The most exciting trips around Segovia
Segovia is one of the most important cities in Castilla y León. Every traveller knows its 15,000 metres long aqueduct, even if they haven’t visited it yet. It is the most relevant work of Roman civil engineering in the whole country and remains practically intact. For this reason, the aqueduct of Segovia was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. But the old town was not forgotten - it houses the Alcázar and the Sinagoga Mayor.
The city of Segovia offers everything you can think of. Renowned towns, natural spaces, castles and red and black villages are scattered throughout its surroundings. There is plenty of things to do near Segovia. Let’s discover the best getaways near Segovia that you shouldn’t miss!
The best getaways near the city of Segovia
El Muyo: 1h 18 minutes
When visiting Segovia, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit one of its black villages, and El Muyo is one of the most beautiful ones. You will find it in the Sierra de Ayllón. El Muyo is distinguished by its characteristic colour caused by the black slate used to build its houses. At one point, it was practically abandoned. It came back to life when people who seeked tranquillity found it. A tranquillity that can be breathed even now in every unpaved way that will take you to a past era.
Villacorta: 1h 11 minutes
Segovia’s red villages should be a mandatory stop as well, and Villacorta is our recommendation. Its streets are red, the colour of the ferruginous and clayed stones in the area. This is caused by the used building materials and paints a breathtaking picture. This place, 86 kilometres away by the main road of the province and 1,100 metres above sea level, houses less than 30 people who live in a constant state of relaxation. Villacorta delights every single visitor.
Parque Natural de las Hoces del río Duratón: 1h 7 minutes
Segovia offers many natural spaces worth a visit, like Parque Natural de las Hoces del río Duratón. This natural park could be considered one of the most impressive natural wonders in Spain. The Duratón river has carved a deep and breathtaking canyon that has nothing to envy the Grand Canyon in Colorado.
You can observe its wonderful rock formations from great viewpoints like the one at Ermita de San Frutos and even from the water by canoeing. It’s the perfect place to admire gorgeous sunsets and for animal lovers. This park is actually part of the European Commission’s network Red Natura 2000, as a Special Protection Area for Birds. Many species inhabit Hoces del río Duratón. If you’re lucky enough, you might be able to watch vultures and other birds flying over the area.
Castillo de Coca: 46 minutes
When it comes to monuments, Castillo de Coca is one of the best you will find near Segovia. It being one of Spain’s Gothic-Mudejar gems should be enough of a reason to visit it. But there are many other things about it to highlight. For instance, it was built on a pit instead of a hill.
Its construction work began in 1453, resulting in a extremely beautiful fortress made from stone, a material that was used as decoration too. Its homely rooms, with Mudejar paintings and stucco, are some other examples of its important decorative elements.
Madrid: 1h
Madrid is a great destination if you’re planning a getaway near Segovia - it’s just one hour by car away from this city. You might need more than a one day trip to explore the big city of Madrid. However, you will feel the capital’s life and hustle in just a few hours, and will still have time to visit some of its most popular attractions. Gran Vía, Callao, Puerta del Sol and Parque del Retiro are some of them.
Toledo: 1h 35 minutes
This one is a little further from Segovia, since there are 165 kilometres between them. However, the distance isn’t enough to not include the lovely medieval Toledo on this list. The remains of Christians, Muslims and Jews coexist in this city, the city of three cultures. Its pebbled streets will encourage you to take as many pictures as possible. Meanwhile, Mirador del Valle, the Alcántara bridge and the Alcázar will invite you to return here.
Ávila: 50 minutes
Ávila is, undoubtedly, another perfect getaway near Segovia. Less than an hour by car away you will find this monumental city whose old quarter was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Churches, palaces and temples are some of its main attractions, but its wall is the true symbol of the city. More than 2.5 kilometres long, it has 9 doors and 87 towers. In addition, it is one of the best preserved medieval walled enclosures in the country.
San Lorenzo de El Escorial (Madrid): 43 minutes
The last getaway near Segovia that you shouldn’t miss is San Lorenzo de El Escorial. One of the most beautiful villages in the province of Madrid, it’s barely 43 minutes by car away from our protagonist. Real Monasterio is the most outstanding building in this place, built 500 years ago by order of Philip II of Spain. Although its interior is completely breathtaking, you shouldn’t forget about its gardens, Jardín de los Frailes. This monastery is a masterpiece and, without a doubt, one of the most interesting getaways near Segovia.
You can also read this article in Spanish here.