26-06-2018
If you are among of the lucky ones attending Mad Cool and staying in Madrid for a few more days, and feel like visiting other places in the region, here is a list of the best plans once the festival is over. There is so much to do! You probably won't have time to do it all and we are sure you will want to come back. Don't let the rhythm stop!
DAY 1:
Try to stay in Madrid during Madrid Pride 2018, one of the world's best LGTBI celebrations featuring outdoor concerts, shows, sports, art, and cultural activities. From June 28 to July 8, join over one million people and make the most of this quintessential party of freedom, diversity and tolerance. See you there!
DAY 2:
We recommend you to book 3 days (or 3 mornings if time is tight) to visit Madrid's three impressive Unesco World Heritage cities, easily reachable by train, to enjoy art, history and culture at every corner.
The majestic monastery at San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the best expression of Spain's Golden Age, is a must see, as well as Mount Abantos and La Herrería, in the Sierra de Guadarrama, which also boasts outstanding food offerings...
DAY 3:
Discover Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes and the site of the world's first university. Walk through Calle Mayor, enter the Corral de Comedias theatre, the Cervantes Birth-House Museum, the University, and the Roman city of Complutum. And don't leave without enjoying its wonderful cuisine and wines!
DAY 4:
Visit Aranjuez. It will be a crush at first sight that will last forever. The Real Sitio, on the banks of the Tagus, has everything you need for a lovely getaway—the magnificent Royal Palace, the historic buildings, the Museum of the Royal Falluas— boats that were used in the 'naumaquias', representations of naval battles—, the matchless beauty of its Gardens. Visit Aranjuez on foot, on horseback, by bicycle, by boat or by balloon! You won't want to leave...
DAY 5:
If you have enjoyed music at the festival until late at night, you might need some contact with nature. Visit the extraordinary natural wealth of Sierra del Rincón, a Biosphere Reserve, and the Montejo Beech Forest, a unique natural area in ??the Community of Madrid classified as a World Natural Heritage by the UNESCO. You will be surprised by Madrid's natural surroundings! (But don't tell anyone... it's our secret!)
DAY 6:
The Towns of Madrid are eleven municipalities in rural Madrid that are unique for their cultural, historical and artistic richness. Enjoy the alluring town of Patones, the beauty of the Monastery of El Paular in Rascafría, the Castilian architecture of the squares in Chinchón, Navalcarnero and Colmenar de Oreja. Visit the 15th-century castles of San Martín de Valdeiglesias and Manzanares El Real, the Homage Tower in Villarejo de Salvanés, the medieval villages of Buitrago del Lozoya and Torrelaguna, and Nuevo Baztán, a small corner from the Enlightenment era. All these towns also offer excellent food and wines, and there are very near the city!
DAY 7:
If you are into bikes, join CiclaMadrid, 420 km of bike routes connecting the most interesting and surprising places in the Community of Madrid. This is indeed the best way to discover the region's medieval treasures, sweeping landscapes, traditional cellars, charming craftsmanship and the best of its people.
These are just some of the things you can do in Madrid. You will realise that, whatever it is that you are looking for, Madrid has it all. We are proud of our region and of having you with us! Visit our website for further information.
Discover what Madrid and surroundings sound like!
ENJOY THE SOUNDS OF MADRID
