Of all the parks in Madrid, Casa de Campo is perhaps the most impressive. Sure, it’s the largest public park in the Spanish capital. But this unique space is also home to a variety of wildlife and lots of amusements. Make the most of your time in Madrid when you plan a trip to this rolling green gem.
In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting Casa de Campo. We’ll walk you through all there is to do at this beautiful Madrilenian park, dive into the history of this locally-loved public space, and share some opening times and costs.
But first, let’s get there.
Getting to Casa de Campo by train
There are lots of easy-to-use public transport options in Madrid. Whether you take the train, bus, metro, or tram to get around, you’ll find that the services are fast and straightforward. The metro is our favoured way to travel through the city. Services run every couple of minutes during peak times, and every 15 minutes throughout the rest of the day, which means you’ll never need to wait long for your ride to arrive.
It’s also easy to walk to Casa de Campo from Madrid. This is a great way to arrive if you have the energy and time; you’ll get to see parts of the city you might otherwise miss. Head down towards River Manzanares and cross over near the Principe Pio metro station for a beautiful stroll to the Casa de Campo entrance.
Which station is nearest to Casa de Campo?
We’ve already mentioned Principe Pio metro station being close to the Casa de Campo entrance, but this is just one stop of several. Conveniently, there are three metro stops inside the park. Simply hop on a line 10 train, and you can stop off at all three.
Metro stops in Casa de Campo include:
- Batán – near the amusement park
- Casa de Campo – near the zoo and botanic gardens
- Lago – near the lake and lakeside restaurants
Taking the cable car into Casa de Campo
There’s one more way you can get to Casa de Campo, and it might just be the most exciting. Cable car! Head to Parque del Oeste, just across the river from Casa de Campo, and find the cable car station or Teleférico en Rosales.
Taking the cable car means you can enjoy unbeatable views over Madrid and Casa de Campo. Look out for historical monuments and landmarks along the way! The cable car system includes 80 cars, each with space for up to six passengers.
The cable car will take you to a high point at the centre of Casa de Campo. You can either ride down the way you came or stroll back through the park. A return trip will cost €5.90, while a one-way ticket is €4.20.
Exploring Casa de Campo
Madrid’s largest park is packed with exciting things to see and do, as well as lots of wide-open spaces to enjoy some fresh air. Let’s take a look at some of the things you can experience when you visit this vast Madrilenian park.
Lake
Casa de Campo is home to a large artificial lake which dates back to the 16th century! King Felipe II ordered the lake as part of a substantial relandscaping project, and it’s been restored since. Enjoy drinks and relax lakeside, or enjoy water sports or boating out on the water.
Madrid Zoo Aquarium
Visiting Madrid Zoo Aquarium is another ideal family activity inside Casa de Campo. There are over 6,000 animals to say hola to, including rare giant pandas. More highlights include leopards, wolves, camels, bears, monkeys, elephants, and rhinos! There’s even a beautiful white Bengal tiger. Animal lovers young and old will adore a day spent in Madrid Zoo.
As well as lots of animals to visit, Madrid Zoo Aquarium hosts interactive experiences and shows. Catch the dolphin, sea lion, or exotic bird demonstration and prepare to be blown away.
Amusement Park
Casa de Campo's Parque de Atracciones boasts wonderful attractions with something to suit everybody. Whether you’re an adrenaline hunter looking to ride the highest roller coasters or you’d prefer to catch a magical show, you’re sure to enjoy an afternoon here.
Little ones can enjoy pony rides, the carousel, and the maze, while indoor paintball and interactive live shows are also sure to thrill.
Sports Centre
While there are lots of ways to enjoy the Casa de Campo Sports Centre, for many, the highlights are the three summer swimming pools. There are two large swimming pools and a smaller one for kids. Whether you practice your stroke or recline on the grass, a sunny afternoon is always well spent here.
Walking
With 1,750 hectares of beautiful parkland to explore, there are a few better ways to enjoy the area than on foot. From a simple stroll to a more challenging hike, walkers of all ages and abilities can enjoy the landscape of Casa de Campo.
Whatever type of walk you set out on, enjoy easy-to-follow paths and lots of plants, trees, and wildlife all around. Birdwatchers will feel right at home here, with swallows, woodpeckers, starlings, nightingales, and more making their nests in Casa de Campo. Also look out for rabbits, hedgehogs, and lizards.
A walk through Casa de Campo park lets you forget about the bustling city just a stone’s throw away. That is until you reach a viewpoint, with breathtaking panoramas of Madrid stretched out below.
Casa de Campo History and Facts
The history of Casa de Campo dates back to the 16th century when King Felipe II decided to move his court from Valladolid to Madrid. The King used the land for hunting and building an estate which stretched from the Royal Palace to El Prado. A country house was built on the hunting land in 1519.
Did you know? This is where the park gets its name; Casa de Campo translates as ‘country house’.
Royal land
Once it had been established as royal land, Casa de Campo remained that way for centuries. King Ferdinand VI declared the area a Royal Forest, and King Charles III dedicated some land to farming, but not much changed until the 1900s rolled around.
Donating Casa de Campo to the people of Madrid
The land was used exclusively by the royal family and their guests until 1931 when Spain’s Second Republic was announced. The state donated Casa de Campo to the Madrilenian people, and it’s been a public park ever since!
The Spanish Civil War
Like lots of Madrid, Casa de Campo suffered damage during the Spanish Civil War. The height of the land gave Franco and the Nationalist troops a perfect position from which to attack Madrid. And they did just that.
The troops set up bunkers, trenches, and gun posts, some of which you can still see when you visit today. Look out for them as you explore the park!
Casa de Campo was the scene of some of the most brutal battles of the Spanish Civil War. It was almost a decade after the war ended before the park was opened to the public once again.
Modern-day events
So it’s safe to say Casa de Campo has seen its share of action. But what can you expect when you visit today? As well as the attractions we’ve already covered, Madrid’s largest park plays host to a variety of annual and one-off events.
The yearly World Cup Triathlon is a must for sports fans. The triathlon includes a swim, a sprint, a bike race, and a final five-kilometre run! There’s also a multi-purpose indoor arena with an always-exciting programme to discover.
Restaurants, Bars, and Shops in Casa de Campo
We’ve said it before, but Casa de Campo is the largest park in Madrid. That means it can be a good idea to plan an entire day in the park, making the most of your time and checking out all the best bits.
This includes visiting some of Casa de Campo’s beautiful cafés, restaurants, and bars. What could be better than a glass of chilled house Vermouth and a bite to eat in the sun? Not much, we think.
Where to eat and drink in Casa de Campo
There are, of course, some cafés and restaurants inside the Casa de Campo Zoo Aquarium and inside the Amusement Park. These are fine if you’re just looking for a quick refuel, but they’re far from some of the best restaurants in Madrid.
Good news! Although Casa de Campo is home to some average-standard eateries, there are also some excellent spots to be found inside the park. The best restaurants in Casa de Campo are around the lake. So head that way when stomachs start to rumble.
- Los Recios Terrace Restaurant – a traditional Spanish restaurant with extensive terrace seating
- Restaurante Montaloya – another favourite Spanish spot boasting a beautiful view of the lake
- El Urogallo Country House – choose the air-conditioned restaurant area or sit out on the terrace. The food here is excellent, as is the beer. It’s a perfect choice for lunch in the park
- Restaurante El Lago – grill your own meat the traditional Spanish way at El Lago
- La Parrilla del Embarcadero – the leafy terrace here overlooks the lake, while the menu includes all the traditional Spanish dishes you’d expect.
Shopping near Casa de Campo
Casa de Campo sits to the west of central Madrid. You’ll need to head into the heart of the city for lots of the best shopping spots around. However, there are some exciting retail destinations closer to the park.
Principe Pio Shopping Centre is just a stone’s throw from Casa de Campo, home to a wide range of stores, restaurants, and even a cinema. Alternatively, head into Malasaña for lots of trendy shops not too far away.
Casa de Campo Opening Times and Ticket Prices
Casa de Campo is a public park, which means it’s open to the public at all hours, every day of the year. You can enjoy walks and adventures around the park whenever you visit Madrid. However, some of the park’s attractions do have opening hours and costs.
Madrid Zoo Aquarium opening times and ticket prices
Madrid Zoo Aquarium is open every day, so you can plan a visit whenever you’re in Casa de Campo. Opening hours are between 11:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday, while the zoo is open until 19:00 at the weekend.
The most recent ticket prices for Madrid Zoo Aquarium are as follows:
|
|
Adults |
Children (age 3 to 7) |
Senior (age 65+) |
Under 3s |
|
Online |
€18.90 |
€16.90 |
€16.90 |
Free |
|
On the door |
€24.00 |
€19.50 |
€19.50 |
Free |
As is usually the case, it pays to book your tickets online in advance!
Casa de Campo Amusement Park opening times and ticket prices
The Parque de Atracciones opening times vary from day to day, with the gates usually opening at 12:00 and closing between 19:00 and 23:00 on special occasions. Check online to find out what the opening hours will be on the day you plan to visit.
The most recent ticket prices for the Amusement Park are as follows:
|
|
General |
Visitors less than 100cm tall |
Senior (age 65+) |
|
Online |
€21.50 |
Free |
Free |
Whatever way you spend your time, a visit to Casa de Campo is one you’re sure to remember. Whether you swim, boat, hike, or wander, there’s something for everyone in this Madrilenian gem.
Taking the train to Madrid
Thanks to the efficient service run by Renfe – Spain’s national train company – it’s easy to reach Madrid by train. High-speed AVE trains can get you from Barcelona to Madrid in 2h 30m on the fastest services, Valencia to Madrid in 1h 40m and Seville to Madrid in 2h 30m. Trains to Madrid arrive into one of the city’s two main stations – Madrid Atocha or Madrid Chamartín; look out for the botanical garden if you arrive into the former!
Want to learn more about travelling by rail in Spain? Read our guide to trains in Spain, your one-stop-shop for all things rail. Our Renfe page also gives you the lowdown on Spain’s national train operator, including how to find the cheapest tickets.