder why it’s worth venturing beyond the capital to explore the nature and culture of the surrounding villages. Here are a few reasons to consider:

Escape the bustle of the city

Even if you love big cities, you’ll likely agree that taking a day trip or hiking in the mountains can be a refreshing change during your vacation. While it's great to see the city's main attractions, which draw millions of tourists, enjoying the surrounding fresh air is an unforgettable experience.

Experience local gastronomy in nearby villages

While Madrid boasts a variety of traditional restaurants, the villages surrounding the city often preserve unique culinary traditions you won’t find elsewhere. That’s why taking a road trip to these nearby destinations is a must.

Admire Sierra Norte’s landscape

Take a drive along the routes of the Sierra Norte de Madrid in a rental car and enjoy breathtaking landscapes—all without even stepping out of your vehicle.

The 4 most beautiful road trip itineraries from Madrid

Wondering what the most scenic routes from Madrid are to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Check out the four most beautiful itineraries to explore Madrid.

Road trip to the Sierra Norte de Madrid: Valle Alto de Lozoya

The Valle Alto de Lozoya is one of the three regions through which the Lozoya River flows. This scenic route through the Sierra Norte of Madrid takes you through the Sierra de Guadarrama Natural Park, one of the most culturally rich areas in the region.

The journey begins in Gargantilla de Lozoya, where you can visit the Chapel of Santiago. Take your time to admire the landscapes before continuing to the village of Lozoya, just a 20-minute drive away. Lozoya, nestled beside the Pinilla Reservoir, is home to one of the region’s most impressive Gothic-style monuments: the Church of El Salvador.

Next, head to Pinilla del Valle, where you can explore the Cave of Los Calveros and the Valley of the Neanderthals. This fascinating archaeological site, excavated by the Regional Archaeological Museum, offers a glimpse into the lives of humans who inhabited the region over 100,000 years ago.

Finally, the itinerary finishes in Villa de Rascafria, where you can visit the Monastery of Santa Maria el Paular, a 14th-century Benedictine building and one of the most important monuments in the Sierra Norte.

Itinerary to Segovia

A popular day trip from Madrid is a visit to Segovia, just an hour’s drive away. This city houses one of the most iconic monuments in the country: The Aqueduct of Segovia. However, the city offers many more surprises to explore.

Start by visiting the historic centre of Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you’ll quickly understand why. Walk beneath the arches of the aqueduct for an unforgettable experience. Next, stroll through the Jewish Quarter, where the well-preserved streets showcase old synagogues and historic charm.

Not far from the city centre, you will find the Alcazar of Segovia, often compared to Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle. Its towers and majestic architecture make it one of the most striking landmarks in Spain.

Itinerary to the Lagunas de Ruidera

Another fantastic road trip from Madrid is to the Lagunas de Ruidera, a stunning natural complex located between the provinces of Albacete and Ciudad Real. It’s about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Madrid, but well worth the journey.

The lagoons are situated at various altitudes, creating a series of breathtaking waterfalls. The natural beauty here is truly spectacular. Plus, if you’re travelling with children, this destination is perfect for them to have fun.

Road trip to La Granja de San Ildefonso and Pedraza

This road trip from Madrid takes you to two beautiful villages near Segovia: La Granja de San Ildefonso and Pedraza.

Start in La Granja de San Ildefonso, home to the Summer Palace, built by Philip V. Often compared to the Palace of Versailles, its French-inspired architecture and beautiful gardens are a must-see.

Next, head to Pedraza, a village known for its incredibly well-preserved mediaeval architecture. Considered one of the most beautiful villages close to Madrid, Pedraza offers a glimpse into Spain’s past with its timeless charm.

DoYouSpain finds the best car hire deals

As you can see, hiring a car in Madrid is essential to make the most of everything the region has to offer. At DoYouSpain, we compare offers from all car rental companies in Spain to ensure you get the best deals on the market.

Booking a car in Madrid with DoYouSpain allows you to enjoy numerous benefits. You can conveniently pick up and drop off your rental car at prime locations, such as Madrid city centre, Madrid Airport, or Madrid Atocha Train Station. Plus, you’ll have the flexibility to explore at your own pace, without being restricted by public transport schedules.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us via our Customer Area or by calling us on +34 964 830 995. We're here to help make your car rental experience smooth and enjoyable.