📷 Photo by Marco De Hevia on UnsplashOld Castile: aqueducts and city walls
Segovia’s Roman aqueduct, the complete medieval walls of Ávila and golden Salamanca.
- Distance
- 270 km (168 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 43 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 4
- Countries
- Spain
- Updated
- July 15, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 270 km (168 mi) with 4 stops, from Madrid to Salamanca. About 3 h 43 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Spain · More road trips from Madrid
Route description
From Madrid, head north-west across the Sierra de Guadarrama to Segovia, where the Roman aqueduct, built of granite blocks held without mortar, is 28 m high where it crosses the old town. Segovia also has a Gothic cathedral and the Alcázar castle at the tip of the old town.
From Segovia, a road across the high plain leads to Ávila, whose medieval walls, with dozens of towers, are the most complete in Spain; part of them can be walked. The town is also linked to Saint Teresa, with churches and convents in her name.
The route ends in Salamanca, a university town of golden sandstone, with the Plaza Mayor, two cathedrals side by side and the university façade where visitors search for a small carved frog. The old town is best explored on foot.
The motorway spurs to Segovia and Ávila are tolled, while the old national roads are free. Winters on this high plateau are cold and summers hot, so spring and autumn are the best seasons.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Madrid
Spain - 286 km
Segovia aqueduct
HistorySegovia, SpainA Roman aqueduct of granite blocks held without mortar, 28 m high where it crosses the old town.
- 372 km
Ávila
Spain - 4112 km
Salamanca
Spain
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Madrid → Segovia aqueduct · 86 km · 1 h 11 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Acueducto (3 km); Fuentemilanos Aeródromo (12 km).
- Day 2: Segovia aqueduct → Ávila · 72 km · 0 h 60 minOvernight nearby, for example: Aparkarea Àvila (2 km).
- Day 3: Ávila → Salamanca · 112 km · 1 h 33 minOvernight nearby, for example: Area Autocaravanas Terradillos (12 km); Área de Autocaravanas Carbajosa de la Sagrada (4 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
- Madrid: Low-emission zone. Older vehicles may be banned, and foreign vehicles often have to register before entering.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Old Castile: aqueducts and city walls?
3-day road trip of about 270 km (168 mi) with 4 stops, from Madrid to Salamanca. About 3 h 43 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Old Castile: aqueducts and city walls?
We suggest 3 days: about 3 h 43 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Old Castile: aqueducts and city walls start and end?
It starts in Madrid and ends in Salamanca.
Which countries does Old Castile: aqueducts and city walls pass through?
Spain.
Where can you camp along Old Castile: aqueducts and city walls?
OpenStreetMap lists 27 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Cámping Osuna, Camping Acueducto and Aparkarea Àvila.
When is the best time for Old Castile: aqueducts and city walls?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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