How to See Segovia, the Best Day Trip from Madrid

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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 with 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

Roman Aqueduct
Segovia Roman Aqueduct

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.

Ensure you allow time to get to the train station north of the city. The metro is the best option. 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 chose Europcar for its affordability and easy access to 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.

Cross on a hill
El Escorial, the Valley of the Fallen

The bus ride takes you past El Escorial, the Valley of the Fallen. If you are driving, you can exit the main road for a closer look.

From the road, you can see the monument to those who died during the Spanish Civil War between 1936 and 1939. It is said that 40,000 people are buried here.

At 150 meters tall, the granite cross memorial is the largest cross globally, 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

Hot air balloon over a field
Early morning Hot Air Balloon Ride near Segovia

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

Roman Aqueduct
Segovia Aqueduct

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!

Standing and witnessing this amazing example of engineering built with no cement or mortar is breathtaking.

The aqueduct, which supplies the town with water, is 16 km long and starts from the Guadarrama Mountains range. It stands 28m high and has 167 arches.

The tourist office is situated next to the Aqueduct and is very helpful.

 

Time to Look in the Shop Windows

People shopping
Shopping streets in Segovia

The suggestion was to walk up the narrow pedestrian street from the Aqueduct.

In addition to 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, there are some interesting shops on the way. Like the herbalist? A witch statue was 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

Big medieval cathedral
The Cathedral of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion and of San Frutos

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

Stone castle
Alcazar of Segovia

The Alcazar, with its many turrets, reminded us of a Disney Castle, even though it was built in the 11th century 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 to the cathedral.

View of a cathedral over a valley
View from the Alcazar to Segovia Cathedral

Wander the old Jewish Quarter

old 3 storey building
Building in 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 features a slow-cooked (milk-fed) piglet that is so tender you can cut it 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.

2 comments

  1. Kevin McKenna says:

    Love reading your blogs.

    • Terry&Maura says:

      Thanks Dad – we’re still enjoying the new experiences. A lot of incredible places.

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