Entrevías Forest Park

Entrevías Forest Park is one of Madrid's largest public parks, stretching out south of the Puente de Vallecas district. Covering close to 50 hectares, it has been managed as municipal parkland since 1970, though the pine woodland itself is much older — and that mature tree cover is exactly what sets Entrevías apart from Madrid's more manicured, recently landscaped parks.

Where is the park located?

The main entrance sits on Calle Embajadores 251, at the southern edge of the Puente de Vallecas district. It's a bit removed from the historic centre, but well connected to the rest of the city, making it a solid pick for anyone wanting a break from the crowds of central Madrid without leaving town.

What kind of vegetation will you find?

The backbone of the park is a mature Aleppo pine forest, joined by Arizona cypress and cedar — conifers that give the place a genuine forest feel rather than the look of a typical city green space. Among the broadleaf trees you'll spot hackberry, ash and white acacia. The dense, long-established canopy provides shade even on the hottest summer days, which makes Entrevías an appealing destination especially from late spring through early autumn.

What can you do inside the park?

The park has dedicated sports areas and children's playgrounds, so it works equally well for an active outing or a family picnic. Its standout feature is an open-air auditorium that hosts concerts and shows through the summer months, along with celebrations for San Isidro, Madrid's patron saint. Entrevías is also part of the city's Green Cycle Belt (Anillo Verde Ciclista), so a comfortable cycling route runs through it, linking up with other green areas of the city. Walkers have plenty of trails winding among the trees to choose from.

Are there other parks nearby?

Yes — Entrevías isn't an isolated patch of green. To the north lies Parque Entrevías Urbano, which has its own auditorium plus sports and play areas. On the edge of the neighbourhood sits Parque de las Comunidades, known for viewpoints looking out over central-southern Madrid. A third neighbour, Parque Soto de Entrevías, is an educational space with a botanical trail and two small lakes. Together, these adjoining green areas form a broad corridor where you can easily spend an entire afternoon moving from one park to the next.

Who is this park best suited for?

Entrevías is a great choice for anyone looking to escape Madrid's busier, more formal central parks — like Retiro — in favour of something closer to real forest. It suits a shaded morning jog, a relaxed family picnic, or a cycling trip that strings together several of the green spaces in southern Madrid into a single route.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Entrevías Forest Park? The entrance is on Calle Embajadores 251, in the southern part of the Puente de Vallecas district. Public transport or a bike ride along the Green Cycle Belt routes are the most convenient ways to reach it.

Does the park have playgrounds and sports facilities? Yes, it has dedicated sports areas and children's playgrounds, making it a good option for a family outing.

What happens in the park during summer? The open-air auditorium hosts summer concerts and shows, as well as celebrations for San Isidro, Madrid's patron saint.

Is it worth combining a visit with nearby parks? Definitely — Parque Entrevías Urbano, Parque de las Comunidades (with its viewpoints) and Parque Soto de Entrevías (botanical trail, two small lakes) all border it directly, so you can plan a longer walk that takes in several green spaces at once.