One of the best day trips you can take from Salamanca is the historically rich town of Segovia

10 Best Day Trips From Salamanca, Spain In 2024

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LOOKING FOR THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM SALAMANCA, SPAIN!?

Are you looking to take day trips from Salamanca, Spain!? In the summer of 2018, I studied abroad there for two months and took many different day trips through my program! Salamanca is located in central west Spain, making it a great starting point for many beautiful cities! Let’s get into it!

Beautiful photo of Plaza Mayor I took back in 2018

Best Day Trips From Salamanca: An Overview

Salamanca is a university city in central Spain in the Castile y León region. It’s slightly over two hours from the country’s capital, Madrid. It’s a great vacation place because the town has a rich culture and breathtaking buildings. However, if you run out of things to do in Salamanca and want to venture out, there are many amazing cities to explore nearby!

Dylan on a train looking out at the beautiful European scenery

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Best 10 Day Trips From Salamanca

Now that we’ve covered all the best places to explore during a day trip from Salamanca, we can cover what the places offer. Spain has a fantastic transportation system, so whether you take a public bus, train, or rent a car, these destinations are a few hours or less away!

Personally, I took the train when available or the public transit when it wasn’t to save money. However, a rental car offers the flexibility and freedom to leave and arrive at your own pace. Here are ten great destinations close to Salamanca


Outside view of the city of Zamora

Zamora

Zamora is the capital of the providence Zamora in the Castile and León region in northwest Spain, located forty-five minutes to an hour from Salamanca. The city is a preserved quarter, now known as a Historic Artist site with Romanesque heritage. Some breathtaking buildings in Zamora include the Zamora Cathedral, San Pedro, and San Ildefonso Church! It’s located on the Duero River and along the Silver Route, rich in medieval history.

Beautiful view looking into Cuidad Rodrigo

Cuidad Rodrigo

If you head southwest an hour toward Portugal, you’ll eventually arrive in the historic city of Cuidad Rodrigo. Since 2016, Cuidad Rodrigo has been known as one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, with its twelfth-century buildings in its Old Town. It’s a cathedral city on the Agueda River that was the site of a once ten-day siege by the Duke of Wellington! Popular attractions include the Catedral de Santa Maria, the Palacio de los Aguila, and the Museo del Orinal.

The beautiful medieval city of Avila Spain

Ávila

To visit Ávila is to step back into what appears to be a medieval fortress. Avila is southeast of Salamanca, a little over an hour’s drive. The medieval city walls are enough reason to visit as you can walk alongside them, but other popular attractions include El Alcazar and the city’s various towers and gates. I never got around to visiting when I studied abroad, but if I ever return to Spain, this city is on my bucket list!

Photo of the plaza in La Alberca Spain

La Alberca

La Alberca is one of the most historic towns in Spain, receiving the first Spanish city title of a Historical Artistic Complex in 1940. It’s a traditional town that values religious expression, as seen in the architecture. Navigating the streets can feel like a maze, but you’ll be in awe as you experience many stone houses en route. Must-see spots include La Plaza, Las Butecas Monastery, Camino de los RaĂ­ces, and Church of Nuestra Señora de la AsunciĂłn.

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One of my favorite day trips I took from Salamanca was a quick trip to Valladolid

Valladolid

One of my favorite day trips from Salamanca was to the beautiful city of Valladolid. From the beautiful Parque Campo Grande to the Pisuerga River to the Casa de Cervantes, you won’t want to skip this historic Gothic-style city! I took an early day trip and spent the morning and afternoon walking the streets, enjoying museums, and ending my day by the river. It’s about an hour and twenty minutes away from Salamanca.

Madrid, Spains capital is a great place to explore near Salamanca Spain

Madrid

If you haven’t already been, you should take a day trip to Madrid from Salamanca! As Spain’s capital, there is a ton to see and do in this big city. I began my study abroad trip in Madrid, and my program visited the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum, El Retiro Park, and more. Even if you aren’t huge into big cities, it’s worth checking out for an afternoon. It’s a two-hour and fifteen-minute ride southeast of Salamanca. You could make a weekend trip out of it, too!

If you're in Salamanca, you must take a day trip to Toledo. You won't regret it!

Toledo

Toledo was hands down one of my favorite cities in Spain. It’s a quaint, dainty, and historically rich city two hours and forty-five minutes from Salamanca, known for its Arab, Jewish, and Christian monuments and influence. It was once the home of the famous painter El Greco. Must-see spots in Toledo are the Plaza de Zocodover, Bisagra Gate and Sol Gate, Álcazar de Toledo, and more. Enjoy the city by walking the beautiful streets, shopping at small stores, and gathering in the plaza.

Beautiful city of Bejar Spain

Béjar

Béjar is a Historic-Artistic Site an hour south of Salamanca and was once a textile-manufacturing hub. The sixteenth-century Renaissance recreational villa of El Bosque conserves the original characteristics of this historic place and is worth checking out! Other must-see attractions include the Ducal Palace or walking along the river to learn more about its textile-producing history. If you visit during the spring, head here for the Corpus Christi festival!

One of the best day trips you can take from Salamanca is the historically rich town of Segovia

Segovia

Segovia is one of the prettiest European cities I’ve ever visited, giving princess and fairytale dream vibes. The city has medieval, Gothic, and Romanesque influences, creating a beautiful mix of architecture and culture. The Aquaduct, Alcazar, and Cathedral are must-sees. Do yourself a favor and try the Cochinillo de Segovia (roast suckling pig) for a delicious and filling meal! Segovia is a two-hour drive east of Salamanca.

Overview of the city of Burgos Spain

Burgos

Last but not least, we have Burgos, a city that is a two-and-a-half ride northeast of Salamanca. Burgos is another beautiful city with medieval architecture and influence. It’s situated on the Camino de Santiago route, and its Spanish Gothic Cathedral is declared a World Heritage Site. Other must-see places in the city are the Paseo del Espolón, Altarpiece Museum, and Cartuja of Miraflores.

Beautiful sight in Salamanca of the sandstone buildings

Wrapping Up: Best 10-Day Trips from Salamanca, Spain

Well, there you have it! Ten of the best day trips from Salamanca, Spain, all within a few hour’s drive. There are so many beautiful cities near Salamanca that you won’t run out of trips! My favorites when I studied abroad were Toledo, Segovia, Valladolid, and Madrid. However, I want to visit Ávila, Cuidad Rodrigo, and Zamora!

I hope you enjoy your time in Spain as much as I did! Safe travels!

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