We're renting a car in Madrid this summer and driving to El Escorial, Valle de los Caidos, and then on to Segovia where we'll spend the night before continuing on to other cities. I'm concerned because we'll have our luggage in the car at the Escorial and V de C. We'll probably have a mini van (family trip) so it'll be obvious that there is luggage inside. Are there pay parking lots at those places where our luggage will be safer? Any suggestions are appreciated!

there are parking lots alright, but not sure if remember been guarded. Best is not to show anything thru the windows.the back is the best location. However, I never had a problem ::)

At Valle de los Caídos they only have general parking space. I doubt one would have any problems there because A) it's out in the middle of nowhere and B) because you have to pay to get in from the main road (unless you're Spanish and carrying the proper Spanish I.D. card).

In El Escorial, they do, I believe, have a few underground parking garages for which you have to pay but they're no more guarded than other parking lots. You take a card when you go in and you pay when you go out, either to a human or to a machine. But they do not have guards patrolling the lots, no. Parking around the Palace/Monastery is parking-meter-parking, by the way. We got ticketed in the few days AFTER these were installed, not being aware of the change.

Good luck! Saludos, MadridMan

But you remember MM when we went there with a couple of friends ... I ( a British citizen ) didn´t have my passport .. An "agreement " was reached , brokered by our Spanish friend , with the guards . Take your passport to Valle de los Caídos ! It will prevent a lot of hassle . Steve