A day trip from Madrid offers the perfect excuse to step back in time, and few places capture Spain’s medieval legacy quite like Ávila and Salamanca, both proudly listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your adventure begins in Ávila, a walled city that appears lifted straight from the pages of a history book. Its imposing stone ramparts, punctuated by 88 defensive towers, encircle a beautifully preserved old town. Step inside and you’ll find Romanesque gems such as the Ávila Cathedral, part fortress and part place of worship, as well as the Basilica of San Vicente, famed for its architecture and colourful stonework. Ávila sits just over 100 kilometres from Madrid, and you can easily reach it by train or coach, both options run frequently throughout the day. From Ávila, continue west to the golden-hued city of Salamanca, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Its nickname, La Dorada, The Golden City, comes from the glow of its sandstone buildings, especially beautiful at sunset. Wander across the Plaza Mayor, often hailed as Spain’s finest square, then lose yourself among the cloisters, libraries and carvings of the historic university quarter. While Salamanca is delightful by day, it truly comes alive at night, its tapas bars and buzzing student energy make it tempting to extend your stay beyond a day trip.

Real Madrid may be the biggest and most successful club in the city, but it certainly doesn’t stand unchallenged. Just across town lies an uncomfortable neighbour that constantly pushes back against its dominance. When these two sides meet, Madrid comes alive, divided in passion, pride, and colour. It’s one of Spain’s most electrifying derbies. If your heart leans more towards David than Goliath, you’ll probably find yourself cheering for Atlético de Madrid. Known affectionately as 'El Atleti', the club offers an impressive museum and stadium tour located within the Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano, their proud home ground. You will be guided, in both English and Spanish, through the club’s trophy hall, the stadium itself, and a range of interactive exhibits that bring Atleti’s story to life. Before you leave, stop by the official shop to pick up a jersey or souvenir.

Over 850-years-old and boasting the world’s longest uninterrupted stretch of vaulting, the iconic St Peter’s also offers some fine statues and stained glass. Guided tours are available every day except Sunday.

Hersonissos is the epicentre of night-life in Crete, boasting numerous bars, nightclubs, hotels and restaurants. There is also a series of nice beaches and very small bays for a relaxing day on the sand. Only half an hour drive from the centre of Heraklion, the town is accessible by bus, departing from the station near the port.