5 Green Parks in Madrid

Unknown to many, Madrid is sprinkled with patches of green zones, providing the bustling metropolis with bouts of fresh air and gorgeous lounging grass. Now that spring is in full glory, these neat patchworks of nature are blooming, along with meadows of multi-hued sunflowers and hibiscus. From the outskirts of Madrid to right smack in the city center, a plethora of beautifully-sculpted parks are scattered throughout Madrid. Adding to the list of things to do on a Sunday in Madrid, a visit to these parks in Madrid not only gives you a glimpse into Madrid’s nature but also allows you to lounge around and enjoy a slower pace of life.

Here are five of the most attractive parks in Madrid:

1. Park Retiro

Known as the lungs of Madrid, this sprawling park is the main green zone of Madrid’s city centre. Spreading over 1.4 km sq, with plenteous sections and architecture to admire, Park Retiro is just a 10-minute walk from the city’s historical centre. Interesting sites to note are the Palacio de Cristal: an arts exhibition centre with displays of paintings and abstract art through out the year.

In the heart of the greenery, you’ll find el Estanque del Retiro (Retiro Pond). It makes for some excellent boating – on weekends, couples paddle out onto the lake to unwind and take in a view of the park from the waterfront. Right by the lake, there is a monumental semicircular colonnade built in honor of King Alfonso XII. With majestic figurines, massive columns and realistic lion statues, the colonnade itself is worth a visit.

Address: Ronda de Atocha, Madrid 28012

Location: Park Retiro

Entrance fee: Free

Opening hours: Every day from 6 am to midnight (May to October), to 10pm (November to April).

By metro: Alight at Retiro station, the gate is right infront of the station exit.

2. Casa de Campo

Covering a massive area of 1722 hectares on the outskirts of Madrid, Casa de Campo is is five times the size of New York’s Central Park and is one of the biggest public parks in Europe. It currently accommodates the Madrid Zoo, a trade fair expo and an amusement park. In summer, it also plays host to several music festivals, such as the Cultura Urbana happening in May. Enthralling families and youths with a network of gorgeous Mediterranean oak trees, ash groves and deciduous shrubs, the park blends in a tinge of history with urban nature.

Address: Paseo de la Puerta del Angel 7, 28011 Madrid

Location: Casa de Campo

Entrance fee: Free

By metro: Alight at Batán metro station, the park is located at the metro station entrance.

3. Royal Botanical Gardens

Another garden poised in the heart of the city, the Real Jardín Botánico is less impressive in size but more outstanding in its plant collections. With vegetation from five different continents of the world, plant life in the Botanical Gardens is astounding. Although majority of the plants are from Spanish colonies, South America and the Philippines, the plant variety is endless. Be sure to check out the beautiful bonsai collection and cactus garden. There are over 30,000 plants and flowers to admire. The botanical gardens website suggests an itinerary you can do on your own within the garden grounds to get a full understanding of plant life here.

Website: http://www.rjb.csic.es/jardinbotanico/jardin/

Address: Plaza de Murillo 2, 28014 Madrid

Location: Botanical Gardens

Entrance fee: 2 euros (discounts for students, free entry for retirees and children)

Opening hours: Every day from 10am to 6pm (November – February), 7pm (March), 8pm (April & September) or 9pm (May-August)

By metro: From Atocha metro station, walk towards the Paseo del Prado.

4. Campo del Moro & the Sabatini Gardens

As the royals gardens of the Palacio Real, the Campo del Moro and Sabatini Gardens were designed by Francesco Sabatini who was the great architecture in charged of designing the palace. Taking on a Neoclassical look, the gardens are sculpted in a classic European style, complementing the palace with well-sheared pines, geometrical patterns and fountains. Poised right next to the Palacio Real, you can easily get lost in the maze-like layout of these gardens. On weekends, you can see buskers performing on their harmonicas and accordions in these gardens.

Address: Calle de la Tahona de las Descalzas 1, 28013 Madrid

Location: Campo del Moro

Entrance fee: Free

Opening hours: Sabatini Gardens – Every day (October – April) 9am to 8pm; to 9pm (May – September); Campo del Moro – (October – April) Monday-Saturday: 10am to 6pm. Sun/Public holidays: 9am to 6pm.

By metro: From Ópera metro station, the gardens are just a 5-minute walk away.

5. Parque del Oeste

On the western end of Madrid, tucked in the suburbs of Moncloa stands the Parque del Oeste. Unlike the royal gardens, this park is sculpted in a naturalistic style, dominated by open grass spaces. The main attraction here is the Rosaleda, a gorgeous rose garden decorated with Victorian fountains and rose vines. You can find Madrid’s only cable car station here, catch one of the best view of Madrid on your way up to Casa de Campo.

Address:  Paseo Moret 7, 28008 Madrid

Location: Parque del Oeste

Entrance fee: Free

By metro: From Moncloa metro station, the park is a 10-minute walk away.

*Parks with no opening hours mentioned above are opened all day and night.

Photo credits: Flickr creative commons photos by Laura Padgett (flower).