Slow Travel Near Madrid: Two Historic Escapes You Can't Miss
After visiting Madrid countless times, I've learned that as much as I love the city's electric energy, sometimes the best part of my trip is stepping away from the capital’s hustle and bustle. When I need a slightly slower pace, I crave the quiet, slow-travel charm of Spain's rural adventures. Here are two of my favorite day-trip escapes that feel worlds away from the city‘s core.
Highlights:
- Discover the charming Main Square and the Ulpiano Checa Museum in Colemenar de Oreja
- Enjoy lunch at a traditional Spanish Parador
- Visit the sprawling Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Editor's note: This trip was hosted.
Colmenar de Oreja: A Medieval City Beckons with Architecture and Wine
Why Visit: Colmenar de Oreja features a magnificent town square, offering a glimpse into its rich Islamic and Christian past. A short trip from Madrid, this city promises an exciting journey through art, architecture and vibrant streets filled with historic landmarks. I enjoyed a cup of coffee in Plaza Mayor. Or try one of their famous wines or liqueurs.
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Top Three Things to Do
- Visit the Ulpiano Checa Museum featuring a local artist whose works transported me through battles, ancient worlds, and heroic epics. Checa's work served as the inspiration for the Roman chariot racing scenes in the thrilling Hollywood film, "Ben-Hur." I loved checking out the clips from the movie under the painting for comparison and saw where their inspiration came from.
- Stand in Plaza Mayor where you can see bullfights, participate in festivals and linger over a cup of local coffee.
- Stop at Bodega Jesus Diaz and Sons Winery to discover red and white wines aged in underground barrels within limestone walls. Enjoy a tasting menu of wine, ham, and cheese. Reservations are suggested.
Where/What to Eat:
- Enjoy a meal at Parador de Chincon, a former Augustinian monastery where Castilian flavors meet traditional cuisine. Try sopa de ajo, a humble garlic soup elevated by rich broth, perfectly poached egg, and a hint of smoked paprika. Enjoy cordero asado, roast lamb slow-cooked with rosemary and olive oil. Pair it with a glass of local red wine-full-bodied and deep, it felt like an embrace from the land itself.
- Sip the town's famous liqueur, Anis which has a rich, licorice flavor.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The Tourism office of Colmenar De Oreja is located near the Ulpiano Checa Museum. Be sure to stop by and find out more about their wine tours and culinary options.
San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain's "Golden Age" on Display
Why Visit: Less than an hour from Madrid lies the city of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, known for its impressive 16th-century Monastery and lovely cobbled squares. Built by King Philip II, the magnificent Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, is a combined monastery, royal palace, library and mausoleum.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Spain's most visited landmarks features impressive works of art by El Greco, an extensive collection of paintings from 15th- to 17th–century Flemish, German, Italian, and Spanish artists. Breathtaking works by El Greco, "The Martyrdom of St. Maurice," preside over this magnificent art gallery, which created a grandiose, austere and powerful panorama.
Top Three Things to Do
- Tour the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de Escorial including the soaring Basilica, tombs of Spanish monarchs that lie in rest, and the resplendent Habsburg apartments that once housed kings, queens and royal guests.
- See the Valley of the Fallen, a monument to honor the memory of those who lost their lives during the Spanish Civil War. Under the valley floor are the remains of more than 40,000 soldiers, whose names are listed on the official register.
- Visit the Guadarrama National Park and enjoy the natural wonders of its mountainous scenes, granite formations, and wildlife. Admire the 500-year-old Manzanares El Real Castle.
How to Get There: One of the easiest ways to get there is via Spain Rail, right from the heart of Madrid, which takes about 90 minutes. You can also rent a car or go with one of many tour companies.
Where/What to Eat: Discover a range of traditional Spanish dishes as well as Mediterranean cuisine. If you're hankering for an American hamburger, Al Punto Hambgourmetwill fit the bill.
Best Time to Travel: Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Be sure to dress modestly in reverence to the monastery. (Arms and shoulders should be covered, wear long pants or skirts.) Also, the monastery is huge, so you might want to arrange a tour offered by the monastery as well as other independent tour companies.
FAQ: Madrid Day Trips
Possible, but not practical. Each deserves its own day.
Colmenar de Oreja for wine and a relaxed village vibe; El Escorial for history and architecture.
Spring and early fall. Summer can be hot, especially in Colmenar de Oreja.
Read More:
- Things To Do In Mérida, Spain for a Roman Holiday
- 11 Awesome Things to Do in San Sebastian Spain, the Heart of Basque Country
- Madrid: A Culinary Dream in the Heart of Spain
The post Slow Travel Near Madrid: Two Historic Escapes You Can't Miss appeared first on She Buys Travel.
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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 5:16 PM.