RETIRO PARK IN MADRID

A favourite past time of Madrilenos is a stroll in Retiro Park. A walk round the park any time from late afternoon to well into the evening will be sure to entertain the whole family with spectacular scenery, music, puppet shows, clowns and much more. Weekends also see what must be half of Madrid parading round the park.

Originally Retiro Park was restricted to royalty and the ruling classes. In 1767 the park was opened up to everyone who could afford the entrance fee. In the late 1800s, the entrance fee was dropped and the park was open to all. If you want to see the residents of Madrid at play and relaxing then this is the place to go to.

The major feature of the park is the statue of Alfonso XII which greets you if you enter Retiro Park by the Independence Gate, one of 18 entrances. Below the statue, the locals gather to sunbath. Around one side of the statute is the boating lake (Estranque) with rowing boats for hire. There is also a hydro powered boat which will take you on a short tour of the lake in a very environmentally satisfactory manner.

Retiro Park is free to enter and spacious enough to take large groups. The access for wheelchairs is excellent. Opening times are as follows: 1 May to 31 October 7am-midnight every day. 1 November to 30 April 7am-10pm every day. Be aware that pickpockets operate in this area and tourists are their first targets.

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