Alcalá de Henares

This world heritage city is found about 30 kilometers east of Madrid. Although the Civil War destroyed much of the city, it is still a charming place to visit and is less well-known than other crowded tourist spots. It is a lively place to spend an afternoon. The city is home to the Universidad Complutense, which was once the most important in Europe and brought a rich cultural heritage to the area. The University was built around three gardens and is the most popular area in the city. A museum commemorates this birthplace of Cervantes, and the town’s monuments are slowly being restored. There are several churches worth visiting, including the Archbishop’s Palace, the convent of Las Bernardas, and the Oratorio of San Felipe Neri. Trains and buses regularly make trips to Alcalá.

Aranjuez

The oasis of Aranjuez lies almost 50 kilometers south of Madrid among the arid plains in a fertile valley between the Tagus and Jarama Rivers. Visit the Palacia Real (Royal Palace). You can take a tour of the palace or simply stroll among the beautiful gardens surrounding it. The Jardín de Parterre boasts numerous sculptures and a fountain crowned by a statue of Hercules. The English-style Jardín del Príncipe contains a variety of trees, ponds, bridges, pavilions, and statues. The town of Aranjuez contains outbuildings of the palaces and other monuments worth seeing. Trains and buses will take you to Aranjuez.

Avila

This city is surrounded by medieval walls and is the birthplace of St. Teresa. Within the city, you can visit the Gothic Cathedral, the building of which was begun in the 12th century but never completed. Trains and buses make the trip to Ávila.

Toledo

This monumental city is where the Arab, Hebrew, and Christian cultures merged to form Spain’s heritage. It is located 70 kilometers southwest of Madrid. The best times to visit the city are in the evenings and early mornings, so it may be worth spending a night. This is also a good way to avoid the bus-loads of tourists who arrive in the morning and leave in the late afternoon. Visit the Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, a late-gothic monastery founded by Catholic monarchs. It was built after the Battle of Toro in 1476. The heart of the city is the Plaza de Zocodover, where you can choose from a number of cafes and buy a variety of goods from the vendors. Up the hill from the Plaza is Alcázar, an enormous fort dating back to the 16th century. You can get to Toledo by bus or train.

There is always something to going on in Madrid, whether it’s a festival or the everyday festivities. You’ll be able to find something to do any time of the year.