Casa de Campo

Casa de Campo is the largest public park in Madrid, a true green oasis in the western part of the capital of Spain. Its territory is impressive in scale, spanning over 17 square kilometers, making it one of the largest urban parks in Europe. These lands were once royal hunting grounds, but today they are a favorite vacation spot for both locals and tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle in shaded avenues.

Historically owned by the Spanish Crown, the park was opened to the public in 1931 and has since become an integral part of life in Madrid. The uniqueness of Casa de Campo lies in the harmonious combination of natural landscapes and developed entertainment infrastructure. Here, you can not only enjoy peace and quiet with a picnic on the grass but also find an activity to suit any taste.

The park offers a huge variety of entertainment for the whole family. It is home to the famous Amusement Park (Parque de Atracciones), the Zoo and Aquarium, and a large lake where you can go boating. For active leisure enthusiasts, there are numerous sports grounds, and the Teleférico cable car offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. All this makes Casa de Campo an ideal place for a full day of relaxation.

For up-to-date information on opening hours, amusement park ticket prices, and event schedules, it is best to consult official sources. The main contact details for Casa de Campo park are listed below.

In Casa de Campo park, every visitor will find something to enjoy, but the main draw for many is the Amusement Park (Parque de Atracciones). Here, 48 diverse rides await, conveniently grouped into themed zones. Families with children will appreciate the fun carousels, while thrill-seekers can test their courage on extreme rides offering dizzying speeds and incredible heights.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, be sure to ride the famous Teleferico cable car. Its route passes right over the park, offering stunning panoramic views of Madrid from above. In the southern part of Casa de Campo lies a picturesque lake where you can cool off with a swim in warm weather or rent a boat and enjoy a leisurely row.

For those who can't imagine a holiday without activity, the park features modern sports areas. Casa de Campo is also a popular spot for picnics—many locals come here with their families, using the specially provided barbecue tables. The atmosphere is enhanced by open-air concerts and performances frequently held here. Additionally, the Zoo Aquarium is located next to the park, making it a great addition to your walk.

Getting to Casa de Campo park is easy, as it is located in the western part of Madrid and is perfectly connected to the city by public transport. No matter where you are staying, you can quickly reach this green oasis to enjoy nature and entertainment.

The most convenient way to reach the park is by using the Madrid Metro. Several stations are in immediate proximity to its entrances. Casa de Campo station, where lines 5 and 10 intersect, is one of the key stops. You can also travel to Lago or Batán stations (both on line 10), depending on which part of the park you plan to visit. Additionally, many city bus routes serve the park, offering extra flexibility for your trip.

For those looking to turn their journey into a small adventure, the Teleférico de Madrid cable car is an ideal option. It connects the city to the park, starting from the station in Western Park (Parque del Oeste). The aerial ride takes about 11 minutes and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, and the entire city, ending right inside Casa de Campo. It’s more than just a way to get there—it’s an attraction in its own right and a wonderful chance to see Madrid from a bird's-eye view.

The history of Casa de Campo is inextricably linked with the Spanish monarchy and dates back to the 16th century. It all began when King Philip II decided to move the capital of Spain to Madrid. In 1519, he acquired these lands to create a country residence and extensive hunting grounds. The name "Casa de Campo" itself translates to "country house," reflecting its original purpose. For centuries, this territory remained an exclusive retreat and hunting ground for the royal family, closed to the general public.

A turning point in the park's history came in the 20th century. Having been private property of the Crown for a long time, Casa de Campo became the property of the people with the advent of the Second Republic. On May 1, 1931, the park was officially handed over to the residents of Madrid for public use, forever changing its status. This generous gift transformed the former royal estate into one of the capital's most beloved and inclusive leisure spots, opening a new chapter in its rich history.

Today, Casa de Campo is not just a park but a living historical monument. Walking along its spacious avenues, you can feel the spirit of the past harmoniously blending with modern life. The park's historical significance was officially recognized in 2010 when it was designated an Asset of Cultural Interest in the "Historical Site" category. This status highlights the park's uniqueness as a place where the heritage of the past is preserved and now accessible to all visitors and residents.

When planning a visit to Casa de Campo, be prepared for the fact that exploring it can take quite some time. To fully enjoy this massive park, it is recommended to set aside a full day. This is especially true if you plan to do more than just walk—such as visiting the Amusement Park, riding the Teleférico cable car, relaxing by the lake, or having a picnic. The park territory is so large that even a quick tour of the main areas will take several hours.

If your time is limited, you can dedicate 2-3 hours to the park for a leisurely stroll along the main avenues or a cable car ride to admire the panoramic views. However, this won't be enough for a full visit that includes entertainment. You should also consider that the Madrid Zoo Aquarium is located within the park, and visiting it can take half a day on its own. Therefore, if you want to combine a walk in the park with rides and a zoo visit, plan to spend the whole day here without rushing.

One of the main advantages of Casa de Campo park is its accessibility. The park grounds themselves are open to the public year-round, 365 days a year, and generally at any time of day, allowing you to enjoy its spaces with almost no restrictions. However, it is important to remember that the entertainment complexes located inside, such as the Amusement Park or the Zoo, operate on their own, often seasonal, schedules.

For example, the Amusement Park has different schedules depending on the time of year. During the summer season, roughly from mid-April to mid-September, it is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday, but with a siesta break—from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and then from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. In the winter period, its operation is limited to weekends only. Since opening hours can change, it is highly recommended to check the latest information on the official website of the park or the specific attraction before your visit. This will also help you find out if advance ticket booking is necessary, especially during the peak tourist season.

Visiting the vast Casa de Campo park is an adventure in itself that can easily take up an entire day. However, to make your trip to Madrid even more fulfilling and packed with impressions, it's worth exploring the attractions in its vicinity. The park's convenient location makes it easy to combine a nature getaway with a look into the cultural and historical heritage of the capital of Spain.

A stroll through the nearby neighborhoods will reveal new facets of this amazing city. Just a few kilometers from the green expanses of Casa de Campo are world-famous architectural monuments, lively squares, and unique cultural sites. Below is a list of interesting places that can be reached in a short time.