Cerro Garabitas

Cerro Garabitas is the highest point in Madrid's Casa de Campo park, rising to 677 meters above sea level. The hill is best known for its sweeping viewpoint over the city and for a much darker chapter of history dating back nearly ninety years, when it became one of the key positions in the Battle of Madrid.

What will you see at the top?

The lookout at Cerro Garabitas offers one of the widest panoramas of Madrid available from within the city limits. From here you can pick out the Royal Palace, the downtown skyline, and the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range on the horizon. Photographers favor the spot at sunset, when the light hits both the city and the distant peaks at once.

The hill also carries a heavier historical legacy. During the Spanish Civil War, starting in December 1936, Nationalist forces stationed artillery batteries on Cerro Garabitas and used them to shell Madrid, since Franco's troops had occupied Casa de Campo at the time. Traces of that period are still visible today: remnants of trenches and depressions left by mortar impacts can be spotted along the trails by anyone paying attention to the terrain.

How do you get to Cerro Garabitas?

The most convenient starting point is Lago metro station (line 10), from which signposted walking paths lead into Casa de Campo and up toward the hill. You can also start from the park's main entrance. The route requires no special preparation — it's a gentle, moderate climb suitable for most visitors, including families with children. Access to the viewpoint is free of charge and no booking is needed.

Casa de Campo is a large green expanse, so it's worth bringing water, especially in summer when the sun beats down hard on the exposed stretches of the trail. Regular trekking or sports shoes are enough — the surface is natural and rocky in places.

When is the best time to visit?

Morning hours tend to offer the clearest views, with less haze over the city, while late afternoon and sunset bring the most photogenic light. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons temperature-wise — Madrid summers can get very hot, which is worth factoring in if you're planning a longer walk with little shade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entry fee for Cerro Garabitas? No, access to the viewpoint is completely free and doesn't require a reservation.

What's the easiest way to get there without a car? Take the metro to Lago station (line 10), then walk the trails through Casa de Campo up to the hill.

What can you see from the viewpoint? A panorama of downtown Madrid, the Royal Palace, and the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains in the distance.

Are there any remains from the Civil War fighting? Yes, near the summit you can still see remnants of trenches and mortar impact craters from the Battle of Madrid in December 1936.