Casa de Campo — Madrid's Largest Park

Teleferico Cable Car

The Teleferico de Madrid connects Paseo del Pintor Rosales in the Arguelles neighborhood (near Arguelles metro, Line 3/4/6) to a station in the heart of Casa de Campo. The 2.5-kilometer ride takes about 11 minutes and offers aerial views of the Manzanares River valley, the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral, and the Madrid skyline. It is the most scenic way to enter the park and a worthwhile experience on its own.

The cable car typically operates from noon to sunset on weekdays and from 11 AM on weekends, but hours vary seasonally and it closes during winter months (roughly December through March) and during high winds. Check the official Teleferico website for the current schedule before planning your visit. The city-side station is a 5-minute walk from Arguelles metro.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

Walking and Running

Casa de Campo has over 15 kilometers of marked trails ranging from flat fire roads to undulating dirt paths through pine and oak forest. The terrain is hilly — expect gentle climbs and descents throughout, with elevation differences of 50-80 meters across the park. The main circuits follow the lake and radiate outward into the forest. Many runners use the park for long training runs because you can cover 10-15 km without repeating a path. The ground is mostly compacted earth and gravel — trail shoes are recommended, especially after rain.

The best starting point for a walk or run is the Lago metro station, which puts you at the artificial lake. From there, you can loop the lake (roughly 3 km on flat ground) or head into the forest trails for longer outings. Sunday mornings are the most popular time — you'll share the paths with hundreds of runners, walkers, and cyclists.

Mountain Biking

Casa de Campo is the most popular mountain biking area in Madrid. The trail network includes everything from wide fire roads suitable for beginners to technical singletrack with rocky descents and root sections. The park's hilly terrain provides natural climbs and descents that make for engaging riding without leaving the city. The park was proposed as a mountain biking venue during Madrid's Olympic bids, which gives you a sense of the quality of the riding.

Several bike shops in the neighborhoods around the park (Arguelles, Latina, Carabanchel) rent mountain bikes. Expect to pay 15-25 euros for a half-day rental. If you're bringing your own bike, the Lago metro station has good access to the trail network.

Lago de Casa de Campo (The Lake)

The artificial lake in the park's eastern section is the social heart of Casa de Campo. Paddleboats are available for rental (a few euros per session), and several terraza restaurants and bars line the lake shore. These terrazas are popular on warm evenings — locals come for drinks and sunset views over the water. The lake area is also the starting point for most walking and running circuits.

The lakeside terrazas serve standard Madrid fare — raciones (sharing plates), canas (small beers), and bocadillos (sandwiches). Prices are reasonable by Madrid standards, cheaper than Retiro Park's options. On summer evenings, this is one of the more relaxed outdoor dining spots in the city.

Zoo Aquarium de Madrid

Located in the eastern section of Casa de Campo, the Zoo Aquarium houses over 4,000 animals across 500+ species. The facility includes a large aquarium section, a dolphinarium, and habitats organized by geographic region. It opened in 1972 and has undergone significant modernization in recent years. The giant panda exhibit has historically been one of the main draws.

Allow 3-4 hours for a full visit. Buying tickets online in advance is cheaper than the gate price and avoids queues on weekends. The zoo is accessible from the Casa de Campo metro station (Lines 5 and 10) with a 10-minute walk, or by car with dedicated parking. For families visiting Madrid with children, the zoo combined with a Teleferico ride makes a solid full-day outing. See our things to do guide for more family-friendly activities.

Brief History

Casa de Campo was acquired by King Philip II in 1562 as a royal hunting estate adjacent to the Royal Palace. For nearly four centuries, it remained an exclusive royal preserve — commoners were forbidden from entering. In 1931, during the Second Republic, the new government transferred ownership to the city of Madrid and opened it to the public.

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Casa de Campo became a major battleground. The Nationalist forces besieging Madrid from the west dug into the park's western sections while Republican defenders held the eastern portions. Trenches, bunkers, and shell craters scarred the landscape — some earthwork remnants are still visible along the park's western trails, though they're easy to miss without knowing what to look for.

Post-war reconstruction was slow. The park's infrastructure was gradually rebuilt through the 1950s and 1960s, with the zoo opening in 1972 and the Teleferico in 1969. Today the park is managed by the Ayuntamiento de Madrid and is the primary green lung of the city's western districts.

Practical Information

Getting There

• Metro Lago (Line 10): Best for the lake, terrazas, and trail access
• Metro Casa de Campo (Lines 5, 10): Best for the zoo
• Teleferico cable car: From Paseo del Pintor Rosales (near Arguelles metro). Most scenic arrival.
• Madrid Rio connection: Walk or cycle across the Puente del Rey bridge from Madrid Rio to enter the park's eastern edge
• By car: Multiple parking areas inside the park. Access from Carretera de Castilla and other perimeter roads.

Safety Notes

What to Bring

• Trail shoes: The unpaved paths can be muddy after rain and rocky on hillier sections
• Water: There are fewer drinking fountains here than in Retiro — bring your own supply, especially for longer walks or runs
• Sun protection: Much of the trail network is exposed, particularly the fire roads
• A map or downloaded trail app: The park is large enough to get disoriented in. Phone signal is generally fine but a trail map helps with route planning