While there may not be anything quite like the Cotswolds to recreate The Holiday movie , some villages and towns near Madrid are a perfect choice for a romantic Christmas getaway. The medieval Castilian villages have the same or more charm than the villages of southern England, even if it doesn’t snow. You just have to know which are the best to rest, eat well and reconnect with the history of the area.
Pedraza
Pedraza is a charming medieval village in Segovia and an ideal destination for a Christmas getaway because of its proximity to the capital. The town prospered thanks to the merino wool trade during the 16th and 17th centuries, and has preserved the manor houses and other relevant buildings such as the Pedraza Castle, the picturesque Plaza Mayor and the historic Church of San Juan Bautista.
Sleeping and dining
Some of these houses have been restored and converted into small hotels such as the Hostería del Arco or Casa Taberna. For lunch or dinner and a taste of traditional Castilian cuisine, the roast lamb is a delicacy.
📍Location: 1h 30 min drive from Madrid.
Villanueva de los Infantes
We move from the Middle to the Renaissance in Villanueva de los Infantes, located in the province of Ciudad Real. This town is known for its rich history and impressive Renaissance architectural heritage. The Plaza Mayor, with its majestic buildings and the Church of San Andrés, is a focal point that reflects the splendor of the place that spanned centuries.
Sleeping and dining
One option to spend the night here is the Hotel La Morada de Juan de Vargas, from the name to the furniture is 100% Castilian. If you want to try the gastronomy of La Mancha, ask for some gachas, migas or a caldereta if you feel up to it.
📍Location: 2 hours by car from Madrid
Sigüenza
Sigüenza, in the province of Guadalajara, is a medieval town that could be the setting for a Disney fairy tale all year round, but is especially magical at Christmas. Dominated by its imposing castle-turned-Parador, Sigüenza invites you to explore its historic quarter with the Cathedral of Santa María as the main attraction.
Sleeping and dining
Of course, the aforementioned Parador de Sigüenza, in an old castle, is the first choice. For lunch there are few dishes as hearty as the Castilian soup, but you can not leave this town without trying the yolks of El Doncel.
📍Location: 1h 30 min drive from Madrid.
Chinchón
Chinchón’s famous circular Plaza Mayor is transformed into a festive and luminous scene during Christmas. One of the rural jewels of the Community could not be missing in a short but intense winter getaway, thanks to the history and tradition of this town.
Sleeping and dining
The Parador de Chinchón, located in a former Augustinian convent, is like sleeping in a piece of Spanish history. If you want to taste the classics of the town in La Casa del Pregonero or the Cuevas del Vino you can delight yourself.
📍Location: 50 min drive from Madrid
Buitrago del Lozoya
Buitrago del Lozoya, in the Sierra Norte de Madrid, is known for its well-preserved medieval walled enclosure, its picturesque natural environment and its living Nativity scene every Christmas. This year it will be December 14-15, but tickets are already sold out. Still, it is a classic Christmas getaway in Madrid.
Sleep and dine
At Hotel La Beltraneja you can sleep overlooking the Lozoya River and surrounding mountains. The chuletón de la sierra is the most typical of the area; so if you like meat you are in the right place.
📍Location: 1h drive from Madrid