The transitional season didn’t last long. Autumn arrived all at once. Some consider it the twilight of the year, while others see it as the golden season. Like it or not, seasons come and go, which is why we recommend making the most of what each one has to offer.
With that in mind, we’d like to share some ideas for rural getaways to charming villages, perfect for this time of year, and conveniently close to Madrid.
CHINCHÓN
Just 45 kilometers from Madrid, this small village boasts one of the most picturesque main squares in Spain, thanks to the 234 turquoise-green wooden balconies adorning its surroundings. The Main Square of Chinchón is undoubtedly the main attraction, and it’s no wonder it has been named one of the Seven Wonders of the Cultural Heritage of the Community of Madrid. From here, you can admire three notable buildings worth visiting: the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, the Lope de Vega Theatre, and the Clock Tower. Visitors can also enjoy the rich local cuisine, especially known for its anise liqueurs. Don’t miss the chance to try Paloma de Chinchón, a sweet and aromatic liqueur distilled in the region for centuries.
- Distance Madrid-Chinchón: 45 kilometers
- Approximate travel time: 45 minutes by car, 60 minutes by bus
- How to get there: By car or bus (Line 337 from Plaza Interchange)
BUITRAGO DE LOZOYA
Surrounded by water and protected by the best-preserved wall in the Madrid region, Buitrago de Lozoya stands out for its scenic beauty. The most striking feature for most visitors is the walled enclosure, declared a National Monument in 1931 and an essential part of the country’s medieval heritage.
Behind its ancient walls, you’ll find the ruins of the Castle of the Mendoza family (currently closed to the public), the Church of Santa María del Castillo, the Plaza de la Constitución, and the Clock Tower. Another must-visit is the Picasso Museum, which showcases a collection donated by Eugenio Arias, a friend and barber of the artist. Located in the Sierra de Guadarrama, the area also offers activities like hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying nature.
- Distance Madrid-Buitrago de Lozoya: 74 kilometers
- Approximate travel time: 50 minutes by car, 1 hour 40 minutes by bus
- How to get there: By car or bus (Line 191 from Plaza Castilla)
ARANJUEZ
Just 50 minutes from Madrid, Aranjuez (declared a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape in 2001) offers numerous tourist attractions, making it one of the most visited destinations in both the region and Spain. Highlights include the Royal Site of Aranjuez, one of the most important royal residences of the Spanish monarchy. Commissioned by King Philip II in the 16th century and completed by Charles III three centuries later, the palace’s interior impresses with its opulent rooms, while the renowned gardens of Aranjuez stand out in the exterior.
A unique way to visit Aranjuez is aboard the Strawberry Train, a historic train operating from March to November. Staff dressed in period costumes offer tastings of Aranjuez strawberries during the journey. Aranjuez’s magnificence is undeniable, and it’s a destination we highly recommend during your stay in Madrid.
- Distance Madrid-Aranjuez: 50 kilometers
- Approximate travel time: 50 minutes by car or public transport
- How to get there: By car, commuter train (Line C-3 from Chamartín, Sol, and Atocha), MD Madrid-Jaén, or the Strawberry Train
SAN LORENZO DE EL ESCORIAL
San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a must-see destination during your visit to Madrid. Located just 50 kilometers from the capital, it is renowned for housing the Monastery of El Escorial, one of the most impressive architectural marvels in Spain (and the world).
Like the Royal Site of Aranjuez, the Monastery was commissioned by King Philip II as a place of prayer, retreat, and eternal rest for the royal family. It symbolizes not only the monarchy’s religious devotion but also its power. Inside, you’ll find one of Spain’s most significant art collections, as well as highlights like the library (a true Renaissance gem) and the royal pantheon, which includes two chambers from different periods and styles: the 17th-century Baroque Pantheon of Kings and the 19th-century eclectic Pantheon of Infants.
What else can you explore in San Lorenzo de El Escorial? The Valle de los Caídos (Valley of Cuelgamuros), a symbolic and controversial site in modern Spanish history; the Chair of Philip II for a panoramic view of the town; and the Royal Coliseum of Charles III, the oldest covered theater still in use in Spain and the only royal court theater remaining functional.
- Distance Madrid-San Lorenzo de El Escorial: 55 kilometers
- Approximate travel time: 55 minutes by car, 60 minutes by train, or 1 hour 50 minutes by bus
- How to get there: By car, commuter train (Line C-8a from Chamartín, Nuevos Ministerios, and Atocha), or bus (Lines 661 and 664 from Moncloa)
MANZANARES EL REAL
Manzanares El Real boasts a rich historical heritage, featuring everything from fountains, hermitages, and ancient Roman roads to an imposing medieval castle and prehistoric cave paintings. Nestled in the Regional Park of the Upper Manzanares Basin and the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, the village is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, with La Pedriza and the Santillana Reservoir as standout attractions.
At the heart of the village, the Plaza del Pueblo and the Town Hall buildings are central spots reflecting the daily life and history of its residents. For more information, you can visit their official website.
- Distance Madrid-Manzanares El Real: 55 kilometers
- Approximate travel time: 40 minutes by car or 60 minutes by bus
- How to get there: By car or bus (Line 724 from Plaza Castilla)
LA GRANJA DE SAN ILDEFONSO
La Granja de San Ildefonso offers a variety of attractions, but the standout is the Royal Site of San Ildefonso. This site is one of the best examples of 18th-century monarchical splendor, often reminiscent of Versailles. This may be due to its French Baroque style, reflected in its design, furnishings, and overall decoration—or perhaps it’s the palace gardens with their fountains, sculptures, and ponds that transport visitors to an extraordinary era.
During your visit, don’t miss the Royal Glass Factory of La Granja, one of the most fascinating sites in the area. Here, you can learn about the tradition of glassblowing, witness glass-making demonstrations, visit the Technological Glass Museum, and even purchase unique glassware or souvenirs from the official shop.
After this tour, you’ll likely work up an appetite. Luckily, there are plenty of excellent dining options, and we highly recommend Casa Zaca.
- Distance Madrid-La Granja de San Ildefonso: 75 kilometers
- Approximate travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes by car or bus
- How to get there: By car or bus (from Moncloa)
PEDRAZA
The medieval village of Pedraza in Segovia is another must-visit. Everything about this charming town will take you on a journey back in time to the Middle Ages. What makes it so special? The cobblestone streets, the protective walls, the castle, the main square surrounded by noble houses with wooden balconies, the backdrop of the Sierra de Guadarrama, and much more make Pedraza a worthwhile destination. It was even declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1951.
Pedraza is also famous for its traditional cuisine, especially the high-quality local dishes. If you enjoy roast suckling lamb, Pedraza offers some of the best. If not, you can try alternatives like the famous Castilian soup or judiones de la Granja (large white beans).
- Distance Madrid-Pedraza: 125 kilometers
- Approximate travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes by car or 2 hours 30 minutes by train/bus with transfers
- How to get there: By car or train/bus (from Chamartín)
PATONES DE ARRIBA
Patones is one of the most beautiful villages near Madrid, showcasing one of the best examples of arquitectura negra (black slate architecture) in the region. Its charm lies in its quaint slate constructions and the authentic atmosphere it preserves, making it a unique destination. The main attraction of Patones de Arriba is the village itself, with slate as the primary building material, cobblestone streets, and a storybook setting.
In recent decades, many residents moved to a more accessible area, leading to the development of a new village, Patones de Abajo. As a result, Patones de Arriba has become a primarily tourist destination. Today, its streets are home to rural houses, restaurants, craft shops, and traditional artisan workshops.
- Distance Madrid-Patones de Arriba: 70 kilometers
- Approximate travel time: 55 minutes by car or 2 hours by bus
- How to get there: By car or bus with transfers (ALSA from Plaza Castilla)
SIGÜENZA
Ranked as the third most beautiful village in Spain by National Geographic’s Travel edition in 2024, Sigüenza in Guadalajara is a gem you can’t miss. Sigüenza is also home to Michelin-starred restaurants like El Molino de Alcuneza and El Doncel de Sigüenza.
Visitors to Sigüenza can explore various “Sigüenzas” within one town, starting with the medieval era and moving through the Renaissance, Baroque, Enlightenment, and Neoclassical periods to the present day. Each era adds a unique layer to its rich history. The castle, the cathedral, and the main square are three must-see landmarks.
- Distance Madrid-Sigüenza: 130 kilometers
- Approximate travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes by car or 2 hours by train
- How to get there: By car or Regional Express train (from Chamartín)
There are certainly many charming villages near Madrid worth visiting. Besides the ones highlighted here, we can’t help but mention other gems like Ávila, Cercedilla, or Navacerrada, which we’ll save for another time.
If you’d like to visit any of these places and need help planning your trip, don’t hesitate to contact our team!
