Toledo Car Hire

Guide of Toledo

Geography

Toledo is located in the heart of the Peninsula Iberica, known as La Mesata (the plateau). It sits 500 metres above sea level, on a mound surrounded by the Tagus river and its canyon. The city is located just 72 km (45 miles) southwest of Madrid – a 30 minute train ride away.

Climate in Toledo

Toledo enjoys a continental climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The weather is mostly dry all year round, with roughly the same amount of rainfall per year as Arizona in the United States. The coldest months in Toledo are December and January, with temperatures averaging between 11.5 and 14°C. July and August are the hottest months to visit Toledo, with average highs of around 34°C.

If you’re planning on hitting the sights, spring and autumn are the best times to visit. Temperatures are more moderate and there are fewer crowds to contend with too.

Culture

Toledo was once known as the ‘city of three cultures’, because in the Middle Ages, it was one of the few places where Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities peacefully coexisted. The city is crammed full of reminders of this rich and diverse history, with churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques, synagogues and more. It’s also renowned for its art. El Greco, the famous Greek painter, sculptor and architect of the Spanish Renaissance, produced many of his finest works in the city.

Things To Do in Toledo

Visit the cathedral

The Catedral de Toledo is one of Spain’s most impressive cathedrals, and in a country stuffed full of them that’s saying a lot. It took more than 250 years to complete the structure, which incorporates Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, styles. The sprawling interior is packed with ribbed vaults, pointed arches and rose windows, with works by Velazquez, Goya and El Greco.

Take in the views from the top of the Alcazar

The Alcazar sits at the highest point in the city, so the views are fantastic. The Moors built the original structure in the 10th century, though Franco rebuilt and reopened it as a military museum with uniforms, medals and other paraphernalia in the 20th century.

Explore the Museo del Greco

Museo del Greco pays homage to the city’s most famous painter, El Greco. An aristocrat purchased the mansion in the 20th century thinking that El Greco had once lived there. He didn’t, but he did an excellent job of returning it to its period style. Inside, you’ll find works by El Greco alongside other prominent artists from the Spanish Renaissance. The landscaped gardens are well worth a visit too.

Brush up on Spain’s Sephardic culture at the synagogue

The splendid Sinagoga del Transito was built in 1355 in the former Juderia (Jewish quarter), which was once home to 10 synagogues. Today, it houses the Museo Sefardi, a large collection that chronicles the history of Jewish communities on the Iberian peninsula from the Roman era until the 15th century.

Eating Out in Toledo

Toledo’s culinary scene is as rich and diverse as its history. Like the city’s architecture, many of the city’s most famous dishes blend Christian, Jewish and Moorish cultures. Popular dishes include cuchifrito (a pork stew made with garlic and white wine) and Migas (made with stale bread and spices, served with chorizo and fried eggs). Toledo is famous for its marzipan too, made with almonds and sugar.

There are dozens of bars and restaurants serving up authentic Toledan cooking for reasonable prices. For a comprehensive introduction to the city’s cuisine, try Lo Nuestro. Nestled into the former Jewish quarter, the restaurant is renowned for its multi-course menus and tantalizing tapas selection. For fine dining, look no further than Tobiko Restaruant. The award-winning eatery pairs traditional Spanish dishes with South American and Asian influences. Restaurant Meson La Orza is another award-winning option.

Transport

Airport

The nearest airport to Toledo is Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), which is located around an hour’s drive from the city centre. It’s Spain’s largest and busiest airport, served by most domestic and international airlines with flights from major cities across the world.

The nearest airport to Toledo is Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), which is located around an hour’s drive from the city centre. It’s Spain’s largest and busiest airport, served by most domestic and international airlines with flights from major cities across the world.

Getting around Toledo

Toledo is a relatively compact city and you should be able to reach most sights on foot. The ‘hop-on, hop-off’ buses are a good option if you’re short on time, with stops at 10 well-placed stops along the route. There are roughly 20 urban and suburban daytime bus routes managed by Unauto in the city too. Tickets are cheap and services are generally reliable. The train station, which is located around one mile from the city centre, operates high-speed services to Madrid and other major towns and cities.

However, if you’re planning on travelling to the surrounding areas, we recommend hiring a car. As you travel further inland, there are fewer public transport options. Driving will give you more flexibility too.