Felipe VI Park

Felipe VI Park is Madrid's largest urban park, spreading across the Valdebebas district near Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. Its full name, Parque Forestal de Valdebebas-Felipe VI, points to what it really is: a sprawling forest park conceived as the capital's green lung, second in size only to Casa de Campo.

How do you get there?

The park sits on Madrid's northeastern edge, in Valdebebas, just minutes from the Barajas terminals. That makes it a convenient stop for travelers with a layover or a few free hours before or after a flight. The easiest way in is by car or public transport — parking areas near the park serve both visitors and the surrounding residential neighborhoods.

What will you see?

Covering roughly 470 hectares, the park was designed in the outline of a tree, with a visible trunk, canopy, and branching paths when seen from above. More than 310,000 trees and 317,000 shrubs grow here, recreating the vegetation of five distinct ecosystems found across central Spain. Visitors can explore 32 kilometers of walking trails and 5 kilometers of dedicated cycling lanes.

Among the park's standout features is the Labyrinth, a spiral wooden structure that rises upward and doubles as a lookout point over the surrounding area. Another highlight is the Arboretum, made up of five island-like plots showcasing different plant formations. The Terraces are also worth seeking out — a series of platform gardens that step down toward an artificial river running through the grounds. Two lagoons, a natural spring, and a wetland area round out the water network, an unusual feature for an urban park of this scale.

The site's backstory adds another layer of interest: the park was built on land that, through the 1990s, served as Las Cárcavas, Madrid's largest illegal landfill. Today it functions as a fully sustainable green space, connected to the city's recycled-water network. Three reservoirs with a combined capacity of 88,000 cubic meters supply the irrigation and water-management system, making the park a working example of sustainable urban land reuse.

When should you visit?

The park is open year-round and admission is free. A first phase covering 340 hectares opened to the public in March 2015, and the park has continued to develop since. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions and the most striking scenery, as vegetation is at its most colorful. In summer, mornings or late afternoons are the better bet, since shade is limited across the open meadow areas. Free guided tours run throughout the year, covering the site's history, its recreated ecosystems, and how the water-recycling system keeps everything green.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, entry to Felipe VI Park is completely free, and the guided tours offered throughout the year are free as well.

How big is the park, and how long does a visit take? The park covers about 470 hectares, making it Madrid's largest urban park. Seeing the main highlights — the Labyrinth, the Arboretum, and the Terraces — typically takes two to four hours, depending on your pace and how much of the trail network you want to cover.

Can you cycle in the park? Yes, there's a dedicated 5-kilometer cycling route separated from the pedestrian trails, so cyclists and walkers can share the park comfortably.

Is this a good stop before or after a flight from Barajas? Definitely — its proximity to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport makes it a popular choice for travelers who want to spend a few hours outdoors right before or after their flight.