- Spain
- (1856)
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From the Castle of Mendoza to the stunning scenery of La Pedriza, Manzanares El Real has a lot to offer. Film set to the romances of Castillian Spain, Spaghetti Westerns and Spartacus, it combines magnificent sixteenth century architecture with breathtaking mountain and lake scenery, and a village to boot with all the traditions and festivals of a people proud of their heritage.
www.manzanareselreal.org/tourism/
Google map: bit.ly/Zk5eqL
A day trip to Alcala de Henares. An alternative to religious Spain but with plenty of culture and history. It is both the birthplace to Spain's Shakespeare (Cervantes) and home to one of Europe's oldest universities. South of the station is the interesting old town with a couple of museums dedicated to Cervantes, the charming University of Alcala and the oldest surviving theatre in Europe, recently renovated. It is very well served by rail from Atocha (every 15 minutes or so) and is close enough to round off a trip to Alcala de Henares by returning to Atocha and heading in to the Retiro Park for a relaxing drink and tapas alfresco in one of the many outdoor cafes. While perhaps not as pretty as Segovia it is more manageable and interesting.
www.spain.info/en_GB/ven/otros-destinos/alcala_de_henares.html
Alcala de Henares is about 30 km west from Madrid. Nearest train station - Alcala de Henares
Google map: bit.ly/16Xmcxi
I lived in Madrid for three years and frequently took family and friends to visit Toledo, Segovia and El Escorial. All three are rightly popular but if you want to escape the tourist crowds head to Avila on a week day. A beautiful walled city, with nesting storks and an imposing cathedral. It takes about an hour and half to reach but the views from the train make it a picturesque journey. Once there Avila is replete with cute bars and restaurants serving the delicious local speciality cordero asado (roast lamb, Spanish style). Sip a vino tinto in the Plaza Victoria after seeing the sights - the convent of Santa Teresa and the Romanesque cathedral. You can also walk round part of the city's walls which offer views far beyond the city.
Get the train from Chamartin in Madrid to Avila then jump on a local bus, ten minutes into the centre.
Google map: bit.ly/135ObbZ
This town, 45km from Madrid, is recognizable in the distance by its houses clustered together on hilltops. Chinchón has much to offer for a day out and lots of sightseeing.
Chinchón has a beautiful medieval square formed by houses of two and three floors with running balconies, which has been the scene of a great many events, presentations and even movies. The square turns into a bullring during the town fiestas. It hosts nice mesones where you can taste typical tapas including “Chorizo al Infierno” (grilled chorizo).
As well as its characteristic Plaza Mayor, with its wooden balconies and flat galleries, you should also visit the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (1534-1626), which was sacked and burned by Napoleonic troops in 1808 and which hosts the magnificent painting of La Asunción de la Virgen, painted by Goya (Goya’s brother was a priest in this church). The old Convent of the Augustine nuns (from the 18th Century) has a beautiful cloister and has now been turned into a Parador where you can go for lunch or dinner or even stay the night.
Other buildings of interest are: the convent of the Nuns of the Order of St. Clare, from the 17th century; the clock tower, belonging to the old parish church of Nuestra Señora de Gracia and the remains of a 15th century castle, rebuilt between 1590 and 1598 by the third Count of Chinchón and also burned in 1808 by Napoleonic forces.
turismo.ciudad-chinchon.com/turismo/index.php
How to get there: Bus 337 leaves from Plaza Conde de Casal to Chinchón
Google map: bit.ly/ZvqOnZ
The Train de la Fresa (Strawberry Train) is a historical, cultural and gastronomic route between Madrid and Aranjuez which runs from the end of June until mid- July and from the 1st of September until the end of October. This journey, which started in 1851, transports you to an old age of train travel on an early 20th Century coal engine train trough scenic countryside. Ideal for families or for an interesting day out to Aranjuez.
It leaves from the Museo del Ferrocarril (Train Museum) at Atocha Station (Paseo de las Delicias 61) and takes about an hour to arrive into Aranjuez. During the trip, stewardesses dressed in period costume go round the train distributing boxes of strawberries for passengers to taste. The views from the train are of the beautiful countryside outside Madrid. Travellers are then taken by coach to Aranjuez for a guided visit to the Royal Palace, its beautiful gardens and the Museo de Faluas. Travellers can choose to remain in Aranjuez and return back to Madrid on a normal service train using the same ticket.
Aranjuez has many interesting sights, including the Royal Palace with its Royal gardens and the "Casita del Labrador" (Farmer’s House) a Royal pavilion built by King Charles IV.
Tren de la Fresa (return) tickets are around €29 for adults and €21 for children between 4 and 12 years old. Children under 4 years old travel free if they sit on their parents’ lap. The ticket includes the free guided tour of the palace and museum.
www.renfe.es/trenfresa/
www.museodelferrocarril.org/tren_fresa.htm
+34 902 22 88 22
Google map: bit.ly/159rabN
Controversial but astonishing underground basilica set at the end of a breathtakingly peaceful valley of pine trees. Originally conceived as a memorial to those who died in the civil war this huge edifice houses General Franco's remains. Built with the conscripted labour of political prisoners this is an uncomfortable but awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience. Combine it with a trip to the altogether more mainstream royal palace at El Escorial about 10 miles to the south.
About 50km NW of Madrid off the AP6 motorway just south of Guadarrama.
Google map: bit.ly/10WxVZ3
Easily accessible by both bus services from Principe Pio (one hour) and train services from Chamartín (thirty minutes), Segovia is the ideal day trip from Madrid.
It's exemplar Roman aqueduct, cathedral, and medieval Alcazar provide more than enough for a day's entertainment. A visit can also be paid to the Versailles inspired Royal Palace of La Granja with its grandiose gardens and art gallery.
Alternatively visitors can stroll around the cobbled streets of the 'barrio medieval' (UNESCO World Heritage site) and indulge in the local delicacy of 'Cochinillo' (roast suckling pig) at the town's most prestigious restaurant José María which can be found just of the main town square.
Segovia's tranquility and beauty makes it the perfect escape from Madrid and an exposure to the true Spain that is being rapidly lost in the evermore European capital.
Google map: bit.ly/XMhZMe
While in Madrid you can take a train to Aranzuez, around an hour's trip on which they celebrate and eat strawberries each spring, served by staff in costume, stopping in Aranzuez, a charming town that was a royal residential palace. You can tour this, or if preferred go to the Aranzuez gardens, the place that inspired Rodrigos' 'In the Gardens of Aranzuez' classical piece. On the same line you can continue your day trip to Toledo, around 40 minutes train ride or so, a fascinating fortified citadel on a lovely hill with a beautiful blue river in the valley below. Toledo has a history dating back to the Visigoths. Both Aranzuez and Toledo offer lovely resaurants and caffes and children are always welcomed as is delightfully usual. The same train line will return you to Madrid central station via Aranzuez. Fares are low, a little higher on the specific strawberry train, with strawberries provided of course! Allow a longish day as the trip really is interesting for all tastes and preferences. Madrid will still be open and buzzing when you return, into the small hours.
www.renfe.es/trenfresa/
www.museodelferrocarril.org/tren_fresa.htm
+34 902 22 88 22
Google map: bit.ly/159rabN
Chinchon is a Spanish town and municipality 50km southeast of Madrid. Visit the Neolithic remains, Goya's brother's house,the medieval castle or the church of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion for an early work by Goya.Had enough of culture? visit for one of the many festivals and enjoy the locally distilled anisette and suckling pig. Or maybe catch a bullfight?
turismo.ciudad-chinchon.com/turismo/index.php
How to get there: Bus 337 leaves from Plaza Conde de Casal to Chinchón
Google map: bit.ly/ZvqOnZ
Caños de Meca is one of several golden beaches spread along Spain’s Costa de le Luz, like a trail of forgotten breadcrumbs. We came across this beach when driving from our base 12km away, in the Moorish hill-top town of Vejer de la Fronterra, to the popular fishing town of Barbate. Wowed by the crescent-shaped stretch of sand laid out beneath us, we parked up our hire car (for free) in the nearby pine forest, La Brena, and wandered through the sleepy coastal town. We never made it to Barbate.
At Canos, the thick pines merge seamlessly into a backdrop of imposing cliffs, with alarmingly clear seas gushing below, begging to be explored. Previously popular on the hippy trail, and with quiet chilled out music playing from most nearby bars and restaurants, you might expect the beach to be drenched in dreadlock-donning travellers. But we only came across a handle of tourists during our time, mostly Spaniards fleeing the sweltering heat of nearby city, Cadiz.
In fact, in stark contrast to neighbouring Costa del Sol, this stretch of unyielding coastline has largely escaped the mass tourism scene so often associated with Spain. For bedraggled water babies with a penchant for adventure, Canos de Meca has surf; for the bucket and spade parade, it’s a safe haven of everything you’d expect from a picture-postcard shoreline. For those wanting a bit of history, you can also walk around the coast to Cape Trafalgar, the starting point for Admiral Nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar. And for those wanting a little relaxation, you’ll be joined by just the occasional sprinkle of bathers, not an army of sun-worshippers. Besides, with a constantly-strong salty wind whistling over the beach, it’s impossible to hear much else, apart from your own silence and the falcons soaring overhead.
During our one-week holiday, we spent hours being flipped in the waves, bobbing with the blue swell of the Atlantic. Sometimes, we played in the nearby rock pool, a magical spot constantly doused in gentle sunshine. And at the end of our day, we’d usually retire to La Jaima, one of a handful of Boho-style beach bars flanking the cliff-top, which entices beachgoers with the sizzling waft of its daily barbecue. Here, we sipped on cold beers and complimentary peanuts saltier than the seawater coating our skin, watching as a group of Spanish students played football beneath.
I recommend it because, although it's only in Spain, it feel as though it's a million miles away. A true, tropical-style, paradise.
Canos de Meca, Andalucia.
Turn off the main N40 road at Vejer de la Frontera and follow the narrow roads to the coast. You can also reach it by taking the minor road through the pine forest from Barbate.
www.playasdetrafalgar.com/
Google map: bit.ly/YkuZ9L
Zahara de los Atunes is a small fishing town on the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light) 30 km north of Tarifa on the Atlantic coast. It's locked in the 50's and if that's up your street, chances are you'll be the only tourist. There are a couple of bars on the edge of a stunning white sandy beach that stretches as far as the eye can see. Pounding breakers, no high-rises but from time to time a hawker with a basket of fresh gambas might cross your path. Just when you thought there was nowhere left, this is Spain unspoiled.
Google map: bit.ly/15iUxEc
If you are imagining vast semi deserted beaches of white sand and turquoise sea, you don't need to go to the Caribbean. You can still find them in the Cabo de Gata National Park in the Spanish Mediterranean. There are no crowds, no buildings and few people. Walk from the pretty resort of San José or hire a car and sunbathe, skinny dip, windsurf and sail. It is beautiful.
www.parquenatural.com
Carretera Faro, 04118 San José, Almería, Spain
+34 627 96 69 05
Google map: bit.ly/Xlw91u
A nature reserve with some of the best beaches in the world, in particular Rodas Beach on Monteagudo. Great for a day trip from Vigo but even better to camp. No cars, no rubbish bins (take your rubbish back to Vigo!), awesome sunsets over the sea, wonderful flora and fauna (especially birds). Summer only. Plan ahead for the boat and camping!
www.campingislascies.com/
Google map: bit.ly/116qRtr
The sickle-shaped Playa de La Concha sweeps elegantly from the old harbour of San Sebastian, overlooked by the majestic statue of the Holy Heart. It was from this beach that Jake Barnes, the protagonist of Hemingway’s 1926 novel The Sun Also Rises, swam to the diving platforms that still, to this day, bob in the surf, tempting modern-day swimmers from the shore. Beyond, the wooded Isla Santa Clara is pinched between the arms of the bay, sheltering the Basque Country’s best beach from the worst of the Atlantic swell.
Google map: bit.ly/W9BhcP
Strewn out for miles along the southern Atlantic coast of Spain is the stunning El Palmar beach. You won't find yourself short of things to do at the village end - with a mix of restaurants, bars and surf shacks; but walk (or drive and park for free) along to the far eastern edge of the beach and you'll find yourself completely alone with just the wide expanse of sand and sound of waves for company.
You can surf, swim, body board or simply throw out your towel and sit and watch the waves hit the beach and relax. It is perfect at any time of day - for a morning swim, a lunch-time picnic, romantic stroll or to watch the sun go down over the water.
Also at this end is a wonderful little restaurant with a beautiful garden, just right for lounging back on a wicker chair with an Estrella.
You can camp in El Palmar but we stayed in the town of Vejer de la Frontera, 12km away - probably my favourite town in Spain.
11159 El Palmar, Cadiz province, Andalusia, Spain
Google map: bit.ly/13VpdPV
I use a wheelchair and the promenade here is fantastic. At least a mile long and easy to travel along. At one end there are numerous small bars, all quiet but excellent for looking over the bay. To get onto the beach boards are provided.
Costa Dorado
Google map: bit.ly/15M5nVx
Secreted snugly between Tarifa and Barbate on the southern edge of Cadiz Province is this unspoilt, hidden half-moon of fine white sand. Blink and you'll miss the turning off the N-340 that leads you to this (not so) surprisingly quiet location. Part of a national park, the area is as you find it, so don't expect any frills, only white, rolling dunes, and clear blue waters. The kite surfers tend to be further along at Los Caños de Meca, so turn off the mobile phone, get out that massive tome, lie down under a parasol and relax. Bliss.
Near 11380 Bolonia, Cádiz, Spain - off the E-5 (N-340) between Tarifa and Barbate
Google map: bit.ly/Y9a4Gv
If you want to beat the crowds then look no further than the idyllic beaches of Isla Canela in the Costa de la Luz. Even in July and August you'll find plenty of room to spread a towel or hire a lounger, and the rest of the year you could find yourself almost alone. Want to swim? The sparkling blue sea is safe for swimming, due to a long sloping sweep out to a sandbar and warm enough from May to the end of October. Fancy a drink? Dotted along the dunes are a number of beach bars, such as La Cabra or La Sonrisa, all offering a range of beer, wine and cocktails or food from the BBQ. Looking for something more active? Learn to water ski from CanelaXtreme or hire canoes or bicycles from Bicilandia and cycle along the long promenade. And all of this with five unbroken miles of glorious, fine, golden sand that's cleaned daily. This year more money has been allocated to maintain the pristine condition of the beach, with a special emphasis on making all amenities accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Google map: bit.ly/Y4EE48
If you want to beat the crowds then look no further than the idyllic beaches of Isla Canela in the Costa de la Luz. Even in July and August you'll find plenty of room to spread a towel or hire a lounger, and the rest of the year you could find yourself almost alone. Want to swim? The sparkling blue sea is safe for swimming, due to a long sloping sweep out to a sandbar and warm enough from May to the end of October. Fancy a drink? Dotted along the dunes are a number of beach bars, such as La Cabra or La Sonrisa, all offering a range of beer, wine and cocktails or food from the BBQ. Looking for something more active? Learn to water ski from CanelaXtreme or hire canoes or bicycles from Bicilandia and cycle along the long promenade. And all of this with five unbroken miles of glorious, fine, golden sand that's cleaned daily. This year more money has been allocated to maintain the pristine condition of the beach, with a special emphasis on making all amenities accessible to people with reduced mobility.
A short drive or bus ride from the town of Ayamonte.
Google map: bit.ly/Z0SpzX
A slightly salted sandy river beach with wide grassy banks. Sheltered from the coastal breeze but not far inland from the mouth of the Mino. Picnic on the sand or under the trees for shade and enjoy the views of Portugal. Local families relax there on Sundays and public holidays - you will probably have it to yourself the rest of the time.
Eiras, O Rosal, Pontevedra, Spain
Google map: bit.ly/10vsCjI
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