? 6 UNESCO sites very close to Madrid

Madrid has only been the capital of Spain since the 16th century. Beforehand, it had been a relatively minor town, but strategically well-positioned. Because of that, history has left us with some beautiful relics around Madrid. Here are 6 UNESCO World Heritage sites, all about an hour’s drive from Madrid – ideal for day trips from the city.

Aranjuez cultural landscape

The first train connecting Madrid to Aranjuez departed from Atocha Station, so Queen Isabel II could enjoy her magnificent palaces. Today, Madrilians have it even easier to visit, as it’s a World Heritage site thanks to, among others things, its gardens. What to see in Aranjuez?

Monastery and Site of El Escorial in Madrid

The building isn’t just a monastery, nor just a palace. It’s both of these and more! Also, it’s the final resting place of the monarchs of Spain and a seminary. One nice thing about it is that it’s much quicker for us to get there than it was for Philip II, who, suffering from gout in his final journey, took 7 days in getting there. What to see in El Escorial?

Private tour to El Escorial from Madrid

University and Historict Precinct of de Alcalá de Henares

Charming, calm and diverse. For our enjoyment, we can choose from the famous tapas on calle Mayor, the Roman ruins of Complutum, not to forget Cervantes’s house and the Renaissance-era university. What to see in Alcalá de Henares?

Private tour to Alcala from Madrid

Historic City of Toledo

The “City of Three Cultures”, as it is known, is world-famous. Few places are home to so many centuries of such well-preserved history. This is a place to keep coming back to – you’ll always discover something new. Us tour guides find new surprises, and fall in love with the place, a bit more every day. What to see in Toledo?

Private tour to Toledo from Madrid

Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct

It goes without saying that the aqueduct (first century AD) is an unrivaled marvel. As well as that, the Alcázar is like something from a fairy tale. And the cathedral is like the cherry on top of the whole cake. It’s said that if you are from Madrid and you have never eaten cochinillo then you are either a vegetarian or you are overdue a visit. What to see in Segovia?

Private tours to Segovia from Madrid

Old Town of Avila with its Extra-Muros Churches

The walls are an icon of the Spanish Middle Ages and the interior of the cathedral is a beautiful, and often overlooked, jewel. Ávila is also famed for its gastronomy and Saint Teresa of Avila.

Private tour to Segovia & Avila from Madrid