4-Day Fun-Filled Alcalá De Henares Adventure

Immerse yourself in the birthplace of Cervantes and the rich history of Alcalá de Henares.

03 May 2023

Alcalá de Henares is a charming and historical city located in the Madrid region of Spain. As a tourist, you can explore its rich cultural heritage by visiting the birthplace of famous author Miguel de Cervantes and the stunning 16th-century University of Alcalá. You can also enjoy delicious Castilian cuisine and soak up the local atmosphere by strolling through the picturesque streets and plazas of the city.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arriving in Alcalá de Henares

  • Check-in at the Parador de Alcalá de Henares hotel, housed in a former 17th century Dominican convent.
  • Stroll through the charming streets of the historic city center, admiring the beautiful Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
  • Visit the Cervantes Birthplace Museum, dedicated to the famous writer who was born in Alcalá de Henares.
  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at El Jabalí Blanco restaurant, known for its traditional Spanish cuisine and cozy atmosphere.
  • End the night with a drink at La Claspería del Rey, a trendy bar with a wide selection of cocktails and live music.
Day 2

Exploring the city's rich history

  • Start the day with a visit to the University of Alcalá, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Spain.
  • Walk around the Plaza de Cervantes, where you can see the statue of Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote.
  • Continue to the Cathedral of the Santos Niños, which houses the tombs of the city's patron saints.
  • Visit the Archaeological Museum of Regional Headquarters, which has a large collection of artifacts from prehistoric to Roman times.
  • Have lunch at Mesón Cervantes, a traditional Castilian restaurant with a cozy brick and stone interior.
Day 3

Exploring the surrounding area

  • Take a short train ride to Madrid, Spain's bustling capital city, and explore its many highlights, such as the Royal Palace, Retiro Park, and the Prado Museum.
  • Return to Alcalá de Henares in the evening for a relaxing dinner at Restaurante Ruta de la Plata, known for its modern Spanish cuisine and beautiful outdoor terrace.
  • If you're feeling adventurous, visit the Escape Room Alcalá, where you can solve puzzles and riddles as a team to escape a room within an hour.
Day 4

Discovering local flavors

  • Take a scenic walk along the Henares River, enjoying views of the countryside and the picturesque town of Torres de la Alameda.
  • Visit the Casa de la Entrevista, a beautiful building where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella met Christopher Columbus before he sailed to the New World.
  • Sample local wines at Bodega El Castillo, a family-run winery that has been producing wine since 1942.
  • Have a farewell lunch at La Cueva de Vulcano, a cozy restaurant with a varied menu of Spanish and international dishes.
  • End your trip with a visit to the traditional Mercado de Abastos, where you can buy local products such as cheese, cured meats, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Alcalá de Henares by plane is to fly into Madrid-Barajas Airport and then take the Cercanías Line C-1 train to Alcalá de Henares station.

Car

If you are planning on driving to Alcalá de Henares, the best way is to take the A-2 highway from Madrid.

Train

If you're traveling within Spain, the best way to reach Alcalá de Henares by train is to take the Cercanías Line C-2 from Madrid's Atocha Station to Alcalá de Henares station.

Boat

Unfortunately, there are no direct boat routes to Alcalá de Henares as it is a landlocked city.

Bus

A popular option to reach Alcalá de Henares by bus is to take the ALSA bus from Madrid's Estación Sur de Autobuses to Alcalá de Henares bus station.

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