# A weekend in Segovia, an hour and a quarter from Madrid, with a balloon at dawn

One night by the Plaza Mayor, the Alcázar and the Eresma in the afternoon, a balloon over the Aqueduct at dawn and, on the way back, a roast lunch in Pedraza.

Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/spain/castile-and-leon/segovia/itineraries/segovia-balloon-at-dawn-weekend · Revisado: 2026-11-12

Dónde: Segovia

Segovia can be seen in a day, but sleeping there changes the trip for two reasons: the empty city and its light at night, and the balloon, which takes off after sunrise and from Madrid would mean setting out in the small hours. You are an hour and a quarter from Madrid, an hour from Ávila and an hour and a half from Valladolid. On Sunday, on the way back, Pedraza is 40 minutes away for a roast lunch.

## Is the balloon worth it?

It is what turns the getaway into something else. Siempre en las Nubes flies over Segovia every day of the year when there is no wind or rain. It takes off after sunrise from a flying field about 500 metres from the wall, and flies for around an hour: the Cathedral almost within reach, the Aqueduct from above and the Alcázar like a prow over the two rivers. The whole activity, with set-up, landing, a cava toast and picnic, lasts about three hours. It costs €205 per person. First thing it is cold even in summer: country walking clothes and closed shoes.

## Where to sleep?

AccommodationWhereFor whom

Hotel Infanta IsabelOn the Plaza Mayor, facing the cathedralThose who want to stroll at night and leave the car parked

Parador de Segovia3 km away, with views of the cityFamilies and anyone who wants a pool and parking

Camping AcueductoLa Granja road, with bungalowsTight budgets, with a city bus to the centre

## If you don't fly

Without the balloon, the plan loses the early start, not its point. Sleep late, have breakfast on the Plaza Mayor and do the Aqueduct and the Casa de Moneda at leisure. If you have the morning to spare, the Puerta de San Andrés and the Jewish quarter are five minutes away.

## With children

The balloon is for older children who can cope with an early start and three hours of activity; ask about ages and conditions when you book. The Alcázar, the Aqueduct and the Casa de Moneda work for all ages. In Pedraza, the town jail is the visit they like most.

## El plan

### Saturday · 12:30 · Arrival and parking
Leave the car in a car park in the centre, such as the University one or Oblatas, and walk up to the Plaza Mayor. The Infanta Isabel is on the same square.

### Saturday · 13:30 · Lunch at Casa Duque
On Calle Cervantes, between the Aqueduct and the Plaza Mayor: suckling pig or lamb from a wood-fired oven. At the weekend, book by phone.

### Saturday · 16:00 · Alcázar and the Juan II tower
In November it is open until 18:00; palace, museum and tower, €10. Climb the tower before the light falls.

### Saturday · 17:30 · The Eresma valley and the Vera Cruz
Go down towards the river and cross to San Marcos to see the Alcázar from below. If the light is low, stay at the viewpoint on Plazuela del Alcázar.

### Saturday · 20:30 · Dinner in the Azoguejo
The Mesón de Cándido is open every night from 20:00 to 23:00, with the Aqueduct lit up in front. Go to bed early.

### Sunday · Dawn · Balloon flight
They meet you at the flying field; the time depends on the season. An hour in the air, a toast and a picnic on landing.

### Sunday · 11:00 · Aqueduct and the Casa de Moneda
Back on the ground, the Azoguejo and the climb to the wall viewpoint. Then down to the Casa de Moneda, which on Sundays is open until 14:30.

### Sunday · 13:30 · Lunch in Pedraza, on the way home
40 minutes away, La Olma is open every day at midday. Then a stroll round the town and, if there is time, Zuloaga castle, which reopens at 16:00.

## Un consejo más

Book in this order: the balloon, the hotel and Saturday's two meals. If wind postpones the flight, the company changes the date: keep Sunday free until mid-morning.

## Cuándo no ir

Long weekends and Christmas if you haven't booked everything: the Azoguejo fills up and the roast restaurants have no tables.

## Preguntas frecuentes

### How long does it take from Madrid to Segovia?
An hour and a quarter by car. By AVE, about 30 minutes to Segovia-Guiomar, plus the bus to the centre; without a car you won't be able to stop at Pedraza.

### How much does the balloon flight cost?
€205 per person in Segovia; the night flight, €225.

### What time does it fly?
Always after sunrise: the time changes with the season.

### What happens if it is windy?
It doesn't fly; the company proposes another date.

### Where to sleep to catch the balloon?
In the centre, on the Plaza Mayor, or at the Parador, 3 km away. Both leave you near the flying field.

## Dónde dormir if you're driving
- **Hotel Infanta Isabel**, desde 56 € / night: Hotel Infanta Isabel occupies a late 19th-century building at number 12 on Segovia's Plaza Mayor, right opposite the cathedral. It belongs to the Recordis Hotels group. What you pay for here is the location: many rooms have a balcony onto the square and the cathedral, and from the door you can walk to the whole old town.
Thirty-nine rooms, six types
The hotel has 39 rooms decorated in late 19th-century taste, with parquet floors, soundproofed windows, air conditioning, a safe and free wifi. Rates start at €56 a night on its website.

Double: outward-facing, up to 20 m², with two beds or a double bed.
Double with square view: with a balcony onto the Plaza Mayor.
Superior with square view: 30 m² and three balconies onto the square, the cathedral and the main pedestrian street.
Triple: 30 m², double bed and sofa bed or extra bed.
Family: 35 m², 1.80 m bed and a bunk bed, for four; for five, ask.

If you want a balcony onto the square, ask when you book: they try subject to availability.
Breakfast, no restaurant
There is no restaurant; it serves a buffet breakfast from 8:00 to 10:30. For lunch, the square is full of roast houses: José María, a few steps away, or Casa Duque, down towards the Aqueduct.
Car: garage with valet parking
The historic centre is no place for a car. The hotel has a private garage with valet service, from 8:00 to 23:00, for €16 a night; it is 400 metres away and spaces are limited, so book it. Outside those hours there is an agreement with the Parking del Acueducto. The Segovia-Guiomar high-speed station is 4 km away, with a city bus and taxis; Madrid-Barajas is about 90 km away, with a transfer for €150 per vehicle if requested 72 hours ahead.
What is shared with the Hotel Real
Guests can use the rental bicycles, gym, reading rooms and panoramic terraces of the Hotel Real, from the same group, five minutes away on foot. In summer they also get free access to the pools and courts of the Casino de la Unión, in Hontanares de Eresma, a quarter of an hour by car.
Conditions
Check-in from 15:00 and check-out until 12:00; late check-out until 18:00 costs €30, subject to availability. Reception open 24 hours. Pets are not admitted. Babysitting is available on request. Cancellation depends on the rate.
Opposite is the cathedral, and if you are going on the balloon flight at sunrise, sleeping here saves you the early start from Madrid.
- **Parador de Segovia**: The Parador de Segovia is a modern building surrounded by gardens, about three kilometres from the old town, from where you can see the city's whole monumental skyline. Inside it is decorated in classic style, with a spacious lobby and a lounge with a large fireplace. It is the choice for those who prefer a pool, a garden and parking to sleeping inside the walls.
The city, seen from across the way
What makes this Parador special is the panorama. You see it from the gardens, from the outdoor pool and from the heated one, which has glass walls, and from some rooms, which have a furnished terrace looking out at Segovia. The restaurant, with a wood-fired oven, also boasts the best views of the monumental city.
Rooms
There are standard doubles and junior suites, in warm colours, with air conditioning, television with Chromecast, minibar, a safe with room for a laptop and free wifi. You can order breakfast or room service, and there is a laundry. Rates are on the Paradores website, room only, with breakfast or half board.
Two pools and a sauna
The outdoor pool is seasonal; the heated one, with sauna, opens in the winter season Monday to Friday from 17:00 to 21:00, on Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00, and on Sundays from 10:00 to 17:00; on public holidays and long weekends, ask. There is also a sun terrace and fifteen event rooms.
Wood-fired roasts
The restaurant serves Segovian cooking: suckling pig and milk-fed lamb roasted in a wood-fired oven, judiones and garlic soup, with the city in the background. The café has access to the terrace. The Parador also organises astrotourism activities.
Getting there and parking
You enter from the Valladolid road, the A-601 (the Parador is at kilometre 107), or from the SG-20 ring road, taking the A-601 exit towards La Lastrilla. It has free outdoor parking, a paid garage and an electric-car charging point. To the centre you need to go by car or taxi: it is a few minutes' drive to the Aqueduct.
For day trips
From here you set off without crossing the city towards La Granja, Pedraza or the Duratón Gorges. And if you are going on the balloon flight at sunrise, the flying field is close to the walls, a few minutes by car.
- **Camping Acueducto**: Camping Acueducto opened in 1979 and has the official number CT-SG-1. It is on the La Granja road, km 112, three kilometres from the city centre, in open Castilian countryside with views of the Sierra de Guadarrama. It is the choice for sleeping in Segovia with a tent, caravan or campervan, or in a bungalow, and taking the bus down to the old town.
Pitches of 60 to 90 square metres
The pitches are spacious, from 60 to 90 m², many of them shaded, and have water, electricity and drainage; you park the car on the pitch itself. There is a swimming pool, with a children's pool, a play area and a laundry. The 2026 rates include VAT and change with the season: high in July, August, Easter and long weekends; medium while the pool is open; low, the rest of the time. The pitch, which includes one person, one car and a tent or caravan, costs €24 a day in the medium season and €21 in the low; each child aged 3 to 10, €7 and €6, and electricity, €6.50 in the medium season. For the other rates, call 681 382 190 or 921 425 000.
Three bungalows

Básico: 12 m², two beds and an extra bed, for three. Outdoor kitchen, no bathroom inside and no fridge. From €56 a day in the low season.
Lux: 18 m², bedroom and living room-kitchen with sofa bed, fridge, microwave, television and bathroom. For four. From €76.
Gitotel: 40 m², two bedrooms (one with a bunk bed), full kitchen and bathroom, for five. From €115.

All have heating, terrace table and chairs, kitchenware and bed linen (bath linen too, except in the Básico). The price includes parking and the pool. To book you pay 50% in advance within 48 hours; if you cancel more than two weeks ahead, you lose half of that payment; with less than two weeks, 80%, and with less than one, all of it.
To the centre without a car
The city bus stops 150 metres away, every 15 minutes, and drops you at the foot of the Aqueduct. From the campsite there is also a cycle and footpath to the Pontón Alto reservoir, already in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. La Granja de San Ildefonso is 7 km away, and the balloon flights take off about 3 km away.
Rules
Check-in and check-out are from 12:00. Quiet hours are from 0:00 to 8:00, and during those hours no cars move around inside. In the pool, shower before bathing and under-12s must always be with an adult. Dogs should be checked at reception: in general they are admitted, on a lead, supervised and never left alone at the campsite.

## Dónde dormir without a car
- **Hotel Infanta Isabel**, desde 56 € / night: Hotel Infanta Isabel occupies a late 19th-century building at number 12 on Segovia's Plaza Mayor, right opposite the cathedral. It belongs to the Recordis Hotels group. What you pay for here is the location: many rooms have a balcony onto the square and the cathedral, and from the door you can walk to the whole old town.
Thirty-nine rooms, six types
The hotel has 39 rooms decorated in late 19th-century taste, with parquet floors, soundproofed windows, air conditioning, a safe and free wifi. Rates start at €56 a night on its website.

Double: outward-facing, up to 20 m², with two beds or a double bed.
Double with square view: with a balcony onto the Plaza Mayor.
Superior with square view: 30 m² and three balconies onto the square, the cathedral and the main pedestrian street.
Triple: 30 m², double bed and sofa bed or extra bed.
Family: 35 m², 1.80 m bed and a bunk bed, for four; for five, ask.

If you want a balcony onto the square, ask when you book: they try subject to availability.
Breakfast, no restaurant
There is no restaurant; it serves a buffet breakfast from 8:00 to 10:30. For lunch, the square is full of roast houses: José María, a few steps away, or Casa Duque, down towards the Aqueduct.
Car: garage with valet parking
The historic centre is no place for a car. The hotel has a private garage with valet service, from 8:00 to 23:00, for €16 a night; it is 400 metres away and spaces are limited, so book it. Outside those hours there is an agreement with the Parking del Acueducto. The Segovia-Guiomar high-speed station is 4 km away, with a city bus and taxis; Madrid-Barajas is about 90 km away, with a transfer for €150 per vehicle if requested 72 hours ahead.
What is shared with the Hotel Real
Guests can use the rental bicycles, gym, reading rooms and panoramic terraces of the Hotel Real, from the same group, five minutes away on foot. In summer they also get free access to the pools and courts of the Casino de la Unión, in Hontanares de Eresma, a quarter of an hour by car.
Conditions
Check-in from 15:00 and check-out until 12:00; late check-out until 18:00 costs €30, subject to availability. Reception open 24 hours. Pets are not admitted. Babysitting is available on request. Cancellation depends on the rate.
Opposite is the cathedral, and if you are going on the balloon flight at sunrise, sleeping here saves you the early start from Madrid.
- **Camping Acueducto**: Camping Acueducto opened in 1979 and has the official number CT-SG-1. It is on the La Granja road, km 112, three kilometres from the city centre, in open Castilian countryside with views of the Sierra de Guadarrama. It is the choice for sleeping in Segovia with a tent, caravan or campervan, or in a bungalow, and taking the bus down to the old town.
Pitches of 60 to 90 square metres
The pitches are spacious, from 60 to 90 m², many of them shaded, and have water, electricity and drainage; you park the car on the pitch itself. There is a swimming pool, with a children's pool, a play area and a laundry. The 2026 rates include VAT and change with the season: high in July, August, Easter and long weekends; medium while the pool is open; low, the rest of the time. The pitch, which includes one person, one car and a tent or caravan, costs €24 a day in the medium season and €21 in the low; each child aged 3 to 10, €7 and €6, and electricity, €6.50 in the medium season. For the other rates, call 681 382 190 or 921 425 000.
Three bungalows

Básico: 12 m², two beds and an extra bed, for three. Outdoor kitchen, no bathroom inside and no fridge. From €56 a day in the low season.
Lux: 18 m², bedroom and living room-kitchen with sofa bed, fridge, microwave, television and bathroom. For four. From €76.
Gitotel: 40 m², two bedrooms (one with a bunk bed), full kitchen and bathroom, for five. From €115.

All have heating, terrace table and chairs, kitchenware and bed linen (bath linen too, except in the Básico). The price includes parking and the pool. To book you pay 50% in advance within 48 hours; if you cancel more than two weeks ahead, you lose half of that payment; with less than two weeks, 80%, and with less than one, all of it.
To the centre without a car
The city bus stops 150 metres away, every 15 minutes, and drops you at the foot of the Aqueduct. From the campsite there is also a cycle and footpath to the Pontón Alto reservoir, already in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. La Granja de San Ildefonso is 7 km away, and the balloon flights take off about 3 km away.
Rules
Check-in and check-out are from 12:00. Quiet hours are from 0:00 to 8:00, and during those hours no cars move around inside. In the pool, shower before bathing and under-12s must always be with an adult. Dogs should be checked at reception: in general they are admitted, on a lead, supervised and never left alone at the campsite.

## Dónde dormir in a campervan
- **Camping Acueducto**: Camping Acueducto opened in 1979 and has the official number CT-SG-1. It is on the La Granja road, km 112, three kilometres from the city centre, in open Castilian countryside with views of the Sierra de Guadarrama. It is the choice for sleeping in Segovia with a tent, caravan or campervan, or in a bungalow, and taking the bus down to the old town.
Pitches of 60 to 90 square metres
The pitches are spacious, from 60 to 90 m², many of them shaded, and have water, electricity and drainage; you park the car on the pitch itself. There is a swimming pool, with a children's pool, a play area and a laundry. The 2026 rates include VAT and change with the season: high in July, August, Easter and long weekends; medium while the pool is open; low, the rest of the time. The pitch, which includes one person, one car and a tent or caravan, costs €24 a day in the medium season and €21 in the low; each child aged 3 to 10, €7 and €6, and electricity, €6.50 in the medium season. For the other rates, call 681 382 190 or 921 425 000.
Three bungalows

Básico: 12 m², two beds and an extra bed, for three. Outdoor kitchen, no bathroom inside and no fridge. From €56 a day in the low season.
Lux: 18 m², bedroom and living room-kitchen with sofa bed, fridge, microwave, television and bathroom. For four. From €76.
Gitotel: 40 m², two bedrooms (one with a bunk bed), full kitchen and bathroom, for five. From €115.

All have heating, terrace table and chairs, kitchenware and bed linen (bath linen too, except in the Básico). The price includes parking and the pool. To book you pay 50% in advance within 48 hours; if you cancel more than two weeks ahead, you lose half of that payment; with less than two weeks, 80%, and with less than one, all of it.
To the centre without a car
The city bus stops 150 metres away, every 15 minutes, and drops you at the foot of the Aqueduct. From the campsite there is also a cycle and footpath to the Pontón Alto reservoir, already in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. La Granja de San Ildefonso is 7 km away, and the balloon flights take off about 3 km away.
Rules
Check-in and check-out are from 12:00. Quiet hours are from 0:00 to 8:00, and during those hours no cars move around inside. In the pool, shower before bathing and under-12s must always be with an adult. Dogs should be checked at reception: in general they are admitted, on a lead, supervised and never left alone at the campsite.
- **Segovia Campervan Area**: What it is
Segovia City Council has a service area for campervans on Calle Campo Azálvaro, in the Comunidad de Ciudad y Tierra district, next to the bullring (postcode 40005). It is public and free, has 10 pitches and allows a maximum stay of 72 hours. The Junta de Castilla y León includes it in its official list of campervan service areas.
It is not a campsite: it is a marked car park with a service point, meant for spending a night or two and seeing the city on foot. The Aqueduct is a little over a kilometre away in a straight line, and from there you climb up to the old town.
Services
The service point has:

A drinking-water tap.
A drain for emptying grey water, from the bathroom and kitchen.
A drain for emptying black water, from the chemical toilet.
A rubbish bin.

The council's information sheet does not include electricity or showers. If you need them, the alternative is Camping Acueducto, on the La Granja road, paid and with full services.
Rules
The council publishes these rules of use:

You may not park outside the marked space, on pain of a fine.
You may raise the roof and open windows, as long as it does not disturb anyone or take up more than your pitch.
You may level the vehicle with chocks.
You may not put out chairs, tables, barbecues, awnings, washing lines or stabiliser legs.
When filling and emptying, do not spill liquids outside the drain.
It is forbidden to empty water or chemicals in the street or sewer and to wash the vehicle.
Leave the pitch clean and free of waste when you go.

Practical tips
With only ten pitches, at weekends, long weekends and in summer it fills up early: arrive early or have a plan B. The council publishes on its website a PDF map showing where the area is. For questions, write to turismo@segovia.es or drop by the Visitor Reception Centre, beside the Aqueduct.
With the campervan parked, the plan is to walk: the Aqueduct, the Cathedral and the Alcázar link up in a morning's stroll. If you stay longer, go down to the Eresma Valley and the Vera Cruz. Do not take the campervan into the old town: it has restricted traffic and narrow streets.