car hire Madrid

Madrid's initial run as the capital of Spain proved to be far more dubious than glorious. Preoccupied with empirical designs, ruler Felipe II let conditions deteriorate at home during the last part of the 16th century. This neglect, combined with a subsequent period of war and inflation, left Madrid and the entire area in a sorry state. Madrid quickly earned the label of Europe's dirtiest city, and its continued to limp through the ensuring years until transportation systems were improved and democracy introduced in the 20th century. Thanks to a burgeoning arts and culture movement and some ambitious restoration efforts in the city centre, Madrid continued its renaissance and is today a major destination for travellers.

Museo del Prado is the holy grail for an art fan. One of the world's most highly regarded collections, it's especially strong in the area of Spanish painting: El Greco, Goya, Velázquez, and Ribera are all well-represented on these walls. Hieronymous Bosch's bizarre triptych masterpiece, "The Garden of Earthly Delights," also hangs here.

Barajas Airport in Madrid offers convenient car-hire pick-up, and the city makes an easy jumping-off point for road trips, with intriguing spots like Avila, Cuenca, and Segovia all nearby. El Greco's beloved Toledo is another hot spot for travellers. The old master settled here to paint his most legendary pieces, and after a day or two here you'll understand what why he found it so inspiring. Toledo's Carretera de Circunvalación is a beautiful scenic route that takes you through the entire city and runs along the Tagus River.

Shoppers on holiday will find no end to Madrid's retail opportunities: There are an estimated 50,000 stores here. Whether you're looking for a flamenco guitar, a bullfighting suit, or some high-end clothing, you should have no trouble finding it. If you're looking for a one-stop shopping experience, El Corte Inglés is a popular department store. For something a little more unique, Antigua Casa Talavera is a classic shop offering authentic ceramic pieces (from jugs and plates to decorative tiles) by artisans from Toledo and Andalucía.