With its famous Roman aqueduct and a stunning castle, rumored to have inspired the castle in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, Segovia stands out as one of the most captivating destinations for day trips from Madrid.

Best Time to Visit

Segovia hosts a vibrant festival in late October, while the Hay Festival occurs in late September, drawing visitors interested in cultural experiences.

Five Things to Do in Segovia

• Marvel at the ancient Roman aqueduct, which is two thousand years old and remarkably well-preserved.
• Visit the fairytale-like Alcázar, believed to have inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
• Explore contemporary art at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Esteban Vicente.
• Savor cochinillo (roasted suckling pig), a traditional dish that is among the best Spanish culinary delights.
• Stroll through the historic Jewish quarter, starting from Plaza del Corpus Cristi, which offers rich insights into the area’s cultural heritage.

Guided Tours for a Richer Experience

Participating in guided tours can greatly enhance your visit. Below are some noteworthy options:

• Segovia Tour & Winery: Enjoy a cultural guided tour and explore a local winery.
• Segovia and Avila Combined Tour: Explore both cities, known for Avila’s renowned city walls, all in a single trip.
• Hot-Air Balloon Ride Over Segovia: Experience breathtaking aerial views of Segovia’s landmarks with optional transport from central Madrid.

How to Get to Segovia From Madrid

Reaching Segovia is straightforward, whether you choose the train or bus for your day trip from Madrid. Although you can travel from Salamanca, the bus options are limited, making Avila a better connecting point.

Where to Next?

After exploring Segovia, you might consider heading back to Madrid or traveling to Salamanca. Avila is only an hour away by bus, making it feasible to visit both in one day if you plan to leave early and return late. Additionally, you can retrace your travels to El Escorial by taking the C8 line of the Cercanías local train, changing at Villalba.

Recommended Itinerary for Segovia

If you’re arriving in Segovia by bus, it’s efficient to head directly towards the aqueduct rather than the cathedral, which is situated on a hill. The aqueduct is easily signposted from the junction at the bus station and is just a short walk away along Avenida de Fernández Ladreda. Should you arrive by train, make your way to the bus station via Paseo Conde Sepúlveda and turn right.

Adjacent to the aqueduct is a highly resourceful Tourist Office, which provides valuable information on the Castilla y León region and beyond. It’s an essential stop to gain insights and tips for your trip.

From the aqueduct, navigate up c/Cervantes, pass by Casa de los Picos, and continue to Plaza del Corpus Cristi to visit the Synagoga Mayor (Main Synagogue).

Continue to Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral. Walk alongside the Cathedral and proceed past the Witchcraft Museum on c/Daoiz until you reach the Alcázar.

This route allows you to see Segovia’s key attractions efficiently if you’re on a tight schedule. If you opt for a different path through the city, be sure to carry a map and disregard the road signs aimed at vehicles as they may mislead you when walking.