Luxury holidays in Madrid

When to go

Don’t go in August, when the city turns into a ghost town with most people closing up shop and heading for the beach. Winter may be cold but the sun still shines brightly. Spring and autumn are ideal as the weather is mild and the city hosts several festivals during these seasons.

Getting there

• Planes

  Fly direct from various UK airports with BA | Iberia and Easyjet. Madrid Barajas airport is 45 minutes from the centre by metro. A taxi into town should cost less than €30.

• Trains

  The metro is a cheap, clean and fast way to get around. Buy a ‘bono’ of ten trips for €6.15 which can be used however far you travel either by metro or bus. Madrid is at the heart of Spain’s efficient and reasonably priced train network (www.renfe.com).

• Automobiles

  Madrid has lots of traffic and it’s difficult to park so there’s no need for a car.

• Taxis

  Cabs are very reasonably priced and easy to flag down anywhere. There’s an extra charge when going to the airport or train station.