Overseas magazine feature: Visiting Madrid

RowenaBCAMC
RowenaBCAMC Forum Participant Posts: 1,732 ✭✭✭
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edited October 2018 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

In the November magazine, Heidi Fuller-Love visited Madrid, staying at Arco Iris (E39), a family run campsite an hours bus ride from the centre of Madrid. 

Has anyone else visited Madrid and if so what is your advice for anyone considering a holiday here? 

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  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2018 #2

    When we visit Madrid we stay at Aranjuez.  From there you can get a train (free parking by the station) right into the centre of Madrid (Sol).The fare is, I think, only about 4 euros and the journey is about an hour in clean uncrowded and punctual trains.  You get the best of both worlds - the ability  to visit the beautiful city of Madrid and also the fascinating town of Aranjuez with its royal palace and lovely parks.  Toledo is also a short drive away.  So 3 placed to visit from one stopping place.  Can't be bad.

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    edited October 2018 #3
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  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2018 #4

    Forgot to add.  If you are not careful you may find that your satnav will take you through the 'grounds' of the palace on narrow cobbled roads!  Ours did, so we just waved at the crowds looking at us and smiled as a large camper followed us.laughing

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  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,864 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2018 #6

    Is there nothing nearer than an hours journey away?

    David

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    edited October 2018 #7
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  • Mugsy
    Mugsy Forum Participant Posts: 21
    edited November 2018 #8

    Camping Osuna is closer to Madrid.   10min walk to the metro and around 15min into Madrid.   Many sloping pitches, with EHU.   Old fashioned sanitary block, but plenty of hot water.   Free wi-fi in room adjacent to Reception. 

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,864 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2018 #9

    That sounds better. We tend to use our own facilities so the age of the block would not be an issue for use and the fact that it is nearer the City Centre would trump that anyway.

    David

  • oldagetraveller
    oldagetraveller Forum Participant Posts: 142
    edited November 2018 #10

    We stayed at Arco Iris in January 2012.  We found the "bus outside the campsite gate" directions very confusing, as the road there is a very fast westbound dual carriageway.  Instead we drove to Villa Viciosa, parked on the street for free and took the bus from there.  I am sure the trip was much less than an hour.  Very impressed by Arco Iris.  Although it is on a busy road the touring pitches are way up at the top in the quiet.  Toilet blocks were super.  Only issue with Madrid in January, it is bloody cold. The electric was not sufficient amperage to power the electric heater so we relied on the gas.  No problem until the cylinder needs changing (from Calor to Repsol) in the early hours in pjs in minus whatever temperature.

    We have stayed at Aranjuez twice, once as an overnighter, the second time to visit Madrid.  A short drive to the train station, free parking and an easy ride into the city.  Aranjuez also has the advantage of being within easy reach of a day trip to Toledo, and the site is just a short walk through the park to the Aranjuez palaces.

    El Escorial is a huge site, very pleasant, handy for the palace and for the Valley of the Fallen, Franco's huge monument and tomb.  Useful for a day trip to Segovia, but I would say a bit far out for Madrid.

    NB you can buy a ticket to see all three major galleries in Madrid.  The Paseo del Arte card allows you to visit all three and is valid for a year.  So you can visit Madrid on your way south and visit again on your way home!.

     

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