Planning Your Time

Planning Your Time

Madrid is the natural starting point for trips to Castilian destinations, most of which can be visited as either one- or several-day trips. If you're traveling by car, it's very possible to visit two nearby places in one day (e.g., Sigüenza and Mendinaceli). If you're traveling by train, we've included a few "Getting There" tips at key destinations with train information.

If you have three or four days for La Mancha, try this possible itinerary: visit sight-brimming Toledo for a day and night, then stop off to see Quixote's windmills in Consuegra. Next, swing northeast to Cuenca to enjoy its architecturally intriguing old town, with its hanging houses. Complete the journey with a day and night in serene Sigüenza or Soria.

For Castile-León, an ideal three- or four-day trip might include Segovia, famous for its aqueduct as well as its pretty old quarter and the gardens of the Palacio Real de la Granja, and Ávila, once home to St. Teresa. En route between Segovia and Ávila, stop by the medieval Castillo de Coca. You'll also want to visit Salamanca, both for its architecture and for its lively student-led nightlife. Farther north, Burgos's monasteries at Santo Domingo de Silos and San Pedro de Cardeñá are both well worth visiting—spending a night at one of the two is highly recommended.