When Car Hire in Madrid Makes Sense

Madrid, being Europe’s third-largest city is the heart of Spain’s economic and political core, is where the Royal Family resides and is home to the cultural marvels of the famous Golden Triangle, incorporating the immense Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofia art museums. As well as this, Madrid is popular with tourists because of its evident vibrancy, displayed best in its bustling streets, lively bar and nightlife mixed with the enrichment of its medieval quarter. Although much of central Madrid can be enjoyed on foot or by using public transport there is also good reason to consider car hire for your next visit due to the wide array of astonishing places, sights and activities found within driving distance of central Madrid.

Some may not be aware that Spain has the second-highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Earth, with Madrid an ideal base to go and discover some of these truly historic gems. A tour of these is becoming increasingly popular, with people using car hire as an affordable and flexible way to take in these inimitable sites. Head for the walled city of Toledo just one hour away in the hills along the Autopista 41 to marvel at the mixture of architectural styles; Gothic, Visigodo and Mujedar. Its 14th-century Cathderal is a true work of art, likewise the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz and Santo Tome Church.

One can include Caceres (3 hours east, using the E-90 and A58 roads) in your itinerary, where you will find Gothic churches, palaces and fascinating Moorish structures. Fans of the legendary Dan Quixote should make the thirty minute drive west on the E-90 to Alcalá de Henares to see Cervantes birthplace or you may want to head south along the E-5 for the awesome Aranjuez just 48km away, where you will find the luxurious Palacio Real and the Casa del Labrador on the Tagus River as well as several upmarket restaurants. Another great UNESCO World Heritage Site can be found in the town of El Escorial as you head north along Autopista 6, exiting onto the M600. Wonderful panoramas of the surrounding countryside greet you as you walk around Spain’s largest monastery – the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. A visit here can also be tied-in with a stop at Segovia just forty-five minutes drive away.

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medieval city of Segovia features the Spanish Mint and an impressive Roman aqueduct. As well as these stunning historical towns and cities, many are also not aware that Madrid is within driveable proximity of some great ski resorts. Only forty-five minutes drive from Madrid using predominantly the A6 route, you will find yourself at Navacerrada ski resort. The resort opens in mid-December and enjoys a lengthy ski season, reaching into April. Here you will find a good mix of pistes to suit all skill sets and also the opportunity to do a spot of snowboarding, all set in pretty pine woods.

From here you are just 7km drive from the Valdesqui ski area near the town of Rascafria. Amongst the impressive 21km of marked pistes, seasoned skiers have long enjoyed the now famous ‘La Bola del Mundo’ run with its blistering 400m vertical drop. Beginners are also well looked after here thanks to twelve ‘green’ runs. The resort also features 5 chair lifts, eleven ski tows and has restaurants, ski schools, hire facilities and also a nursery on hand for travelling families. More information on Skiing in Madrid.