Madrid is full of life—tapas bars buzzing until midnight, world-class museums, late-night strolls down Gran Vía. But just outside the capital, Spain slows down. In the surrounding hills and plains of central Spain are small towns that feel worlds away from the city's high energy. They're quiet, storied, often overlooked, and exactly where you want to be when you're ready to trade art galleries for medieval alleyways and bustling plazas for sun-drenched silence.

1. Chinchón – A Plaza Like No Other

Just 45 minutes southeast of Madrid, Chinchón is built around a perfectly imperfect plaza mayor—uneven, sandy, and surrounded by green wooden balconies. It’s been a bullring, a theater, a town square. Today, it's lined with rustic taverns serving anise liqueur and local specialties. The town’s medieval charm and hilltop castle make it feel like a forgotten set from a period film.

2. San Lorenzo de El Escorial – Monastery Meets Mountain Town

This town is home to one of Spain’s most iconic royal sites—the Monastery of El Escorial, a massive 16th-century palace, monastery, library, and royal tomb all in one. But beyond the granite walls, the town itself is worth lingering in. Tucked into the Sierra de Guadarrama foothills, it’s a great place for a long lunch and a short hike. Just an hour from Madrid by train or bus.

3. Manzanares el Real – Castles and Crags

If you’re into moody castles and mountain views, Manzanares el Real delivers. Less than an hour from Madrid, this town sits at the base of La Pedriza, a dramatic granite landscape that’s popular with climbers and hikers. The perfectly preserved 15th-century castle looks like something out of a fantasy novel—and you can walk its towers and walls for panoramic views of the reservoir and cliffs beyond.

4. Alcalá de Henares – Cervantes’ Hometown, Minus the Crowds

Often skipped by tourists, this UNESCO-listed university town is just 35 minutes from Madrid by train—and it’s worth every minute. It’s the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, and you can visit his restored childhood home. But the real draw is the vibe: elegant squares, arcaded streets, bookshops, and tapas joints that feel like they’ve been around for centuries. It’s intellectual, relaxed, and deeply Spanish.

5. Sepúlveda – Wild Landscapes and Romanesque Churches

About two hours from Madrid, Sepúlveda is perched above the dramatic Hoces del Río Duratón Natural Park. The town itself is a maze of stone buildings, ancient churches, and narrow lanes that seem to defy modernity. Bring your hiking shoes—this is one of the best places in central Spain to blend history with nature. Bonus: You might spot griffon vultures circling overhead.

6. Buitrago del Lozoya – A Walled Jewel in the Mountains

Surrounded by medieval walls and backed by forested hills, Buitrago del Lozoya sits on a bend in the Lozoya River about 90 minutes from Madrid. It has a small Picasso Museum (surprisingly excellent), a fortress, and a peaceful, off-grid vibe. It’s especially magical in autumn, when the leaves turn gold and the surrounding woods feel like a fairy tale.

Why These Towns?

They're close. They're affordable. And most importantly, they offer a completely different rhythm than Madrid. One where you don’t need a packed itinerary—just a good pair of shoes, an open afternoon, and maybe a glass of wine with lunch. If you're building a Madrid itinerary and want to avoid the typical tourist routes, these towns offer depth, beauty, and just enough surprise.

Not sure where to start—or how to get there? Let MagicTrips.ai build a custom itinerary that pairs your city stay with peaceful countryside moments, all tailored to your travel pace and interests.