I second Avila (about as far south of Madrid as you are north) or if you want to head North, San Sebastian for food and beach** as well as lovely 19th century buildings. Bilbao for Art and to see a modern Basque city. The Picos de Europa mountains for a day or so if you love jagged stone peaks shooting straight up for several thousands of feet, everywhere you look. Plus rivers and roads that will take your breath away.

** Besides S.S. world famous, horseshoe shaped beach there are nice long white ones as well just over the French border less than an hour away in Hendaye FR.(sp) Plus you get to vist France than as well. Happens to be a beautiful ride as well if you take back (high) road.

Thank You, David West California U.S.A.