Cercedilla
Cercedilla is a mountainside municipality Northwest of Madrid. It is about an hour train ride away with the cercanía trains from Atocha (the main train station).
The mountainside is filled with nature, flowers, and there is a small ranch with a herd of cows living their best lives grazing on the mountainside. The cows have cowbells with different pitched tones, so it sounds like a song when you get close to the ranch. It is an absolutely beautiful hike, and the trailhead is quite close to the train station.
Another advantage of this hike is that when you gain elevation, it cools off, so it was especially pleasant to enjoy the mountain air.
La Rosaleda del Retiro
Parque del Retiro is a huge park in the middle of Madrid. I’m only showing one small part of this famous park. It is constantly filled with events and fun activities. The walking trails throughout the park connect to a wide pedestrian highway that brings you to each corner of Retiro.
Alongside this pedestrian highway, you can find the Rosaleda. It is a huge rose garden filled with various types of roses from all over the world. In the springtime all the flowers are in bloom, and the smell of roses fills the entire park.
Make sure to take advantage of this massive park. There is so much to discover here.
El Escorial
El Escorial is another town outside of Madrid that can be reached with the cercanía trains. It is about an hour long trip from Atocha. It is just a bit southwest of Cercedilla. El escorial is famous for the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. It is a historical royal palace and monastery. This massive building contains ancient books in their royal library, classic, historic art pieces, beautiful architecture, and royal burial vaults.
Outside of the building, you can find the royal gardens and enjoy the scenic mountainside town. If you are feeling extra adventurous, you can take a 3 hour hike to the Valley of the Fallen. It is an infamous monument that used to be the burial site of Dictator Francisco Franco.
For your convenience, there are organizations that curate life changing experiences for those living abroad. Check them out!
We Love Spain – Create unique experiences and fully take advantage of living abroad. We Love Spain organizes trips and excursions for international students and young professionals studying and working in Spain. They have a wide variety of amazing travel options for everyone.
And if you are interested in getting more bang for your buck when travelling, use platforms like Omio to shop around, compare thousands of travel options, and get the best offer available.
(receive €10 to spend on train, bus, flight, or ferry tickets with Omio when using my link.)
Toledo
Just a 45 minute bus trip southwest of Madrid, you can find Toledo. Toledo is an ancient city built on top of a large hill. This city is absolutely filled with history, and it feels like you’re walking through a medieval set when touring it. For just 11 euros, you can purchase a bracelet that gives you access to every synagogue, mosque, and church (with exception to the large cathedral in the center).
It is so interesting to see how all these religions and histories mix. The countless religious sites and museums can help show the city’s extensive cultural, religious, and monumental heritage. Upon arrival you can clearly see how the city was built like a fortress, and every group that conquered this city has left its own mark.
I am barely scratching the surface of all the interesting trips and experiences you can have in Madrid. There are countless unique towns surrounding the area, and with the abundant access to public transit, it is cheap and convenient to make these day trips. I highly recommend getting out and enjoying all that Madrid and the surrounding region has to offer.
Check out another travel post – Santiago de Compostela
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A Podcast?
I’d like to share the podcast I have just started with my audience. it’s called Immigrant, not Expat. My goal is to share stories about immigration to hopefully remove the negative connotation surrounding the word “immigrant”. I am deliberately avoiding the word “expat” because I don’t want to reinforce a caste system for immigration. I
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Culture Shock!
People who talk about moving to another country may emphasize how different the culture will be and how to deal with culture shock. Spain is a modernized, western country that isn’t too different from the U.S, so in my experience, “shock” isn’t a great way to describe it. There are some differences, though. Most of
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250k Views – Day in the Life
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Santiago de Compostela
On an extended weekend, thanks to a public holiday, my partner and I went to Santiago de Compostela. It’s a beautiful city in the northwestern region of Galicia, which is known for its rainy climate and delicious food. Santiago is an interesting city with a unique history. It is the destination of multiple pilgrimage routes
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Extra Income – Teaching Online
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Saving Money and Being Environmentally Friendly
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Celebrating 75,000 Views – My Journey to Spain
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Spanish and U.S. Library Cards
Getting a U.S. library card before leaving for Spain and a Spanish library card while there can provide wonderful (free) services. Libraries have modernized. They provide a wide range of services that can be accessed from anywhere in the world: eBooks, audiobooks, as well as online magazines and newspapers. Individuals travelling to or living in
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How I Accidentally Became an Actor in Spain
“Quiet on set, roll cameras, and action!” I desperately choke for breath while grasping at my wounds. With a WW2-era revolver aimed at the entryway of an abandoned farm shed, I am slowly bleeding out while waiting for my enemies to finish me off. Suddenly, I hear noises just outside. It sounds like footsteps, and
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NALCAP Webinar 2022 – Highlights
July 28, 2022 Will new regulations affect auxiliares who receive supplemental income in Spain? What should I do before leaving for Spain? How do I find an apartment? What steps should I take first when I arrive in Spain? The 2022 NALCAP webinar covers topics that can help new auxiliaries and returning auxiliaries. Find out
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Fun Trips around Madrid
Cercedilla Cercedilla is a mountainside municipality Northwest of Madrid. It is about an hour train ride away with the cercanía trains from Atocha (the main train station). The mountainside is filled with nature, flowers, and there is a small ranch with a herd of cows living their best lives grazing on the mountainside. The cows
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Budgeting in Spain
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The debate of the century: with or without onion.
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So, you want to move to Spain?
There are many reasons to want to live in Spain. The climate is warm and pleasant. The natural landscapes are breathtaking, and with a guaranteed 22 vacation days a year, you have the time to enjoy them. Culturally, Spanish people are kind, welcoming, and outgoing. This generosity also includes the public services offered. Spain has
Spanish Bureaucracy Guides 