Tips for Day tripping from Madrid to Toledo
The ancient city of Toledo
Author: Jennifer Kirsch
Touring around Spain
DAY TRIPPING FROM MADRID
Anyone who visits Spain is bound to be enthralled and forever remain a fan of the lifestyle, the food, weather and most of all, the people. This year during my annual sojourn to the UK, I took time out to visit Madrid again and take some day trips. This blog will talk about Toledo as a destination.
While England seems to garner attention for it’s castles, monarchy and conquests, Spain offers a rich and enthralling history, a two thousand year old exciting and often bloody reflection of it’s important position in southern Europe. I try to visit every year to experience new aspects of the Spanish culture.
TOLEDO-JUST A DAY AWAY FROM MADRID
I picked out Toledo, a city close enough to Madrid for a day trip and with the kudos of being, at one time, a Spanish capital almost in the center of the country. Important for its Jewish connections, it also has a beautiful Catholic cathedral dating back to the 13th Century.
The ancient Jewish quarter nurtures a sad history with a beautiful historical synagogue and right next door there is a small museum dedicated to the famous Greek painter El Greco. He spent most of his adult life in Toledo after traveling to Rome and Venice from his birthplace in Crete.
Interior El Greco Museum in Toledo, Spain Photo: Courtesy of Flickr
Despite his origins he is known as one of the foremost painters of the Spanish Renaissance. In Crete he was most likely born a Greek Orthodox but mainly embraced Catholicism while in Spain. His museum is delightful, intimate and in a beautiful setting amidst panoramic views without parallel and always sheltering a small nearby cafe to linger for a longer look.
View to the city with the castle in the distance
BRING YOUR WALKING SHOES
This city is not for the fainthearted, hills are steep, roads are cobbled, hard on the feet and sidewalks are non existent, but the rewards are immense. Architectural eye candy is everywhere which is probably why one occasionally stumbles across artist’s easels and intense young photographers valiantly attempting to capture the charm and uniqueness of this small city.
A cozy neighborhood stroll in Toledo
FOOD AND HOTELS IN THE CITY
Small hotels offer great centrally located accommodation for less than 100 dollars per night. I can highly recommend a boutique hotel I like at a slightly higher rate called Entre dos Aguas (Between two Waters).
It was the home of the Maestro Paco de Lucia ,the famous guitar player. It has been lovingly restored and turned into a super cozy hotel with a good location, warm hospitality, well designed interiors and boasts comfy rooms, a great restaurant and pretty spa.
Food is plentiful and cheap enough but it is hard to avoid the traditional Spanish fare (not that there is anything wrong with that) sitting lazily in the Plaza Mayor sucking down a nice glass of wine or a cold beer while nibbling on delicious tapas and watching the world go by.
The square is full of families by 8.30 PM three and four generations of locals each sitting at their favorite cafe, dinner is being contemplated by 10 so the lively scene gets livelier. The atmosphere is bustling and joyful by 11:00 PM!
Photos: Courtesy of Entre dos Aguas Boutique Hotel
SHOPPING FINDS
Toledo is famous for a certain kind of ornamental black and gold metal work and many shops sell small knives (and big ones) together with the traditional locally made jewelry, the sort of earrings you see adorning the Flamenco dancers but of course there are more sedate designs if you want. Enjoy a video of the famous dance below.
There are lots of bizarre historical models and life size costumes and suits of armor for sale mostly going back to medieval times and the Christian wars in Europe. There are many tourist stops for souvenirs and plenty of watering holes up and down the hill to cool down and catch your breath.
If you arrive by train, stop for a few moments at the railway station, it is architecturally magnificent and then a short bus ride will take you around the exterior road to embrace the spectacular views from outside the once moated town. For more on the historical aspects of this wonderful little town, watch the video I found for you below and enjoy!
The beautiful architecture of the railway station in Toledo…
CONCLUSION
If you arrive by car it is best to leave it outside the city with its narrow streets and wandering tourists, so come by train! There is plenty of history, but if you just want to relax, eat and drink a little (or a lot) I recommend Toledo for the perfect day out.
Let me know in the comments section if you liked what you read and are planning a trip to Spain. If you have any questions I’m happy to give tips and hints to help you plan your trip. You might want to read other blogs under Guest Bloggers. Look for my next blog in this series on a trip down to Mexico. Until then…
Best,
Jenny
Jenny Kirsch is a British expat living in Palm Desert. She travels extensively when she returns each year to the UK and guest blogs about her experiences and tips. Follow her on Instagram.
You might want to read other posts by ArtsyChowRoamer under Explore the World Follow me on You Tube, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram & Twitter
TO MY READERS: This post was updated with more info, pics and videos on 8/12/2020.
Guest Blogger
If you like what you read, click on the button below!
Why? You’ll get my free list of favorite travel products that cover fashion, gear and tech plus other great stuff I promise you’ll want!!