Are There Any Beaches in Madrid?

By Michael Ferguson

Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is known for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and delicious food. However, one thing that Madrid doesn’t have is a beach.

This may come as a disappointment to some visitors who are hoping to soak up the sun on the sandy shores of the Mediterranean Sea or Atlantic Ocean. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of options for those who want to enjoy some water activities during their stay in Madrid.

Public Pools

If you’re looking for a place to cool off from the scorching summer heat in Madrid, then public pools are your best bet. The city has many public pools that are open to everyone and offer a refreshing swim at an affordable price. One popular option is the Centro Deportivo Municipal Casa de Campo pool which has Olympic-size swimming lanes and slides for kids.

Water Parks

If you’re traveling with children or just want to have some fun in the water, you can visit one of Madrid’s water parks. Aquopolis Villanueva de la Cañada and Parque Warner Beach are two popular options that offer various water attractions such as wave pools, lazy rivers, and water slides.

Lakes and Reservoirs

Madrid has several natural lakes and reservoirs located within an hour’s drive from the city center which offer beautiful scenery and aquatic activities such as sailing or kayaking. The most popular ones include Lake Alberche, San Juan Reservoir, and Lozoya Reservoir.

The Beaches Near Madrid

While there may not be any beaches in Madrid itself, there are several beaches located within a few hours’ drive from the city. Some of these include:

  • Valencia Beaches

    Valencia is a city located on the Mediterranean coast and has some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. Some popular options include Malvarrosa Beach, Playa de las Arenas, and El Saler Beach.

  • Cadiz Beaches

    Cadiz is a coastal city located on the southern coast of Spain and offers some amazing beaches such as La Caleta, Playa de la Victoria, and Playa de Bolonia. It’s a bit farther from Madrid but definitely worth the trip.

While Madrid may not have any beaches of its own, there are still plenty of options for those who want to enjoy some water activities during their stay. From public pools to water parks, natural lakes to nearby beaches, there’s something for everyone in Madrid.