Madrid is lucky to have a wealth of top-notch day Trip possibilities. The difficult part is choose which to complete! The greatest, in our opinion, is a day excursion to Segovia.
In this post, we’ll outline the benefits of including Segovia on your trip to Spain.
Three significant tourist attractions can be found in Segovia: an aqueduct, an alcázar, and a church. You can think of the other two as a double bonus since each of them would be worth the trip on its own!
How to Travel by Day to Segovia
You have a lot of options, which is excellent news, but the best part is that they are all affordable and simple. Should you take the bus, the train, or a hired car if you wish to travel independently? Or would you rather someone else handle all the grunt work for you while you’re on a tour?
Car Rental Madrid to Segovia
The option that will cost the most money is renting a car. Depending on the amount of traffic in Madrid, the trip will take an hour to 1.5 hours.
Although expensive, a car does provide more flexibility. You are free to take the scenic way and stop anywhere you like. If you set out early enough, you may see Segovia and Avila in the same day trip.
Train from Madrid to Segovia
The most common choice is the train. This is the route we decided to take. It takes the AVE high-speed train 30 minutes to get from Madrid Chamartin station to Segovia Guiomar station.
Every day, a total of 27 trains depart from Madrid. The first train departs throughout the week at 6.40 am, and the final train departs at 10:16 night. The first train departs on weekends at 8:00 am, and the last one departs at 9:30 night.
On the day of departure, adult costs range from €13.90 to €24.40 per person. It’s crucial to keep in mind that in Spain, you may occasionally need both a train ticket and a seat reservation. Extra fees of between €5.00 and €8.00 per person, roundtrip, apply to this reservation.
The number 11 bus is waiting outside the station when you get to Segovia Guiomar. Each way, the ticket is €2.00 per person. The bus will, however, leave you right in front of the aqueduct. This journey ought to take around 15 minutes. Click here for the bus schedule.
For the return trip, you can board the same local bus at the station. If you correctly align your timetables, the train and local bus have a combined journey time of about one hour.
Bus from Madrid to Segovia
Buses operated by Avanza depart from Madrid Moncloa (North Madrid). In around an hour and twenty minutes, this bus makes a straight entry into Segovia’s historic district, close to the aqueduct.
You can make a reservation at Omio in advance or at the bus station on the day of travel. There are buses that run hourly and only cost about €10.00 roundtrip.
Because we had interrail passes, we took the train. However, the bus is more convenient and will help you save money if you don’t have an interrail pass. Less bother with connecting to public transportation is another benefit.
Tour from Madrid to Segovia
However, not everyone should use public transportation. We always advise it for individuals on a tight budget. These tours can be the ideal method to be escorted around Segovia for your day trip if you don’t mind spending a little extra to remove all the stress or you are pushed for time.
The greatest possibilities for your Madrid to Segovia day trip, if it suits with your schedule, include combining it with a full-day tour of other cities like Toledo and Avila.
Below, compare well-liked tours:
Request a Guide: Segovia and Toledo Full Day Tour | Segovia, vila & Toledo Guided Tour with Lunch
Segovia, Toledo, and Vila in One Day with Viator’s Segovia and Segovia Full Day Tour
Best Activities for a Day Trip to Segovia
One of the most impressive Roman aqueducts still in existence may be seen in Segovia, which has gained it worldwide fame. The final Gothic church constructed in Spain as well as an alcázar, where the former kings of Castile lived, are other noteworthy landmarks.
If you have some additional time, the charming old town also has a variety of churches, monasteries, and museums. In this incredibly attractive ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will be completely overwhelmed with options.
Segovia isn’t swamped with tourists and has a great, tranquil atmosphere. The following attractions are must-sees on your Segovia day trip:
The Segovian Aqueduct
The Romans’ engineering prowess is without a doubt the main reason visitors come to Segovia, and it will be the first item you see on your day trip.
The aqueduct brought water from the Rio Frio to Segovia and was constructed before the end of the first century AD. It is Segovia’s most significant architectural landmark. This building is also one of the highest and best-preserved aqueducts still in existence.
The Sierra de Guadarrama mountains adjacent serve as the starting point of the Roman aqueduct channel, which travels to the Alcázar in the city’s northwest.
Near the top of Calle los Canuelos, water first gathers in a tank known as El Caserón (large home). Water flows to Casa de Aguas (waterhouse) through the channel below. At this moment, the water spontaneously decants.
The water then starts its 725-meter journey across the bridge, traveling at a 1% gradient for almost half a mile. The water flows on till it reaches a rocky outcropping where Segovia Alcázar was eventually constructed.
How large is Segovia’s aqueduct?
Although the aqueduct in the town has 167 stone arches overall, its length is just about 16 kilometers. The UNESCO site is made up of 75 single arches, 44 double arches, and then 4 more single arches.
It has no mortar and is made of over 20,000 granite blocks. The Romans did a very amazing job there!
Amazingly, it has survived for approximately 2,000 years despite the passage of time. In fact, the city continued to obtain its water from the aqueduct till the middle of the 19th century. The aqueduct was only beginning to be preserved in the 1970s and 1990s when a number of conservation projects got underway. WOW!
When you gaze at its magnificent arches, you will see why so many tourists to Madrid simply cannot miss this day trip.
We remarked to one another at the moment, “Well, you don’t see that everyday.” The experience of being beneath the aqueduct and gazing up was the best part of our trip.
What’s best? The aqueduct is always accessible and cost-free.
For an excellent vantage point of the city, climb the stairs directly next to the roundabout at the end of the aqueduct. Try to attend at the event in the morning or in the evening to obtain the finest photos. You might be able to see a sunrise or a sunset and there won’t be as many people.
The Segovian Alcázar
Spain’s most recognizable castle is without a doubt Segovia’s Alcazar. Did you know that it is rumored to be one of the prestigious European castles that served as the model for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle?
It’s interesting to note that this is one of the few Spanish fortresses that has never been captured by the enemy. In this sense, the Alcazar is still unbeaten.
The majority of castles and forts are constructed on terrain with excellent defensive qualities. Segovia’s alcázar is no exception, yet it does have a unique design. Even better, this castle is situated on a rocky outcropping with a boat-shaped headland. How awesome, huh?
You may locate Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos if you circle around to the north-west of the castle. If you look closely enough, you can see the castle’s ship-like design.
Describe an Alcázar.
An alcázar is a castle or fortification that the Moors erected in Spain or Portugal while they were under Muslim authority.
The Romans laid the Alcázar of Segovia’s initial foundations. Then, the Moors erected a wooden stronghold there in its stead.
Ironically, Islamic architecture rose to popularity soon after the Moors were driven out of Spain. As a result, Mudejar painters embellished several of the alcázar’s internal spaces.
In 1085, during the Reconquista, the Spanish took control of Segovia. Thus, Spanish influences may be seen in the majority of the remaining buildings.
In the Middle Ages, monarchs from the Castilian region preferred to stay at Segovia’s Alcázar. Sadly, a fire in 1862 destroyed the majority of the castle’s top levels.
The extravagant turrets and exaggerated spiraling towers weren’t installed until the structure was rebuilt. Around Europe, additional well-known fairytale castles were also being constructed at the time.
There are two courtyards in the current alcázar. Additionally, there are 12 public rooms with Gothic, Moorish, and Romanesque influences. These rooms include the Throne Room, the Royal Chamber, the Hall of the Kings (seen in the image above), the Hall of the Old Palace, and several others.
Climbing the 156 steps of the Tower of Juan II, which opens out onto an 80-meter-high terrace with views of the Segovia countryside, is one of the activities you really must do while on your day trip. Additionally, the city and its most stunning structure, the cathedral, will be visible. Study up on the Alcazar.
Opening Times: April 1–October 31: 10:00–8:00 Nov. 1 to March 31: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each Day
General: €5.50; discounted: €3.50. $2.50 for Juan II Tower. (€3.00) Audio guides are offered.
Cathedral in Segovia
The cathedral in Segovia was the final Gothic structure to be erected in Spain. Aside from the existing stone spire that tops the tower, construction on the building started in 1525 and was completed in 1577. A significant fire in 1614 led to the addition of this spire. Three naves and three doors define the cathedral’s Gothic design.
The vaults are 105m long, 50m wide, and 33m high. The bell tower is about 90 meters tall! The cathedral’s interior features an exquisite vaulted ceiling with breathtaking stained glass that extends in all directions. There are also more than 20 chapels to visit.
- April 1 to October 31: 9.00 am to 9.30 pm Daily / November 1 through March 31 = 9.30 am to 6.30 pm Each Day
- Bell tower hours: 10:30, 12:00, and 4:00
- Price: Children are free; General €3, Group €2.5. 5-euro bell tower
- Tip: Admission is free 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays
Our Opinion: When lit up at night against the pitch-black night sky, the enormous structure appears even more magnificent.
In the Plaza Mayor is where the cathedral is. There are many cafes and eateries in this gorgeous open plaza. It’s the ideal location for enjoying the sun, delicious Spanish cuisine, and cathedral views.
Want to hear from a local about Segovia? To reserve a spot on this well-liked tour, enter your travel dates into the availability calendar below.
Visit the Old Town.
UNESCO has designated Segovia’s old town as a world historic site in recognition of its urban design and architectural advancements. It illustrates the coexistence of the Moors, Christians, and Jews as well as the social hierarchy associated with each group’s cultural affiliation.
The area between the Alcázar and aqueduct is known as the ancient town. The UNESCO heritage area’s boundaries are depicted in the image above. The fact that Segovia has so much to see is one of its best features. It’s really simple to explore this area!
There are numerous locations with picturesque views of the aqueduct, cathedral, or alcazar as you stroll through the old town’s lovely small cobbled alleyways. One of our favorite aspects of Segovia was this.
There are also numerous more significant churches located throughout the old town, including San Millan, San Martin, and Vera Cruz. The Synagoga Mayor in the Jewish section of Plaza del Corpus Cristi is another notable structure.
Enjoy the City Walls.
The tranquil alcázar is surrounded by ancient city walls. If you have the leisure, a stroll around the walls is soothing. While imagining how the city would have appeared in the past, these walls can really take you back in time.
Cochinillo de Segovia
Traditional cuisine in this region can only refer to suckling pig. Segovia is well known for its signature dish, “cochinillo.”
There are plenty of locations where you can try it. The following are our top three suggestions for trying cochinillo:
Restaurant Jose Maria, Calle Cronista Lecea 11
This restaurant consistently receives votes as one of the top suckling pig restaurants in Spain each year. You won’t find this place to be the cheapest. However, the quality of your pig will be excellent and it will be chopped by a plate. The cathedral and Jose Maria are close by.
Plaza del Azoguejo, Meson de Candido, 5
Here, delectable suckling pig meets the best aqueduct views, and the result is a lunch spot that is particularly welcoming to tourists. The aqueduct and this eatery are just next to each other.
Calle Daoiz, Meson don Jimeno, 15
To find the best value to quality ratio in town, venture off the beaten path between the alcázar and plaza mayor. The bean stew, the suckling pig, and the daily baked sweets are all excellent.
We had a wonderful meal here. Sadly, we were eating so much that we forgot to take a picture!
We also advise you to stop by the Plaza Mayor for a Spanish omelet. Take in the view of the cathedral while eating your snack for the finest experience.
Day Trip Interactive Map to Segovia
This Segovia day trip guide is intended to assist you in organizing your vacation to Spain.
If you have any inquiries concerning vacationing in Spain, kindly leave them in the comments section below.
Travel safely,
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