Towns In Madrid That Are Worth Visiting
The capital of Spain may not have a beach, but it has charming towns that will take your breath away, all less than an hour from the city. So it is worth setting aside some time to visit these charming towns in Madrid, with history, nature, architecture and much more. Let’s go through them. Are you coming with us?
Towns of Madrid that you cannot miss
1. Aranjuez
42 kilometers from the capital of Spain we find the beautiful town of Aranjuez, one of the most charming towns in Madrid. Crossed by the Tagus and Jarama rivers, it has been a Royal Site since 1560.
Rest and summer place of the Spanish monarchs, it is essential to know its spectacular Royal Palace, as well as its idyllic gardens. In fact, its landscape was declared a World Heritage Site.
You can also enjoy its rich cuisine, with products from the garden. Or you can practice sports activities such as canoeing on the Tagus and Jarama rivers, from which you can enjoy beautiful views.
2. San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Just 47 kilometers from Madrid is San Lorenzo de El Escorial. It is very visited because it has a great historical and cultural heritage. But, above all, it is because this is where the El Escorial Monastery is located, a magnificent work by Juan de Herrera built on the orders of Felipe II.
Located at the foot of Mount Abantos, its location is spectacular. But above all, you have to appreciate the history of this place, as well as everything that the monastery contains, from the Royal Pantheon to the Basilica, the incredible library or the royal rooms.
3. Patones from Above
This small municipality in the mountains is only 60 kilometers away and is one of the most beautiful and charming towns in Madrid. One of its greatest attractions lies in the peculiar black architecture of its houses, built in slate.
But it has other reasons to be visited, one of them is the archaeological remains that dot its geography. It was declared a Site of Cultural Interest and to preserve its charm and heritage, cars are prohibited from entering the town.
4. The Hiruela
At 105 kilometers we find this small and charming town in the Sierra de Madrid, La Hiruela. To get there, we must go to the Sierra del Rincón, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
It has only two streets, but with a great natural extension that leads to the pasture of La Hiruela, a forest full of birch, hazelnut, oak and juniper trees that show their best view in autumn. If you want to complete your visit, you cannot miss the viewpoint of the Port, from where you can admire an impressive panoramic view of this beautiful town.
5. Chinchón
Chinchón is located 58 kilometers from the capital of Spain and is another of those towns that no one can miss. It has many tourist attractions that make it one of the most visited in the community. Attractions that long ago also captivated Goya.
It is a gastronomic destination for its renowned anise, its wines and spirits, its first-class olive oils and its rich typical dishes such as duels and quebrantos, chichoneras beans, Castilian soup and migas de la pastora.
But one of its great treasures is its Plaza Mayor, with its beautiful wooden balconies. And, above it, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, another of its jewels, which houses a work by the Aragonese painter.
6. Alcalá de Henares
It cannot be considered a town, since Alcalá de Henares is the third largest municipality in the Community. However, it is essential to visit this city, since it was also declared a World Heritage Site. It is located just 30 kilometers from Madrid and it is worth visiting to discover its university atmosphere and its Cervantes heritage.
In its historic center you will discover beautiful gardens, mansions, colleges, palaces, convents and much more. However, a must-see are the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, the Corral de Comedias, the University, Calle Mayor and the Plaza de Cervantes. Don’t forget to stop by the classic Alcalá restaurants or bars, you will love them.
