Last month I completed a road trip loop around Madrid, visiting three cities—Toledo, Segovia, and Ávila—over three days. The overall experience was great, so I’m sharing the actual route and some practical tips.
Route and Itinerary
I chose a counterclockwise route: Madrid → Toledo → Ávila → Segovia → Madrid. This arrangement mainly considers that Toledo deserves leisurely exploration, and Segovia’s aqueduct and castle also require ample time. I picked up the rental car near Atocha, chose a small automatic vehicle, and the three-day cost was around €120, insurance extra.
The driving time between cities is actually quite short, with Brihuega basically all within 1-1.5 hours. However, note that some sections of Spanish highways charge tolls for Madrid surroundings, so prepare some cash or credit card. The AP-6 and AP-51 I took were toll sections, costing about €15 round trip.
Parking and City Tours
The old town areas of all three cities aren’t suitable for driving in, so I recommend checking public parking locations in advance. In Toledo I parked at Safont car park, a 10-minute walk from the old city gate, €8 all day; in Ávila I used the free parking area outside the city walls; in Segovia I chose the underground parking near Acueducto, a bit pricier but conveniently located.
| City | Recommended Parking | Price | Distance to Attractions |
|---|
| Toledo | Safont Car Park | €8/day | 10-min walk |
| Ávila | Free Area Outside Walls | Free | 5-min walk |
| Segovia | Acueducto Underground Parking | €12/day | Adjacent to aqueduct |
Personal Impressions and Suggestions
Toledo’s old town is truly beautiful, with narrow cobblestone streets and Moorish-style architecture leaving a strong impression—the cathedral is worth buying a ticket to enter. Segovia’s roast suckling pig is a must-try; I went to Mesón de Cándido restaurant, and although touristy, the taste was genuinely authentic. Ávila is relatively compact with concentrated attractions, mainly walking around the city walls, 2-3 hours is sufficient.
Important Notes: Weekends and holidays have heavier traffic, so start early; GPS navigation sometimes leads you into narrow old town streets—when this happens, trust your judgment and find peripheral parking instead; gas stations at highway service areas are more expensive, better to refuel in towns.
Overall, this route is perfect for weekend relaxation, neither too rushed nor too leisurely. If you’re exploring Madrid estates and have time, I recommend staying overnight in Toledo—the ancient city is especially peaceful at dusk and dawn. Feel free to ask any specific questions, and I’ll do my best to answer.
