Best Day Trips From Madrid: Chinchon

June 4, 2018
chinchon madrid pueblos bonitos plaza mayor travel outfit
Chinchon is considered one of those Pueblos bonitos de España, a disctinction given to the most beautiful villages in Spain like Vejer de la Frontera, Santillana del Mar or La Alberca. It's only a 50 minute drive from Madrid and a great idea for a day trip from the capital of Spain. Chinchon is well-known for its Plaza Mayor (town square) and its typical products: garlic and anisette liquor.
chinchon madrid pueblos bonitos plaza mayor
We left Madrid on a gloomy Saturday morning, storms were forecast but the expectation of photo opportunities and delicious food kept all worries away. In the end, not a single drop fell so it was a perfect spring day.

The first place we explored was Plaza Mayor. The green wooden balconies reminded us of those we had seen in Almagro last Easter. Even though it's called "square" it's actually round. It was built in the 15th century and has served many purposes including theater and bullfighting ring.
chinchon madrid pueblos bonitos plaza mayor burros
On a side note, I feel sad when I see animals being used for entertainment purposes, although I know children love donkeys. It's not the same but this reminded me of something really upsetting I saw in Santorini: poor donkeys carrying people through a steep pathway in hot temperatures.

One of the streets from the plaza takes you to the clock tower, from that area you can get great views of Chinchon.vista aerea birds eye chinchon madrid plaza mayor castillo pueblos bonitos spain
At the tourist information office we were told that we could buy sweet treats at Convento de las Clarisas. Nuns make the best sweets and pastries, so if there's a convent in town we always buy sweets there. We were impressed by the garden that leads to the shop in the convent, it was beautifully arranged and kept. A lovely place to sit down and read a book on a summer afternoon.
convento clarisas dulces tipicos chinchon madrid
convento clarisas dulces tipicos chinchon madrid
Our next stop was another landmark of Chinchon: the castle. You cannot go inside, just see the remains of the castle from outside which transport you back to its glory days in the 16th century.castillo castle chinchon madrid pueblos bonitos spain
We had lunch at El Parador which apart from a hotel is also a must-see in Chinchon. It used to be an Agustinian monastery back in the 15th century. I fell madly in love with the cloister, the gardens and the decor: blue and white predominate in the indoor common areas with beautiful tiles all around. 
parador chinchon madrid pueblos bonitos spain travel outfit
parador chinchon madrid pueblos bonitos spain restaurante
parador chinchon cafeteria pueblos bonitos spain
restaurante convento parador chinchon madrid spain
We had an amazing meal. For starters we had crostini with roasted peppers and chicken and a beautifully presented lettuce salad with smoked salmon. Apart from tasting delicious food, I love going to restaurants to get inspiration for food presentation. I'm definitely going to be making that salmon salad at home!
restaurante convento parador chinchon madrid menu
restaurante convento parador chinchon madrid menu
Then we had fish: hake with squid and cod.
restaurante convento parador chinchon madrid menu
restaurante convento parador chinchon madrid menu
And then we had a yummy cheesecake.

Spanish people like to have their coffee after lunch and here it is usually paired with their most famous drink. If you go to Chinchon you must order anisette liquor with your coffee, you can't leave the place without trying it! They have been producing this type of drink for centuries and it's so famous that people in Spain often call it chinchon.
restaurante convento parador chinchon madrid menu
Finally, we explored the beautiful gardens at El Parador. Ah, there's nothing better than sitting al fresco and enjoying the wonderful weather and beautiful surroundings. This is the life.
outdoor garden jardin externo parador chinchon madrid
outdoor garden jardin externo parador chinchon madrid
outdoor garden jardin externo parador chinchon madrid
There are more beautiful villages a stone's throw from Madrid. Other wonderful day trips include Aranjuez and Alcala de Henares.
xo Cristina

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chinchon madrid pueblos bonitos plaza mayor
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55 comments

  1. You've visited many great places in Spain! Great trip for sure! Your dress is beautiful with superb and elegant shoes, I like them ;)

    https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/05/31/organic-food/

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  2. Stephanie CummingsJune 4, 2018 at 2:33 PM

    How beautiful! I can’t wait to travel again!

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  3. Absolutely beautiful, I love that old town Spanish feel I get from your post, makes me want to get on a plane now and never come back lol and your dress perfectly fits the city’s asthetic too so pretty

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  4. I adore Spain and this post is making me miss it so bad!! Love all your pictures!

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  5. I love El Parador places too. This looks like a great place to visit from Madrid and so very pretty. Thanks for linking up to Monday Escapes.

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  6. That looks great

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  7. Love your sightseeing outfit and loving the town of Chinchon! Such a beautiful old Spanish city! Xo, Biana- BlovedBoston

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  8. Looks like such a beautiful place and the food looks so amazing too. Madrid is definitely on my bucket list!

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  9. I agree with you about animal cruelty. It is hard to see that. I know that on the opposite end, that that's probably how someone gets money to feed their family so it's a hard circumstance. On another note, I want to try that anisette liquor! Not because of the liquor but because of the coffee! I am a coffee drinker and love the idea of trying something new especially when it comes to coffee!

    Maureen | www.littlemisscasual.com

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  10. That looks delicious! I agree about the animals, the donkey is awful cute though 😭

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  11. Mademoiselle CoconathJune 5, 2018 at 4:53 AM

    What a lovely place! And the food looks so delicious
    xx
    Mademoiselle Coconath
    http://mllecoconath.com

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  12. Oh this is a must - I will deffo visit here if I get the chance to visit Madrid again! Thanks so much for the guide xx

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  13. Thanks, Ashley! What places in Spain have you visited?

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  14. This looks like an amazing trip. The architecture is really pretty. I feel the same way when I see animals doing similar jobs.

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  15. What a beautiful trip! And your food looks beautiful as well!

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  16. It's such a wonderful city, I hope you can visit soon!

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  17. We are obsessed with Parador hotels! We want to visit all of them, that's our challenge :)

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  18. Thanks, Biana! So glad you like it :)

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  19. Traveling is the most wonderful experience!

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  20. I'm so glad you like it! Spain has many hidden gems like this one, I hope you can visit soon

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  21. It definitely is! I hope you can come back soon :)

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  22. Tin Box TravellerJune 6, 2018 at 5:22 AM

    I can see why you enjoyed your visit so much, Chinchon is stunning. That lush green cloister looks like a wonderful place to reflect for a few minutes and the lunch has my mouth watering! #MondayEscapes

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  23. I feel the same way, they are adorable :)

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  24. Thanks so much! The shoes are SO comfy, I spent the whole day sightseeing and my feet didn't hurt

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  25. This looks like a fantastic place to visit! I would love to go here!

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  26. What a lovely place. So rustic, and so much history. You're rocking that pretty dress too dear. Looks so gorgeous in photos!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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  27. Looks beautiful and the food looks amazing! I'd love to visit

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  28. mary_makeup@hotmail.itJune 7, 2018 at 4:59 AM

    Spain is absolutely stunning...even if I don't know that area yet! Been to Barcelona. Valenica and Ibiza only, but I'd love to visit Madrid and all the area aorund that lovely city x

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  29. These views are incredible! The food looks so delicious too, I so need to visit someday.

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  30. This city looks so pretty. I can't believe how much detail was put into the roads and walkways.

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  31. Such a beautiful town! I'd love to visit! #CityTripping

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  32. Well I'm glad to see you dressed to match the surroundings ;) That green placa is beautiful. And, I have never even come across this term 'pueblos bonitos de Espana' before so now you have me googling for more. Thanks for the education #citytripping

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  33. Such a wonderful place. Your pictures are to die for .. Great eye for details. Love it.

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  34. Madrid is so beautiful. It looks like you had an amazing trip.

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  35. Ooh, what a pretty spot! Can you get there from Madrid by train? Wondering if we could visit during our summer trip!

    Btw, love your dress in the pics! #citytripping

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  36. It looks so pretty there! I love all the photos.
    http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/

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  37. What a beautiful village! And your dress is gorgeous, green looks fabulous on you!

    https://www.iamchiconthecheap.com

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  38. What a beautiful place - I love all the details (and especially the green railings)!! We're visiting Spain November so I'm definitely going to pin this for later. Side note: I LOVE your green dress; the neckline and the skirt on it are fabulous!

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  39. I love your posts and photos! I lived in Tarragona for a month and Valencia for 6 months and I’m a Spanish teacher in Kentucky now. I have even shown my students some of your photos!
    Gracias,
    Amy
    www.coffeeandcocktailsatthecasa.com

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  40. looks like you had an awesome time ( and such a fun dress) Don't forget to come link up over at A Labour of Fashion my Thursday Link up.

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  41. Ahh this post has got my itching to travel! I so want to visit there!
    Lee | LegalLee Blonde

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  42. Yes, you can get there by train (cercanías: sol-atocha-aranjuez) or bus (line 337). If you need any help planning your trip let me know :)

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  43. It looks like you had a great vacation, you definitely inspired me to start booking my summer trips!

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  44. This looks a beautiful place to visit. I know what you mean about the donkeys.l and I thought them same about the ones in Santorini. Was rather uncomfortable with it. Thanks for linking #citytripping

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  45. Thanks, Amy! I'm so glad you liked the post :)

    I was actually born near Tarragona and lived there for 10 years. I recently visited Valencia (I had never been there, can you believe it?) and fell in love with it.

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  46. Thanks so much, Sara! If you need any recommendations to plan your trip, let me know. I'll be happy to help :)

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  47. Valencia and Barcelona are beautiful too. I haven't been to Ibiza yet, too crowded for me!

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  48. What a coincidence! I shared your Valencia post with my students!

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  49. We travelled as a family for the first time to Philippines last month and it was fun! I've been thinking of places to go next. This will be one of the places I would love to see:)
    xoxo
    Ophalyn @letmommybe

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  50. That looks so fantastic! We haven't visited Spain yet but you can be sure I will earmark this post for trip planning when we do! Looks like a great time and great food!

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  51. We had an amazing day, Betsy. Thanks for stopping by!

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Thank you for taking out the time to leave a comment!