Central Spain Road Trip Planner & Guide: Madrid to Toledo

With its popular Mediterranean climate, delightful eateries and deep cultural heritage, millions of visitors are drawn to this region each year; few Spain destinations can contend with the capital city of Madrid. While the environment differs from that of the coastline experiences, the country's largest city provides immense eye-opening opportunities as it dates back to the Middle Ages and is overflowing with both historical treasures and 21st century excitement.

Whether you're a tapas-loving foodie or you desire to be drawn into a fiery flamenco beat, you can probably find a packaged tour of Madrid on the market. However, to truly uncover the heart of Spain and delve into the culture, nothing compares to the comfort and convenience creating your own personalized itinerary with the versatility afforded by having your own method of transportation. Enjoying Madrid itself on foot and then pick up your vehicle to further your Spanish adventure with the suggested itinerary below.
 

Read on to Drive to Discover Central Spain

Central Spain Road Trip Day 1: Madrid to Segovia

Madrid Events & Attractions:

As one of the liveliest cities in Spain, Madrid is the perfect destination to kick off your Central Spain road trip. With so many incredible attractions to choose, from multi-genre art museums and ancient architecture, to a undoubtably legendary nightlife scene, a rental car in Madrid is an absolute must in this Spanish metropolis.

Madrid Restaurants, Bars, and Nightlife:

Madrid is a city that deeply honors culinary tradition, evident through the myriad restaurant and bar options scattered throughout the city. Madrid's inland locale makes it more of a haven for farm-fresh local ingredients than seafood options, but regardless of what you desire, Madrid is sure to have something that piques your interest. 

• Casa Alberto: Heartier, authentic meals (grilled octopus, deep fried peppers stuffed with oxtail)

• El Caldero: Romantic ambiance, excellent paella

• Sobrino del Botín: High-end eatery, outstanding roast suckling pig, busy, pricey

• Plaza Mayor: Try their squid sandwiches (bocadillos de calamares)

Madrid Hotels & Lodging:

• Villa Magna: 5-Star Hotel, located on the Paseo de la Castellana, one of the main avenues in Madrid. The very chic street and its elegant boutiques can be found just behind the hotel

• Lope De Vega: 4-Star Hotel, 60 themed rooms inspired by the 17th century writer 

• Liabeny: 4-Star Hotel, clean, modern, average fare 

Central Spain Road Trip Day 2: Segovia to Avila

Segovia Events & Attractions:

Treasured collections of modest Moorish architecture and medieval churches line the city streets, making a simple afternoon stroll the most picturesque of events.

Segovia Restaurants, Bars, and Nightlife:

No Spain road trip is complete without sampling the regional fare of roast suckling pig in Segovia. Segovia, Spain, has a multitude of eateries and bistros that do traditional meals, as well as plenty of modern bars, lounges, and clubs.

• Mesón de Candido: Celebrity-frequented, offers traditional roast sucking pig

• Restaurante Casa Chapete: Local favorite, smokey atmosphere

• Narizotas: Ever popular chef's "mystery sampler," tapas

Segovia Hotels & Lodging:

• Parador De La Granja: 4-Star Hotel, located only 11 km from the World Heritage City of Segovia, right in the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama

• Los Arcos: 4-Star Hotel, located in the heart historical city center, Acueducto and Alcazar are both 5 minute walks from the hotel 

• Santana: 3-Star Hotel, located just outside of Segovia near the Guadarrama natural park, ideal for those travelers who want to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing modern creature comforts 

Central Spain Road Trip Day 3: Avila to Toledo

Avila Events & Attractions:

At the intersection of medieval wonderment and Mediterranean paradise lies the quaint UNESCO World Heritage site, Avila. The city's primary claim to fame is its curved, ancient city walls providing a remarkably preserved lens into the 12th century.  

Avila Restaurants, Bars, and Nightlife:

There are plenty of delicious meal options around Avila but for a sweet treat to round off your meal, look for "yemas de Santa Teresa"--a lemony custard cake specific to Ávila and named for the town's patron saint. 

• Los Candiles: moderately priced, home-cooked & hearty meals (cozy tomato and bread soup, tender chuletón rib steak)

• Padel League: mushroom croquettes, grilled octopus

• Soul Kitchen: fusion restaurant, located inside the 16th century castle

Avila Hotels & Lodging:

• Puerta De Gredos: 4-Star Hotel, located on the outskirts of El Barco de Ãvila's town centre and numerous entertainment venues and shopping areas

• Parador De Avila: 4-Star Hotel, convenient location, large rooms, authentic medieval setting  

• Palacio De Velada: 4-Star Hotel, located within the central city walls, lush courtyard, restaurant & bar

Central Spain Road Trip Day 4: Toledo & Beyond

Toledo Events & Attractions:

Toledo sings a magnificent melody of Spanish history--filled with impressive remnants of Roman, Visigoth, Jewish, Muslim, and Christian occupation. A self-guided walking tour through the city's labyrinth of streets will give you an excellent glimpse into Toledo's vast past via it's architecture alone.

Toledo Restaurants, Bars, and Nightlife:

• Los Cuatro Tiempo Restaurante: Offers three-course dinners, romantic ambiance

• Castilian Restaurante Casón López de Toledo: Located in a 16th century palace, reservations recommended

• Restaurante Mesón Palacio: Hearty home cooked meals (steaming bowls of bean soup with partridge)

• La Abadia: Lighter meals, traditional fare, decent price

Toledo Hotels & Lodging:

• Fontecruz Palacio Eugenia De Montijo: 5-Star Hotel, located in the heart of the city, surrounded by all the major historical sites, such as the cathedral  

• Parador De Toledo: 4-Star Hotel, splurge stay, view overlooking the Tajo Gorge (the very same that inspired El Greco) 

• Kris Domenico: 4-Star Hotel, located in the Cigarrales area. The hotel is around only 3 km from the city center

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