Although there is always plenty to keep you occupied in Madrid by day and night, there are also some amazing places to visit, all within easy reach of the city by car, train or bus, that are worth taking some time to explore.

These are not the sort of places that you would necessarily go to for a holiday on their own, so it is worth trying to plan some time in to your trip(s) to get to enjoy some of these remarkable places.

1. Cuenca

Located in the mountains to the South East of Madrid, Cuenca is a beautiful city and World Heritage Site, where you can enjoy a wonderful mix of nature, art and history. It is known as the city of the hanging houses, because of the houses built here in the 15^th and 16th centuries which actually hang off the edge of the cliffs on which they are built.

There are however other points of interest in the city, including the Cathedral, dating from 1196 and is a mix of gothic, neogothic and baroque architecture.

The enchanted city (La Ciudad Encantada) which is located 28km from Cuenca and is a natural park characterised by its curious rock formations that have formed over the centuries from the effects of wind and ice and rain, resulting in formations that resemble people, objects and animals, inspiring visitors’ imaginations.

• How to get there from Madrid
• Guided tours of Cuenca

 2. Toledo

Undoubtedly one of the most fascinating places to visit from Madrid, Toledo is a city loaded with history. Known as the City of 3 cultures, there are historical vestiges from Jewish, Muslim and Catholic communities to be found everywhere in Toledo, including churches, mosques, synagogues, castles and monasteries. The real attraction of Toledo is that the original city is well preserved and as you walk around, the streets tell their own stories.

• How to get there from Madrid
• Guided tours of Toledo 

3. Segovia

Yet another World Heritage Site, Segovia is highly recommended for lovers of architecture and history. It boasts some of the national treasures of the Romanesque and Mudejar architecture, a large number of 19^th century palaces and mediaeval castles as well a  rich variety of religious buildings.

The aqueduct that runs through the city is one of the most important Spanish monuments and one of the best conserved examples of Roman engineering. Its sheer size is quite simply astonishing.

• How to get there from Madrid
• Guided tours of Segovia

4. Aranjuez

For centuries, the kings and queens of Spain have chosen to spend the spring months in the Palace of Aranjuez and it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001.  

The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is one of the most beautiful palaces in Spain, which is open to visitors. Built by order of Philip II as a royal hunting lodge it also boasts three large gardens that house extensive botanical collections, which are quite beautiful.

A stroll through the Old Quarter of Aranjuez also leads you to discover architectural gems such as the Aranjuez Railway Station, the Park of Isabel II, or the Church of San Antonio. Its impressive houses are a testimony to four centuries of history.

• How to get to Aranjuez from Madrid (include El Tren de la Fresa)
• Guided tours

5. El Escorial

San Lorenzo de El Escorial is located around 50km from Madrid in the mountains and a is a place full of history.

Although it is the sort of place you might only visit once, it is worth making the trip to admire the majestic buildings of the amazing monastery, which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. It was originally built as a monastery for monks of the St Jerome order, with the church being used as a royal burial site.

• How to get to El Escorial from Madrid
• Guided tours

6. Guadarrama

The Sierra de Guadarrama is an extensive mountain range and National Park situated outside Madrid, which provides the perfect antidote to city life. Considered one of the most beautiful areas of Spain, the area is not only valued for its unique flora and fauna, but also because it provides a wealth of opportunities for visitors to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain climbing, cycling and even skiing.

If you are visiting as a day trip or for a few days from Madrid, the village of Guadarrama is a great place to start, with some hikes and good local restaurants to enjoy.

• How to get to Guadarrama from Madrid
• Guided tours

7. La Granja

La Granja de San Ildefonso is a Royal Palace, set in the natural park of Guardarrama, not far from Segovia. Commissioned by Philip V in 1724, it was styled on the court at Versailles and boasts a mix of Spanish Baroque and French architecture. The gardens surrounding the palace contain a variety of plants and statues, as well as some 26 fountains.

• How to get to La Granja from Madrid
• Guided tours

8. Avila

Ávila is a mediaeval walled city that still sits within its original wall and the sight of it is quite impressive. It is one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the whole of Europe, and it might feel that you have stepped back in to mediaeval times.

Within the city, you will find plenty of interesting palaces, churches, monasteries and castles to explore.

• How to get to Ávila from Madrid
• Guided tours

9. Chinchón

At just 40km from Madrid, Chinchón is a charming small town that has ancient buildings and an imposing castle. This friendly town is a photographer’s paradise with mediaeval nooks and crannies to explore, monasteries, a castle and even a palace. But it also has its own unique gastronomy, some wonderful hikes to be done and its own traditional fiestas.

• How to get to Chinchón from Madrid
• Guided tours

10. Guadalajara

Guadalajara is relatively unexplored by British tourists, but is has an enviable cultural and natural heritage with mediaeval castles and natural parks. Whether you want to explore historical sites or enjoy outdoor activities, Guadalajara has it all.

Whatever you decide to do, just a visit to the Palacio del Infantado, its principal historical attraction, makes a visit to this city worthwhile.

• How to get to Guadalajara from Madrid
• Guided tours