Motorhome Rentals Madrid Barajas Airport

Madrid Airport

Madrid Airport, which is officially known as the Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport, sits right in the centre of Spain just east of Madrid's city centre. Its prime location makes it a great starting point for touring around the country, particularly Central Spain, with self-drive being highly recommended. There are numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites within easy reach as well as mountains, beaches and vineyards, with a motorhome hire being a rewarding way of exploring.

Madrid Airport is Madrid's main air hub as well as being the busiest airport in all of Spain. It is very easy to get in and out of the airport via the M-14, which is linked to the M-11, M-12, M-13, M-40 and E-90, spanning out in all directions. The airport itself does not have anything to offer in terms of attractions but there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping before jumping into a hired motorhome and exploring the country.

Attractions

Just east of the air hub sits the city of Alcala de Henares, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a small city that sits 588 metres above sea level and is filled with narrow medieval cobbled streets and historic buildings. In the heart of the city centre is the famous La Plaza de Cervantes, which is a great place to sit and relax.

At the confluence of the Jarama and Tajo rivers is the historic city of Aranjuez and its stunning 18th century Royal Palace of Aranjuez. The UNESCO World Heritage site houses a number of famous rooms like the Porcelain Study and the Throne Room, along with picturesque gardens. The city's massive Jardin del Principe is also worth roaming, with its various gardens and magnificent Casa del Labrador.

Madrid has much to offer, though it is not the best place to drive. Still, it is a beautiful city that is home to numerous famous attractions, including Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real. Madrid's Museum Triangle houses three of the city's major art museums, though there are numerous other museums as well.

Around one hour northwest of the airport nestled in the slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama is the lovely town of El Escorial and its famous Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, commissioned by Phillip II for his father Charles V and housing a basilica-church, monastery, library and royal household. Today it is a magnificent museum.

Camping

Camping Osuna is the closest motorhome park to the air hub and has facilities such as wireless internet, washing machines, a playground, a supermarket and a relaxing bar.

Camping Arganda, is less than a 30-minute drive from the airport southeast along the R-3. It has plenty of facilities, including a playground, two swimming pools, a bar, a supermarket and barbeques.

Camping International Aranjuezis a top notch holiday park that has 162 pitches. It is a family-friendly site with facilities that include a swimming pool, table tennis, a business centre, a car wash and a supermarket.

Campsite Pico de la Miel is a great place as it has a number of accommodation possibilities in addition to powered sites. It is geared towards families, with facilities such as two swimming pools -one of which is a children's pool- a playground, washing machines and a restaurant.

Driving

This region of Spain is centrally located and distances are not vast. There are six highways that connect the region with the rest of the country; all are in tip top shape. The Spanish drive on the right and seatbelts are a must for all passengers. Police take drinking and driving very seriously and if caught above the legal limit (0.25mg/ml.) you could face imprisonment.

• Speed limits in built-up areas: 40-50kph.
• Speed limits on single-carriageways: 90kph.
• Speed limits on dual-carriageways: 100-120kph.