Madrid, Heart of Spain
Madrid - Overview:
The Capital of Spain since the 17th Century, Madrid was built in the geographical centre of Spain. Founded by the Moors in the 9th Century, Madrid is one of Europe's largest cities. It is a modern, active city offering innumerable attractions to the visitor. The city is home to many beautiful old buildings and squares and magnificent collections of art in its galleries, its parks, museums and tapas bars.
Madrid - Cultural Sightseeing:
Madrid city centre features the historic Plaza Mayor, considered to be one of the finest in Spain, and is surrounded by 17th-century architecture. The royal Palace, surrounded by gardens that are now partially open to the public, is a magnificent example of 18th century palatial art.
Madrid has many museums and art galleries: the Prado Museum is one of the world's finest art galleries, with its vast collection of Spanish, Flemish, and other European paintings. Nearby are the Reina Sofia Art Centre, which features Picasso's Guernica and other modern works, and the Madrid's museum attractions go far beyond art, however. A good example is El Cason del Buen Retiro, the Archaeological Museum, with collections representing practically all the different cultures that have flourished in Spain. It is also worth taking a look around after dark.
Madrid has one of the greatest collections of art in Europe. The Prado is full of famous works by the old masters; the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum contains one of the greatest private collections and the Centro De Arte Reina Sofia has a permanent collection of 20th century Spanish painters (Picasso, Dali, Miro etc.) in addition to special exhibitions. All these galleries are a few minutes' walk from each other and about 10 minutes' walk from the Puerta Del Sol.
Madrid - Getting there:
A popular city break destination, Madrid receives several daily scheduled flights from the UK. Excellent internal flights and railway links enable Madrid to link with other cities in Spain for a more extensive touring holiday.
Madrid - History:
It was not until 1651, when King Felipe 11 moved his court from Toledo, that Madrid became the capital of Spain. The city therefore lacks the medieval castles, Moorish palaces and sense of history that one finds in many of Spain's other famous cities. However, Madrid soon underwent tremendous growth as it became the capital of the largest empire in the world.
Many of the city's magnificent buildings and the classic Plaza Mayor date from the 17th century. From the Puerta Del Sol, the small square which is Spain's kilometre post zero, most of the main attractions of Madrid are within 10 minutes' walk.
Madrid - Shopping & Eating Out:
Those in search of retail therapy will not be disappointed, as here you can explore a vast array of shops in Madrid's main shopping area, only a short stroll away from Plaza Mayor. This whole area bustles with activity and it is where you will find the largest concentration of Madrid's famous tapas bars and street cafes - an ideal opportunity to sample Spanish and international cuisine after a long day shopping and sight seeing.
Madrid - Nature:
In addition to its museums, galleries, international restaurants, bars and vast array of shops, the vibrant capital city of Madrid is also home to the Royal Palace and Retiro Park. These offer the perfect surroundings in which to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a quiet stroll through the grounds.
Madrid - Out & About:
Madrid is also conveniently situated for day trips to Segovia and Toledo. These cities can be visited independently by regular train services, which take about an hour and a half, or by organised coach excursions.
Madrid - Our holiday accommodation and service:
Travel with secretdestinations.com holidays and enjoy delightful, privileged holiday destinations in Madrid the capital city at the historic heart of Central Spain. From privately owned houses, charming cottages, villas and apartments to villas with pools, luxury spa hotels and a full range of fabulous Paradores; all hand picked in beautiful locations for an authentic taste of unspoiled secret Central Spain and Madrid.
So, if you're looking for an activity or nature holiday, walking, cycling, trekking or bird watching; a spot of rural tourism soaking up the traditional Spanish culture and heritage with historic sightseeing in Castille; exploring fairytale castles, beautiful countryside and fascinating villages, rural towns and other historic cities cities such as Segovia and Toledo; following the historic pilgrims routes or silver route; sampling hearty rural Spanish fayre or simply enjoying a shopping trip or city break in Madrid, Spain's capital city; call our holiday team today.
Many of our clients enjoy touring holidays through central Spain, to experience the unique areas of Castilla la Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Extremadura and Madrid in one holiday. We are therefore very happy to arrange itineraries for you staying in a selection of different Parador hotels along your chosen route. We can also assist you with flights to Madrid and other areas of central Spain, ferry travel, holiday car hire and travel insurance.
