When you are after a change of scenery from the city life of Madrid, Segovia is one of the best day trips from Madrid.
Segovia is a small town about 93 km from Madrid and has one of the best-preserved Roman structures.
An Aqueduct still standing from the 1st century.
But Segovia also has other places to explore, like the Alcazar and the Cathedral. The view from the cafe over the valley is a perfect stop.
But for lunch, you’ll want to try a local delicacy, Suckling Pig.
How to Get to Segovia from Madrid
You have three options; car, bus or train.
Take the Bus
Segovia is a one-hour direct bus ride from Madrid Moncloa Bus Station for €14 return. The bus takes you directly into Segovia. They are comfortable, and the trip is scenic.
Take a Fast Train
The 30 minutes on the fast train from Madrid Chamartín is the best option when you are short on time. Tickets range from €14-25 per ticket.
Make sure you allow time to get to the train station north of the city. The metro will be the best option to get you there. Check out ticket prices and times here: Trainline.
The train station in Segovia is a bit of a walk to the main sites. The alternative is to take a local #11 bus to the Aqueduct.
Hire a Car
When you hire a car, you allow yourself more flexibility to visit new places. We choose Europcar for its affordability and access to at airports or central city offices.
Enjoy the Scenic Drive to Segovia
When you hire a car to drive to Segovia, you can stop at historical places like the Valley of the Fallen.
Take a closer look at the Valley of the Fallen.
The bus ride takes you past El Escorial, the Valley of the Fallen. You can exit the main road for a closer look if you are driving.
From the road, you can see the monument to those who died during the Spanish Civil War between 1936-1939. It is said 40,000 people are buried here.
At 150 meters tall, the granite cross memorial is the largest cross in the world, weighing 200,000 tons.
Franco ordered the building of the cross and a basilica where he was buried.
An Early Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight
The closer we got to Sergovia, we saw the hills covered in light snow.
What a beautiful morning for a hot air balloon flight.
Still Standing since the 1st Century AD
Arriving in Segovia at 10 am to a town just waking up, we found the Segovia Roman Aqueduct, dating back to the 1st century AD.
Wow! This is incredible!
It is breathtaking to stand and witness this amazing example of engineering built with no cement or mortar.
The aqueduct is 16 km long, starting from the Guadarrama Mountains range, supplying the town with water. It stands 28m high with 167 arches.
The tourist office is situated next to the Aqueduct, and they are very helpful.
Time to Look in the Shop Windows
The suggestion was to walk up the narrow pedestrian street from the Aqueduct.
Besides some window shopping, you will pass by the Diamond Tip House, San Martin Church, and the Royal Jailhouse.
The Diamond Tip Houses were known as Casa de Los Picos because the diamond shape jutted out from the walls. While the house does look decorative, the purpose is defensive.
Plus some interesting shops on the way. Like the herbalist? There was a witch statue at the door, so maybe leave that one to your imagination.
You will also notice the smell of roast pork as you walk along. Check out more below.
Cathedral of Segovia
Cathedral – Nuestra Señora de la Asunción y San Frutos must have one of the longest names of any cathedral we have visited.
This beautiful gothic church was started in 1525 and finished in 1768. Once again, amazing architecture.
Visit the Alcazar
The Alcazar, with its many turrets, reminded us of a Disney Castle even though it was constructed in the 11th century built on top of an old Roman fortress.
It was built by the Castilian monarchs and had fantastic views across the valley to several old monasteries and back across to the cathedral.
Wander the old Jewish Quarter
At the suggestion of the tourist office, we returned to the Aqueduct via the Jewish Quarter.
The Jewish Quarter’s old buildings were built with wooden beams included in the house’s structure. Although looking a little lop-sided, they are still standing.
And make sure to stop at the Mirador (viewpoint) for views across the valley.
Make Sure to Try Cochinillo
Now a highlight of Segovia is to find the restaurant Restaurante Jose Maria and order Cochinillo de Segovia (roast suckling pig).
This delightful dish is a slow-cooked (milk-fed) piglet which is so tender you can cut with a plate. Yes, you heard that right. And the waiter will help you do just that.
This dish is one of the reasons many people flock to Segovia.
No Need to Hurry Back
Segovia is a worthwhile day trip and a chance to escape from busy Madrid.
For more day trip ideas from Madrid, click here.
Spend the morning seeing the best of the Segovia Aqueduct before the crowds arrive.
And stay until early evening to see the lights of the old town of Segovia.
And with yummy Cochinillo for lunch, find yourself a small tapas wine bar.
Now you know you are experiencing the very best of Spain.
Love reading your blogs.
Thanks Dad – we’re still enjoying the new experiences. A lot of incredible places.