Camping Osuna

If you're not champing at the bit too much to get into Madrid, or if you want a peaceful day among all the sangria and sightseeing, take some time for a look at the two pretty and peaceful parks close by the site. The landscaped setting of the Parque de El Capricho (The Folly), created in the 19th century by the Duchess of Osuna, is a popular place with a lake, maze, Civil War bunker and several structures including a hermit's house, a ducal palace and the first iron bridge constructed in Spain. Several purpose-created sculptures are in the nearby Juan Carlos I Park, which is also used as a venue for gigs such as the Music MetroRock festival. And then to Madrid... You will, natch, need quite a few days to begin to see the sights of the Spanish capital, like the biggest art gallery in the world, the Prado Museum, with works by Goya, Ribera and many others; the huge 19th-century library of Ateneo de Madrid and its concerts, exhibitions, lectures and film, and the 2,200 year old Egyptian temple of the Templo de Debod, among the spectacular views of Casa de Campo. For food and drink, queue for churros and chocolate at the famed 24-hour San Ginés Chocolateria, and have tapas and cocktails in the neighbourhood of La Latina. Food samples costing a euro upwards are at the traditional market of Mercado de San Miguel. Outside Madrid, visit the towns of Cuenca, Aranjuez, Toledo, Chinchón, and the Escorial, the historical residence of the King of Spain.