There’s no denying that Spain’s two largest cities are parallel worlds. Madrid is the essence of contemporary tradition, overflowing with museums and culture. Barcelona, meanwhile, is the seaside metropolis—where modernism and modernity blend effortlessly. But if you take the road trip between the two, you’ll discover a string of surprises that turn the drive into a captivating journey, starting in Castile and ending by the sea. Or vice versa.
BRIHUEGA
At the heart of the Alcarria region lies this town, rich in stately heritage and monumental charm. Its streets are carved from pure stone, with water trickling through from fountains such as the Fountain of the Twelve Spouts, and its ancient walls still stand strong. The same stonework was used to build one of Spain’s most distinctive bullrings, while its Romanesque churches, arcaded square, and balconies overlooking the Tajuña River all share this same timeless aesthetic. At the top of the town stand the gardens of the former Royal Cloth Factory, a neoclassical gem that recalls Brihuega’s deep connection to the textile industry, inspired by the lavender fields surrounding it. In summer, these fields transform the region into Spain’s own Provençal landscape.
SIGÜENZA
Sigüenza is one of those medieval cities that has preserved both the layout and aesthetic of centuries past. It wears its history proudly, from La Alameda to its imposing castle. On this hill rises a cathedral that once served as a fortress, housing within it El Doncel, arguably the finest Gothic sculpture in Spain. Its Main Square strikes a balance between arcades and cobblestone pavement, while further up the street lie other must-see landmarks such as Casa del Doncel and Puerta del Hierro. This visual feast is perfectly complemented by a modern culinary scene, led by acclaimed restaurants such as Nöla, La Granja, and the iconic Alameda Tapas Gastrobar.
MEDINACELI
The A-2 highway’s gateway into the province of Soria is marked by the sight of the Roman arch that dominates Medinaceli. A crossroads of civilizations for millennia, this strategic point preserves unique traces of each of its glorious eras. From antiquity, it still retains this iconic gateway, whose silhouette inspired the signage for historical monuments across Spain, as well as Roman mosaics now displayed in the Ducal Palace. This imposing building crowns a remarkable collection of medieval monuments, including the Convent of the Poor Clares and the Arab-origin fortress. All of it is framed by panoramic views overlooking the Soria countryside and the Jalón River valley—a landscape that seems to stretch endlessly from this hilltop town.
SANTA MARÍA DE HUERTA
Nine centuries ago, Santa María de Huerta stood on the frontier between Castile and Aragon, a strategic location during the Reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula. This setting led to the founding of religious communities whose purpose was to settle new inhabitants and give thanks to God for each victory. That is how this monastery rose from nothing, built along the banks of the Jalón River in what was once an uninhabited landscape. Its Cistercian magnificence—most evident in the spectacular refectory and the chapter room of the lay brothers—still captures the eye (and the GPS) of those passing through these lands.
MONASTERIO DE PIEDRA
Few places combine the wonders of nature with the artistic legacy of humankind as beautifully as this one. Here, the waterfalls and pools carved by the Piedra River coexist in perfect harmony with the serenity of the monastery that bears its name, forming an incomparable duo where peace and awe reign supreme. A visit calls for sturdy, adventurous footwear, especially when following the river upstream to discover enchanting spots such as the Cola de Caballo waterfall. But it’s equally rewarding to step into the cloisters and wander through the ruins of the old church, where history and nature meet in quiet conversation.
ALCAÑIZ
The capital of the Bajo Aragón region has a charm with two distinct sides. On one hand, it’s a lively, growing city with a wide variety of leisure and dining options. On the other, it has been a town of power and influence for centuries, resulting in an impressive concentration of monuments per square meter. Though the list is long, a proper visit should at least include a stroll through the Plaza de España, home to its Gothic market hall and the former collegiate church of Santa María la Mayor; a climb up to the Castle of the Order of Calatrava; and a leisurely walk through the winding old town, where history reveals itself at every corner.
CALACEITE
Calaceite is one of the symbols of Matarraña, one of Spain’s most beautiful and distinctive regions. Its charm lies in its rural exoticism—feeling both near and far at the same time—embracing modern rural tourism while carefully preserving its traditional architecture. This, in fact, is its greatest attraction. Getting lost in its streets feels like a journey back in time, where Gothic arches, arcaded squares, and wrought-iron balconies shape the town’s character. It’s a place best explored slowly and attentively, since behind every corner and down every alleyway awaits a church, an archway, or a hidden nook full of inspiration.
POBLET
From every angle, this Gothic masterpiece stands out as one of the most beautiful monasteries in Spain—or at least in Catalonia. It is the mother house of the Cistercian order, a grand abbey modeled after Fontfroide Abbey in southern France. Every hall and wall here seems crafted with remarkable precision and devotion, as if faith itself found its purest form in beauty. Among its many treasures, the Chapter House and the lavatorium are the most captivating interior spaces, while the exterior enchants with its stoic elegance amid the surrounding vineyards.
SITGES
It’s hard to believe that just 40 kilometers from Barcelona lies a town as authentic and picturesque as Sitges. Here, boats share space with art galleries, wide beaches meet winding alleyways, and beach bars—including the first ever opened in Spain—stand alongside eclectic and elegant palaces. This mix is precisely where Sitges’ charm resides: it offers hours of sunshine and culture in equal measure, making a stroll through its streets as stimulating as it is relaxing.
