If you are one who loves nature or planning on going on a weekend hike in Madrid ? You’re in luck! Madrid, the capital city of Spain is blessed with a number of activities it can offer its visitors, especially outdoor activities. Tours and bike trips, boat rentals, tandem picnics in the park with friends and family – it is all available in Madrid. Here are some of the most highly recommended outdoor activities that you can do in Madrid and how to get the most out of your fun!
1. Walking through the area of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park
If you are ready for a day of travelling and beautiful views of nature, go to the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. Just 60km outside Madrid, there are a plethora of hiking routes and trails available in this park. During your particular hike, you’ll find really simple trails for first-time hikers or even difficult ones for advanced ones.
One of the most favoured trails of the park is the trail from cercedilla to Puerto de Navacerrada that gives a scenic bird’s eye view of the mountain ranges. Lastly, always ensure that you carry a lunch pack, and some water for consumption when you are out here, good shoes and some good dress code appropriate to the weather.
2. Exploring Retiro Park
Another interesting and inviting park in the center of Madrid that should not be missed is Retiro Park. The abundance of green area, clean roads with quite amount of trees, beautiful lake make one think that there are no ways to be bored. Visitors can rent a rowboat and float on the lake or just stroll around the park, and have a picnic under the tree while appreciating the built architectural designs.
This is one grace not to be missed; this art gallery in glass with a unique appearance all the year round. Street shown is also perfomed by peoples and musicians within the vicinity of the Retiro park thus enhancing the beauty of the park.
3. Cycling along the Madrid Río
Madrid Río is a huge park located along the banks of Manzanares river and stretches over 10 kilometers, and so cycling around this location is ideal for all types of cyclists. It has also appropriate cycling tracks to prevent accidents and is well illustrated to make cycling interesting. Both carrying your own bike or hiring one from the numerous bike rental shops in the city can allow you to cycle through madrid rio and there is so much beauty to see in Madrid.
Do not skip stopping at the Matadero Madrid, a space nowadays transformed into an abstract for cultural events, concerts, art and more. The only necessary items include a helmet in order to minimize the likelihood of receiving a head injury and water in order to keep well hydrated during the cycling.
4. Parque Europa: A Miniature Continent
Parque Europa is a urban outdoor recreation area situated in Torrejón de Ardoz not very far from Madrid which is home to imitation of most of Europe’s monuments. Just walk through a park and be astonished by the miniature to scaling, Eiffel Tower, the statue of the little mermaid or the Tower Bridge.
Apart from the above attractions, Parque Europa presents other attractions such as zipline, paddle boating among others, cycling. The garden is particularly ideal for having a day out with children with facilities for playgrounds while the adults can spend their time cycling or taking a walk.
5. Kayaking in Casa de Campo
If you are tired of city noises go for a Kayaking activity at Casa de Campo; Madrid’s largest park. Fishing ready, camping if you have your own gear and equipment, with a gorgeous lake ready to be paddled, getting a kayak for rent is a great way to have fun when the day is sunny. Beginners or first-time paddlers, as well as professional kayakers and canoeists, have varying packages and opportunities in Casa de Campo.
There are very few moments that I felt bored when I was paddling and gliding over the tranquil water; I enjoyed the scenery so much that I wished for more, togehter with the wild life – ducks and swans to mention a few. Carry your lunch with you and have it by the side of the water after enjoying your kayaking.
In Conclusion
Madrid want only be famous for its nightlife or numerous culture offering but it boasts quite impressive outdoor activity offerings too. but if you are an ardent hiker, a bike lover or maybe you are just having some quiet day out in nature then Madrid is not a bad choice at all. Starting at the magnificent Sierra de Guadarrama National Park up to the thriving Madrid Río area, this list contains many ways to satisfy your thirst for natural wonder.
Well, tighten your hiking shoes, prepare your basket for a picnic or, just bring along your bicycle, there is a lot to be seen in Madrid’s great outdoors. Be sure to wear appropriate clothes corresponding to the weather forecast and, in any case, be very cautious. Have heaps of fun exploring this amazing city!
