Villas in Madrid

Very few in the city. Homes in central Madrid are almost all apartments, some with terraces or a shared pool. For a house with a garden, look at Santa María de la Alameda in the Sierra de Guadarrama.

Around the Retiro and the Paseo del Prado for museums and quieter streets, La Latina and the old centre for tapas bars, and Malasaña or Chueca for younger nightlife. All are walkable or a short metro ride apart.

No. The metro, buses and local trains cover the city and reach Alcalá de Henares, Aranjuez, El Escorial and Toledo. Hire a car only if you are staying in the Sierra or outside the city.

July and August are very hot and the afternoons are tiring for sightseeing. Plan museums for the middle of the day, eat late like the locals and choose an apartment with air conditioning. The Sierra de Guadarrama is noticeably cooler.

Toledo, Segovia, El Escorial, Aranjuez and Alcalá de Henares are all an hour or less by train or car. Ávila and Cuenca take a little longer but still work as day trips.

By metro, by the local Cercanías train from Terminal 4, by the airport express bus or by taxi, which charges a fixed fare to the centre. Allow around 20 to 40 minutes.

April to early June and late September to early November. Avoid August if you want every restaurant open: many family-run places close for part of the month while locals are away.