Apart from all its cultural, artistic, and historical attractions, the beautiful city of Madrid also has green parks and gardens that provide a peaceful place for sightseeing and walking in the middle of this busy and big city. “Casa de Campo” is the largest green space in Madrid and has an area of approximately 21 square kilometers. With this account, you can count on it for a long cycling tour or even light hiking. The Madrid Cable Car has been a popular family activity since 1969, taking passengers up to a height of 40 meters on a 2.5 km route between Casa de Campo and Pintor de Rosales. Madrid Zoo and Aquarium are also located in the same park.
Looking around Casa de Campo
The biggest park in Madrid provides plenty of enjoyable activities to take part in and also several open areas where visitors may breathe some fresh air. Let’s have a look at some of the activities accessible in this tremendous Madrilenian Park.
1. Lake
A sizable man-made lake that’s been there since the sixteenth century is situated at Casa de Campo! The lake was built under King Felipe II’s direction as a major enhancement effort, and it has since been repaired. Have a drink and unwind by the lake, or go boating or engage in water sports.
2. Madrid Zoo Aquarium
Another wonderful family activity in Casa de Campo is a trip to the aquarium at the Madrid Zoo. Besides to the rare giant pandas, there are more than 6,000 other species to greet. Leopards, wolves, camels, bears, monkeys, elephants, and rhinos are further features. There is even a stunning Bengal tiger in white. Both young and elderly animal enthusiasts will cherish a day spent at the Madrid Zoo.
The Madrid Zoo Aquarium provides fun events and displays besides a broad range of animals. Prepare to be amazed by the dolphin, sea lion, or uncommon bird exhibition.
3. Amusement Park
The Parque de Atracciones in Casa de Campo is filled with great things to do that cater to all tastes. You’re connected to having fun here whether you’re an adrenaline junkie eager to ride the tallest roller coasters or you’d rather watch a spectacular performance.
Pony rides, the carousel, and the maze are prominent among children, while indoor paintball and engaging live concerts are also renowned.
4. Sports Centre
Although there are various ways to enjoy the Casa de Campo Sports Centre, the three summer swimming pools frequently appear as the center of attention. There are two sizable pools for swimming and an accessible children’s pool. Here, a lovely day is usually a good time to spend time on the grass or work on your stroke.
5. Walking
There are a number of better ways to take in the region than on foot with 1,750 hectares of magnificent parkland to explore. Any age or level of hikers may take in the scenery of Casa de Campo, whether they choose a leisurely stroll or a strenuous excursion.
Regardless of the style of stroll you choose, you will find plenty of plants, trees, and wildlife around along with clear walkways. With swallows, woodpeckers, starlings, nightingales, and other birds creating their nests at Casa de Campo, birdwatchers will feel right at home. Rabbits, hedgehogs, and lizards should all be resisted.
The pulsating city that is only a short distance away might be ignored when strolling around Casa de Campo Park. Up till you get at the vantage point with stunning views of Madrid spread out below.
Casa de Campo History & Facts
King Felipe II’s decision to transfer his court from Valladolid to Madrid in the 16th century is when Casa de Campo initially became known. The King built an estate that extended from the Royal Palace to El Prado on the property and utilized it for hunting. For hunting reasons, a country house emerged around 1519.
1. Royal land
Casa de Campo was earlier considered royal property, and it remained such for generations. The region became a Royal Forest by King Ferdinand VI, and King Charles III set aside a portion for planting, but nothing else changed until the turn of the twentieth century.
2. Donating Casa de Campo to the people of Madrid
Up until 1931, when Spain’s Second Republic became official, just the monarchs and their guests had the right to utilize the property. Since the state gave Casa de Campo to the inhabitants of Madrid, it has operated as a public park.
3. The Spanish Civil War
During the Spanish Civil War, Casa de Campo sustained damage similar to much of Madrid. Franco and the Nationalist forces had an ideal location from which to attack Madrid due to the elevated status of the terrain. Some of the bunkers, trenches, and gun places the soldiers built are still visible today. While traversing the park, maintain an eye out for them!
A portion of the Spanish Civil War’s most severe battles was fought at Casa de Campo. The park wasn’t once again made available to everyone for over ten years after the war ended.
4. Modern-day events
So, it’s obvious that Casa de Campo has undergone some activity. But what should you anticipate when you come today? Apart with the attractions we’ve already discussed, Madrid’s biggest park also hosts a number of yearly and special events.
Sports enthusiasts should not miss the annual World Cup Triathlon. The triathlon comprises a sprint swim, a cycle race, and a five-kilometer run at the end! There is also a multifunctional indoor space with a continually fascinating schedule to take in.
Restaurants, Bars, and Shops in Casa de Campo
The biggest park in Madrid is Casa de Campo, as we’ve previously stated. Therefore, getting the most out of your time and viewing the park’s top features may be achieved by setting up a whole day for it.
This involves visiting by a few of Casa de Campo’s lovely cafés, eateries, and pubs. What could be more pleasurable than a cool glass of house vermouth and some food outside in the sunshine? Not a lot, we believe.
Where to eat and drink in Casa de Campo
Obviously, the Casa de Campo Zoo Aquarium and the Entertainment Park also have several eateries and coffee shops. These are OK if you require a fast meal, but they are not among Madrid’s top eateries.
There are several mediocre restaurants in Casa de Campo, but the park also has some top-notch enterprises. Around the lake are Casa de Campo’s top eateries. So when bellies begin to growl, go there.
- Los Recios Terrace Restaurant: an old-fashioned Spanish eatery with a sizable deck
- Restaurante Montaloya: another prominent Spanish location with an incredible panorama over the lake
- El Urogallo Country House: either select a seat outside on the terrace or in the air-conditioned restaurant room. Both the meal and the drink are outstanding here. For a picnic lunch in the park, it’s ideal.
- Restaurante El Lago: At El Lago, you may usually cook your own meat.
- La Parrilla del Embarcadero: There is a lake accessible from the restaurant’s green patio, and the menu comprises all the typical traditional Spanish foods.
Shopping near Casa de Campo
Casa de Campo is situated west of the center of Madrid. Most of the most significant retail possibilities are located in the city’s core. However, there are several amazing stores around the park. The Principe Pio Shopping Centre, situated only a few kilometers from Casa de Campo, houses a wide range of businesses, restaurants, and even a cinema. Alternatively, Malasaa has plenty of stylish enterprises not far away.
Conclusion
The biggest park and green area in the city, Casa de Campo, draws many thousands of visitors on pleasant days. This park is the closest park to many who want to spend a memorable day off in a summer resort. For entertainment, you can use zoo, aquarium, beautiful green space, boatable lake and electric recreational car.
