This Year’s Summer Road Trip Adventures Around Madrid – Avila, Salamanca, and Brihuega

Ah, we can’t believe summer is almost over!

The world around us changes in the blink of an eye, and a new tech or fresh app is launched every other day. And with all these, we almost can’t escape the need to stay connected all the time. This is why when we travel, we try our best to keep disconnected whenever we can.

Summers in Spain might be one of the hottest (oh boy, is it hot); however, there are very few places more fun than a Mediterranean summer – so let us take you on a tour of our favorite raw moments and adventures this summer. #whatsyourraw. And as we take you with us through our summer adventures, we want you to know that SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance has been our leading trusted insurance. With SafetyWing’s even wider coverage in travel adventures this year, we naturally pick them over other insurances!

So where have our raw adventures of us 3 in our car taken us this summer? Let’s see all the destinations close to Madrid below.

Brihuega – The Lavender Town

In the enchanting town of Brihuega, about 1.5 hours’ drive from Madrid, we soaked up the old-world charm and took a slower pace to truly enjoy everything. Over our three-night stay, parking the car near the medieval center turned our vehicle into a tiny home, offering us a sweet taste of van life.

We visited the fields in July when the lavenders are at their peak, and the town actually designs its whole surroundings with lavender flowers and purple decorations.

Things to Do When in Brihuega (even after July)

• Explore the Fortress Walls: We walked the ancient fortress walls at sunset, which provided breathtaking views and a quiet moment to reflect on the town’s history.

Avila: A Walk Through History

Avila’s imposing walls and historic churches were our playground for three nights. The compact nature of our car made it easy to stay just outside the city walls, where we felt like we were living in a storybook. This is another of our early morning views. Right when we open our car, we can see the fortress walls of Avila!

Things to Do in Avila

• Tour the Medieval Walls: Climbing the turrets and walking the walls gave us a panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside—perfect for teaching our little one about medieval times.
• Evening Strolls: The city lights up beautifully at night; a stroll through the illuminated streets felt magical and timeless.

Salamanca

Salamanca buzzed with energy, and we matched its rhythm. Parking our car on the outskirts and cycling in helped us blend into the local scene, making the city feel like our own.

Things to Do in Salamanca

• Visit the Old Cathedral: We explored the stunning architecture of the Old Cathedral, which was both an educational and awe-inspiring experience.
• Enjoy the Nightlife: Even with a kid, we enjoyed the vibrant nightlife. The Plaza Mayor at night is lively and family-friendly with performers and street artists.

Summer Adventure Essentials

As you pack your bags for your Spanish summer, there are a few essentials you should remember, especially if you’re an adventure-seeker looking to make the most of your travels.

1. Adventure Travel Medical Insurance by SafetyWing: First on the list is the latest from SafetyWing—Nomad 2.0, your ultimate travel insurance for 2024. With enhanced Adventure coverage, SafetyWing now covers a wider range of activities, ensuring you can dive deeper, climb higher, and roam farther without worry. Whether paragliding in Salamanca or scuba diving off the coast near Oropesa, SafetyWing’s Nomad 2.0 has got you covered.

Here’s a full list of all the adventure sports that SafetyWing now covers with their Nomad Insurance 2.0

• American football

• Aussie rules football

• Aviation

• Bobsleigh

• Boxing

• Cave diving

• Free-style skiing

• Hang gliding

• High diving

• Ice hockey

• Karting

• Kite-surfing

• Martial arts

• Luge

• Motorbiking

• Motorized dirt bikes

• Mountaineering at elevations under 6000 meters altitude

• Parachuting

• Parasailing

• Paragliding

• Quad biking

• Rugby

• Ski / snowboard jumping

• Ski-flying

• Skiing / snowboard acrobatics

• Skydiving

• Skeleton

• Snow mobile

• Spelunking

• Scuba diving accompanied by an instructor certified by PADI/NAUI/SSI/BSAC

• Tandem skydiving

• Tobogganing

• Whitewater rafting

• Wrestling

2. Lightweight, Breathable Clothing: Spain’s summer sun is no joke. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing to stay cool while exploring cities like Bruega and Avila, where the sun bathes ancient stones in warm light.

3. A Good Sun Hat and Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the harsh sun with a wide-brimmed hat and a sunscreen of at least SPF 50. Remember, sunburns can happen even on cloudy days!

4. Portable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key to enjoying summer adventures. A durable, portable water bottle is essential as you explore Spain’s dry, beautiful expanses.

5. Comfortable Walking Shoes: You’ll be walking everywhere, from the cobblestone streets of Brihuega to the historic walls of Avila, so a sturdy pair of walking shoes is a must.

6. Digital Connectivity Tools: While we recommend disconnecting to truly enjoy your travels, having the right tools to stay connected when necessary is crucial. Bring along a portable Wi-Fi device, or ensure your phone plan includes international coverage so you can navigate and share your experiences with ease.

As you prepare for your journey, integrating these essentials into your packing list will not only enhance your travel experience but also ensure you are well-prepared for every adventure that comes your way. And with SafetyWing’s widened support for more adventure activities, travel with peace of mind, knowing that your biggest adventures are safeguarded.

How about you? Do you have more adventures planned this summer? And as the summer ends, will you be doing some high level travel adventure in the upcoing fall and winter season? Always remember that as part of every travel, a travel medical insurance is very important! Make sure to check SafetyWing for your upcoming trip.