I want to plan a trip to Madrid and smaller villages around Madrid. Could anyone must see places in Spain?

Here is a nice, clean hostal, right on the Plaza Mayor in Madrid...nothing special, but the people in the Cafe on the ground floor were terrific! http://www.hostalcruzsol.com You must go to Segovia...First century aqueduct and the Castle there is outstanding!!!! And Toledo, the whole city is a trip through history! (Mostly about El Greco, for me, though). We enjoyed Avila, as well. Tons of other day trips from Madrid...through Quixote country, Rioja wine country, Burgos. For me, it´s all about the history and architecture...Photography, food, etc. For untouched places, try Cuenca, and the province around the city...some pretty parks there. I´ve never been, but the photos look great! Try contacting the Official tourist office for information on any of the provincias. They have terrific little folios that will tempt you, or check out the DK eyewitness book on Spain...you will want to do EVERYTHING in it. Oh, and for a great little local´s place in Madrid to eat...try El Rey de Pimientos in the Plaza de la Puerta Cerrada...an easy walk south of the Plaza Mayor. Be aware that if you buy Paella in the Plaza Mayor, it probably came out of a box! ask for Paella Casera (made in house).

Consider Avila, a small city not far from Madrid - and for smaller villages, the mountainous area around Gredos.