Route&Camp

Castile, Spain

World Heritage Cities of Castile by motorhome, campervan or caravan: 3, 7 or 15-day route

Toledo, Segovia, Ávila, Salamanca, Cuenca and Alcalá de Henares: walled cities, Roman aqueducts and golden cathedrals in the heart of Spain.

The old town of Toledo on its hill, with stone and brick houses and the square Alcázar with four towers at the top, under a cloudy sky

How many days do you have?

World Heritage Cities of Castile in 7 days

Distance≈ 650 km
Stages7
DifficultyEasy
Best timeApril to June, September and October

All six World Heritage cities of Castile from east to west, with the royal towns of Aranjuez and El Escorial on the way.

Where is it?

SPAINPORTUGALFRANCEAtlantic OceanMediterranean SeaWorld Heritage Cities of CastileMadridBarcelona

About this route

Six of the fifteen Spanish cities on the UNESCO World Heritage list stand on the high plains of Castile, all within a few hours of Madrid: Toledo on its hill above the Tagus, Segovia with its Roman aqueduct, Ávila inside its medieval walls, golden Salamanca, Cuenca with its hanging houses and Alcalá de Henares, birthplace of Cervantes. Distances are moderate and the roads are good, so the challenge is choosing how long to stay in each one. The 3-day version covers Toledo, Ávila and Segovia, the 7-day one links all six cities with Aranjuez and El Escorial, and the 15-day one adds medieval Sigüenza, the windmills of La Mancha, the villages of the Sierra de Francia, Ciudad Rodrigo and Zamora.

Good motorways and main roads, mostly flat. The hard part is parking: the old towns are narrow, busy and often closed to traffic.

Updated

Weather and temperatures

Averages for Segovia (about 1,000 m)
  • SpringMar–May 5° / 16° Some rain
  • SummerJun–Aug 14° / 28° Little rain
  • AutumnSep–Nov 8° / 18° Some rain
  • WinterDec–Feb 1° / 9° Some rain

Continental climate on a high plateau: hot, dry summer days with cool nights, and cold winters with frost and some snow, especially in Segovia and Ávila. Toledo, Aranjuez and Alcalá are lower and warmer, with summer afternoons often above 35 °C. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, with mild days and the occasional rainy spell.

Typical lows and highs (average night and afternoon temperatures). They change from year to year, so check the forecast before you go.

Route map

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Campsites, areas and parking come from OpenStreetMap. They can be incomplete or out of date: check before you go and always follow local signs.

Take this route with you

World Heritage Cities of Castile in 7 days

Google MapsWhole route with every stop WazeNavigate to the start: Cuenca WhatsAppShare this route with your travel companions

The TXT file needs an internet connection to collect the campsites and motorhome areas. Google Maps opens the stops in order (long routes are split into parts, because Google Maps allows 10 points per route). Waze only navigates to one place at a time, so each day also has its own Waze button. Routes are a guide, not a fixed plan: in most cases you can also drive them in a different direction and skip stops.

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Day by day

Routes are a guide, not a fixed plan: in most cases you can also drive them in a different direction and skip stops.

World Heritage Cities of Castile in 7 days

  1. Day1 CuencaArrival day
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Cuenca
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Cuenca

      A walled old town on a rocky ridge between two river gorges, famous for its Hanging Houses with wooden balconies over the void. A World Heritage city since 1996.

      What to see (5)
      • Hanging Houses The houses perched on the edge of the Huécar gorge. One of them holds the Museum of Abstract Art.
      • San Pablo bridge An iron footbridge over the gorge with the classic view of the Hanging Houses.
      • Cathedral One of the first Gothic cathedrals in Spain, with modern stained glass.
      • Plaza Mayor and old town Colourful houses along the ridge and lanes leading up to the castle viewpoint.
      • Gorge viewpoints Walks along the Júcar and Huécar rivers below the town.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The upper town is steep, narrow and partly closed to traffic. Park in the new town, by the Júcar river, and walk up or take the city bus to the Plaza Mayor.

    Waze
  2. Day2 Alcalá de Henares≈ 155 km · ≈ 3 h 25 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (1)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Alcalá de Henares
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Alcalá de Henares

      The birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes and home of one of the oldest universities in Europe. Its 16th-century university town was the model for many others, in Spain and the Americas.

      What to see (4)
      • University The Colegio de San Ildefonso, with its Plateresque façade and Mudéjar auditorium.
      • Cervantes' Birthplace Museum A recreated 16th-century house on Calle Mayor.
      • Calle Mayor One of the longest arcaded streets in Spain.
      • Storks Dozens of stork nests on the towers and roofs of the old town.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The centre is largely pedestrian. Use the car parks on the edge of the old town; the commuter train from Madrid stops next to it.

    Google Maps Waze
  3. Day3 Chinchón and Aranjuez≈ 80 km · ≈ 1 h 45 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (1)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Aranjuez
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Chinchón

      A village around one of the most beautiful squares in Spain: an irregular Plaza Mayor ringed by three-storey houses with wooden balconies, still used as a bullring at festival time.

      What to see (3)
      • Plaza Mayor The arcaded square with wooden balconies, best from a terrace at sunset.
      • Church of the Assumption Above the square, with a painting by Goya.
      • Anise Chinchón is famous for its anise liqueur. Buy a bottle in the village shops.

      With a motorhome or caravan: Streets around the square are narrow. Park at the entrance to the village and walk down.

    • Aranjuez

      A royal town on the Tagus with a palace and huge gardens, listed by UNESCO as a cultural landscape. The gardens, the river and the long avenues of trees make it a green break between the cities.

      What to see (4)
      • Royal Palace The spring residence of the Spanish kings, with richly decorated rooms.
      • Prince's Garden A huge landscaped park along the Tagus, with the Casa del Labrador.
      • Island Garden Fountains and tree-lined paths between the river and a canal.
      • Strawberries and asparagus Local produce sold from stalls in spring.

      With a motorhome or caravan: A flat, spacious town with wide streets. Large car parks near the palace and gardens.

    Google Maps Waze
  4. Day4 Toledo≈ 55 km · ≈ 1 h 15 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (2)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Toledo
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Toledo

      The "city of three cultures", on a granite hill wrapped by the Tagus. Churches, synagogues, mosques and palaces fill a maze of lanes, with the cathedral and the Alcázar on top.

      What to see (5)
      • Cathedral One of the great Gothic cathedrals, with a treasury and paintings by El Greco and Goya.
      • Mirador del Valle The classic panoramic view of the city across the Tagus gorge, best at sunset.
      • Synagogues Santa María la Blanca and El Tránsito, in the old Jewish quarter.
      • El Greco His "Burial of the Count of Orgaz" in Santo Tomé and the El Greco Museum.
      • San Martín bridge A medieval bridge over the Tagus, with a walk along the river.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The old town is closed to visitors' vehicles. Park below the hill, near the Safont car park or the Recaredo escalators, which take you up into the centre.

    Google Maps Waze
  5. Day5 El Escorial and Segovia≈ 165 km · ≈ 3 h 40 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (4)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Segovia
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • San Lorenzo de El Escorial

      Philip II's enormous monastery and palace at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama, burial place of Spanish kings for five centuries and a World Heritage site.

      What to see (4)
      • Monastery The basilica, the Pantheon of Kings, the palace rooms and a remarkable library.
      • Gardens and town The Friars' Garden and the streets of San Lorenzo.
      • Silla de Felipe II A rock seat in the woods with a view of the whole monastery.
      • Valley of Cuelgamuros The large monument a few kilometres north, with a cross visible from far away.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The town is hilly with narrow streets. Use the large car parks below the monastery.

    • Segovia

      A Roman aqueduct almost 2,000 years old strides across the city, which climbs to a Gothic cathedral and ends at the Alcázar, a castle on a rock that looks straight out of a fairy tale.

      What to see (5)
      • Aqueduct Over 160 granite arches built without mortar. Climb the steps beside it for the best view.
      • Alcázar The castle on its rock at the end of the old town. Climb the tower for the view.
      • Cathedral The last great Gothic cathedral built in Spain, known as the "lady of cathedrals".
      • Roast suckling pig Segovia's classic dish, so tender it is cut with the edge of a plate.
      • Walk around the walls A path below the old town with views of the Alcázar from the valley.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The old town is narrow and partly restricted. Park outside the centre and walk in; the aqueduct is the natural starting point.

    Google Maps Waze
  6. Day6 Ávila≈ 80 km · ≈ 1 h 45 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (1)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Ávila
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Ávila

      The best-preserved medieval walls in Spain, with 87 towers and nine gates, enclose the city of Saint Teresa. At over 1,100 m, it is also the highest provincial capital in Spain.

      What to see (5)
      • Walls Walk along the top of the walls for views over the roofs and the plain.
      • Cathedral Half church, half fortress: its apse is built into the walls.
      • Saint Teresa Her birthplace, now a convent, and the Monastery of the Incarnation.
      • Cuatro Postes A viewpoint across the river with the whole walled city in front of you.
      • Yemas de Santa Teresa Small egg-yolk sweets, the local speciality.

      With a motorhome or caravan: Park outside the walls; there are car parks by several of the gates. The walk on top of the walls starts at the Puerta del Alcázar.

    Google Maps Waze
  7. Day7 Salamanca≈ 120 km · ≈ 2 h 40 min driving

    • Salamanca

      The "golden city", built in honey-coloured sandstone: one of Europe's oldest universities, two cathedrals side by side and a Plaza Mayor that is lively day and night.

      What to see (5)
      • Plaza Mayor One of the most beautiful squares in Spain, lit up at night.
      • University façade Find the frog hidden among the carvings: it is said to bring good luck.
      • Two cathedrals The Old and the New Cathedral, joined together. Climb the towers (Ieronimus).
      • House of Shells A Gothic palace covered in over 300 carved shells.
      • Roman bridge Cross the Tormes for the view of the cathedrals at sunset.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The centre is largely pedestrian. Park across the Roman bridge or on the edge of the old town and walk in.

    Google Maps Waze

Distances and driving times are approximate, measured between stops. Use the Directions links for the exact road route.

Tips for motorhomes, campervans and caravans

Overnight stays · Park outside the old towns · Low-emission zones · Summer heat, winter cold · Book ahead for the big sights5

  • Overnight stays

    Camping outside campsites (awning out, chairs, levelling blocks) is not allowed. Most cities on the route have a motorhome area within walking distance or a short bus ride of the old town, so you rarely need to drive into the centre.

  • Park outside the old towns

    The historic centres are narrow, busy and often closed to visitors' vehicles, with access cameras and fines. Use motorhome areas, car parks on the edge and the escalators, lifts and city buses that Toledo, Segovia and Cuenca have for visitors.

  • Low-emission zones

    Madrid and several cities on the route have low-emission zones. Check the rules for your vehicle before you go, especially if it is foreign-registered or has no Spanish environmental label, and avoid driving through Madrid where you can by using the M-40 and M-50 ring roads.

  • Summer heat, winter cold

    In July and August Toledo, Aranjuez and Alcalá often pass 35 °C in the afternoon: visit early and rest at midday. In winter nights drop below zero, especially in Segovia and Ávila, so check your heating, water tank and the opening dates of campsites.

  • Book ahead for the big sights

    Toledo Cathedral, the Alcázar of Segovia, El Escorial and the palace of Aranjuez get very busy at weekends and on holidays. Buy tickets online and visit on weekdays if you can.

Frequently asked questions

5

How many days do you need for the World Heritage Cities of Castile by motorhome, campervan or caravan?

Three days are enough for Toledo, Ávila and Segovia, one city per day. With seven days you can visit all six World Heritage cities (Cuenca, Alcalá de Henares, Toledo, Segovia, Ávila and Salamanca) plus Aranjuez and El Escorial. Fifteen days let you add Sigüenza, the windmills of Consuegra, La Granja and Pedraza, the Sierra de Francia, Ciudad Rodrigo and Zamora at an easy pace.

Where can you sleep with a motorhome, campervan or caravan in these cities?

Most of the cities on the route have a municipal or private motorhome area within walking distance or a short bus ride of the old town, and there are campsites near Toledo, Segovia, Ávila, Salamanca and Cuenca. Caravans are usually only accepted in campsites. Camping outside campsites is not allowed. The route map shows the campsites, motorhome areas and parking places near every stop.

When is the best time to visit the World Heritage Cities of Castile?

April to June and September to October: mild days and pleasant evenings for walking around the old towns. July and August are hot, especially in Toledo, Aranjuez and Alcalá, though nights are cooler in Segovia and Ávila. Winters are cold and dry with frost; some campsites close, but motorhome areas stay open. Holy Week and local festivals are very busy.

Can you drive the World Heritage Cities route in reverse or skip stops?

Yes. The route is a guide, not a fixed plan: you can start in Salamanca and drive east to Cuenca, begin at whichever city is closest to you, or skip the stops that interest you less. Madrid sits in the middle, so it is easy to join the route from the airport. Distances between stops stay the same in both directions.

Can you drive into the old towns with a motorhome or caravan?

No. The historic centres of Toledo, Segovia, Ávila, Salamanca and Cuenca have very narrow streets, and many are closed to visitors' vehicles or have access cameras. Madrid and several cities on the route also have low-emission zones. Park at a motorhome area or a car park outside the centre and walk in, or use the escalators, lifts and buses that many of these cities have for visitors.

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