Spain has so much more to offer than beach tourism. Fortunately, there are treasures to be discovered around every corner. This road trip through the heart of Spain is a clear example of everything that you can discover in a getaway by car.
Road trip through the heart of Spain: The essential stops
Can you imagine a road trip where every destination is a World Heritage City? On top of that, a comfortable trip by car, without having to waste time travelling long distances. Instead, you can use your time to enjoy, explore and relax!
We present a complete plan for a whole week, combining cities and unique landscapes. You will see that you don’t have to go on a road trip through western Turkey, however idyllic that sounds, to take in a great deal of charm and history.
6-day tour of World Heritage Sites
This circular route, departing from and arriving back in Madrid, involves about 830 kilometres (515 miles) of driving. It incorporates world-renowned cultural sites and stunning natural environments.
In addition, the route can only be completed by car, because public transport does not reach some points or only offers very restrictive schedules. Incidentally, there are stops every two hours or so, which is a real advantage for the driver!
Day 1: Madrid-Segovia (about 90 km/56 mi)
There is much to see in this town, recognised by UNESCO in 1985. We recommend that you leave your car in the car parks near the centre and travel around on foot. The city is the perfect size for walking around.
Make sure not to miss a visit to the Roman Aqueduct, the Cathedral and the Alcázar. A walk along the walls and the views from the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos are other highlights. And, of course, try the roast suckling pig at any of its innumerable inns.
Day 2: Segovia-Ávila (about 60 km/37 mi)
Today, your destination is the city with the best preserved medieval city walls in Europe. But, that is far from its only charm. Its imposing Gothic cathedral or the Basilica of San Vicente, a jewel of Romanesque architecture, are also must-visits. However, the biggest attraction is the Convent of Santa Teresa.
As for gastronomy, you can’t leave without tasting the three pillars of Ávila’s cuisine: the steak, the ‘patatas revolconas’ and the ‘yemas de Santa Teresa’.
Day 3: Ávila-Salamanca (100 km/62 mi)
It's time to get to know Spain’s ‘Golden City’ - Why this name? Precisely because it is the material with which its main monuments are built, Villamayor Stone (Golden Stone). This iron-rich sandstone produces a unique visual effect when it comes into contact with the sun. At sunset, the whole city appears bathed in gold.
There is plenty to see in Salamanca at any time of the day! But, at the very least, go to its main square, look for the ‘frog’ in the Plateresque facade of its University and enjoy the Casa de las Conchas.
To eat, the hornazo (meat pie) is essential and, of course, the exquisite Guijuelo Iberian ham. By the way, if you can spend the night, do not miss out on the bustle in the streets of the old town, typical of a city with a strong university character.
Day 4: Salamanca-Candelario (75 km/46 mi)
Heading back, we stop in one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, Candelario. In the heart of the Sierra de Gredos, you can take advantage of this day to take a break and enjoy nature. There is a walking route of just over 40 minutes, which surrounds the entire old town and is perfect for taking the best pictures.
This mountain village is the perfect spot to enjoy the local cured meats (chorizo, lomo and salchichón). Round out this plate of Iberian meats with its most genuine dish, the Serrano salad. A curious and delicious combination of orange, fried egg, lemon and cured meat (chorizo or ham) with lots of garlic and olive oil.
Day 5: Sierra de Gredos-Toledo (195 km/121 mi)
You can try a relaxed night in Candelario or a more vibrant night if you follow the route all the way to Béjar. What you can’t change is your stop for the day, the world-famous city of Toledo. It is comparable with Jerusalem, for being two unique historical centres, referents of coexistence between cultures.
The best recommendation is to take a walk through the old town, where you will come across one monument after another: The Alcázar, the Cathedral, the Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca, the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz and the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes. And, a stop at the Mirador del Valle to enjoy the iconic landscape of the city is a must.
As for its gastronomy, it is a land of hunting and hearty stews. Toledo partridge or suckling pig are the standout dishes. Of course, there is Manchego cheese and marzipan too.
Day 6: Toledo-Madrid (72 km/44 mi)
The last day of your route through the heart of Spain is dedicated to visiting or revisiting Madrid. A city where you can get around better with the help of a rental car from OK Mobility that you have used throughout your tour of inland Spain.
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