Holidays to Madrid

Think Madrid holidays, think taste bud-tingling tapas, world-class art, verdant parks, flamboyant flamenco and amazing architecture. Oh, and plenty of sizzling Spanish sunshine too!

Park life

Spain’s glorious capital is one of Europe’s greenest cities. True story. Parks are not difficult to find here, but the largest – and most fun for families – is Casa de Campo Park, aka Madrid’s ‘green lung’. It’s even got a zoo and an amusement park!

El Retiro Park is another green wonderland. Here you can walk and cycle amidst pretty scenery, enjoy a boat ride in the grand lake and take in some art at the Palacio de Velázquez. If you have time for yet more pottering in parks, head to Madrid Río, which lies on the grassy banks of the Manzanares River.

A whole host of art

Culture vulture? Madrid holidays won’t disappoint. The city is packed with fantastic galleries showcasing a dazzling array of art. If you’re on an ‘every second counts’ kind of city break, a whistle-stop whizz around the city’s cultural cache via the Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) is recommended.

The route features Madrid’s most wander-worthy museums – the so-called golden triangle of El Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia – where you can experience endless masterpieces. Highlights include Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights, Dalí’s Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee and Picasso’s Guernica.

Plaza aplenty

Madrid’s wonderful plazas are the place to be to soak up the charm, the buzz and the many foodie delights of the Spanish capital. The star of the glittering bunch is arguably Plaza Mayor. Here you can enjoy an al fresco drink, a tasty bite and a spot of gift shopping.

For an old-school vibe, head to Plaza de Villa, where historic attractions like the 15th-century Torre de los Lujanes await. Elsewhere, there’s Plaza de Oriente, which is overlooked by the Royal Palace (Europe’s largest, btw) and the Teatro Real, a palatial opera house where you can catch a show.