Madrid’s magic won’t be lost on an intern abroad. The city offers some of Europe’s best museums, many beautiful parks and a vibrant night life. However, there’s much to be experienced in Spain beyond its booming capital city. Spain’s rich diversity and history will come alive during these 5 amazing weekend trips – perfect for interns abroad in Madrid. Here are our favorite weekend trips and places to see in Spain.
Top 5 places to see in Spain during your internship abroad:
1. Toledo
Claim(s) to fame: historical presence of Christians, Jews and Muslims, World Heritage Site, hometown of painter El Greco
Can’t leave without seeing: Alcazar of Toledo, Plaza Zocodover, Puente de San Martin (San Martin bridge), El Greco museum, Gothic Toledo Cathedral
Distance from Madrid: 72km, 35 minutes
How to get there: train
Population: 84,000
Ideal length of stay: 1-2 days
2. Segovia
Claim(s) to fame: World Heritage City, home to the beautiful castle Alcazar of Segovia
What to see: Segovia Aqueduct, Alcazar of Segovia, Jewish Quarter, Santa Maria Cathedral
Distance from Madrid: 92km, 2 hours (or 25 minutes by high speed train)
How to get there: train
Population: 57,000
Ideal length of stay: 1 day
3. Seville
Claim(s) to fame: capital of Andalusia, a region of southern Spain
Can’t leave without seeing: Seville Cathedral, Plaza de España, Real Alcazar palace, Metropol Parasol (in La Encarnacion Square)
Distance from Madrid: 534km, 2.5 hours
How to get there: train
Population: 697,000
Ideal length of stay: 2 days
4. Barcelona
Claim(s) to fame: capital of Catolonia, the beach, structures by Spanish Catalan architect Gaudi
What to see: La Sagrada Familia basilica, the beach, Catalunya Plaza, Santa Eulalia Cathedral, Casa Battlo, Barcelona Cathedral, Park Guell
Distance from Madrid: 620km, 2.5 hours
How to get there: train
Population: 5.4 million
Ideal length of stay: 2+ days
5. Granada
Claim(s) to fame: home to Moorish palace Alhambra
What to see: Alhambra, The Cathedral of Granada, Court of the Myrtles, Palacios Nazaries
Distance from Madrid: 420km, 4 hours 40 minutes
How to get there: train + bus
Population: 238,000
Ideal length of stay: 2 days
Sources: http://handluggageonly.co.uk/2014/05/25/9-cities-must-visit-spain/, http://www.hostelworld.com/blog/how-to-spend-four-days-in-barcelona-if-it-s-your-first-visit/158804?omnsml=pien&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=blog, http://www.topinspired.com/top-10-must-see-things-in-the-magnificent-barcelona-1-will-leave-you-speachless/, http://www.venturists.net/segovia-spain-a-day-trip-from-madrid-you-cant-miss/, http://www.renegadetravels.com/things-to-see-do-in-seville-spain/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granada, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seville, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcelona, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toledo,_Spain, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Segovia
Photo 1. based on Alcázar de Segovia, by Jaime González, CC-by-2.0
Photo 2. based on Toledo, Spain, by Sharon Mollerus, CC-by-2.0
Photo 3. based on 4541-Segovia., by Jose Luis Cernadas Iglesias, CC-by-2.0
Photo 4. based on Seville – Jewish neighborhood, by Raúl A.-, CC-by-ND 2.0
Photo 5. based on Barcelona city scape, by Rob Gillies, CC-by-ND 2.0
Photo 6. based on Alhambra, Granada, Spain, 2 October 2005, by Phillip Capper, CC-by-2.0