Juan Carlos I Park

Juan Carlos I Park is one of Madrid's largest municipal parks, spread across the Campo de las Naciones district right next to the IFEMA trade fair complex. It opened in 1992, the year Madrid held the title of European Capital of Culture, and was designed by architects José Luis Esteban Penelas and Emilio Esteras Martín. Covering around 160 hectares, it ranks as the second-largest green space in the Spanish capital — surpassed only by the Valdebebas-Felipe VI forest park and outsizing the famous Retiro Park (118 hectares). The name honors Spain's former king, Juan Carlos I.

What will you see there?

The park's centerpiece is an artificial river almost 1,900 meters long together with a large lake of roughly 30,000 square meters, both lined with footpaths and small bridges. Boat rental and canoeing are available right on the water. Inside the grounds, a section of the former Olivar de la Hinojosa estate survives — an olive grove of more than 2,000 trees that was deliberately preserved and woven into the modern landscape design rather than cleared for construction.

The park is best known for its outdoor sculpture collection. During the 1992 International Symposium of Open-Air Sculptures, artists from several countries created eleven works on site; together with later additions, the collection now totals 19 abstract sculptures laid out along a marked trail called the Senda de las Esculturas, or Sculpture Path. Following this route is the easiest way to see the whole park.

Two other spots are worth a detour: the Jardín de las Tres Culturas, with its fountains and Moorish-style arches referencing the three religious traditions in Spain's history, and the Estufa Fría, a partly glass-roofed botanical garden filled with plants brought in from different climate zones around the world.

What can you do here?

The park offers far more than typical city greenery. It has an ice-skating rink, a golf course, a bike rental station and a network of cycling paths, plus fishing spots along the lake. An open-air auditorium hosts outdoor events, and an activity center serves visitors year-round. It draws an equally mixed crowd of families with children, joggers, and contemporary art enthusiasts.

How do you get there?

The easiest way in is by metro: both Campo de las Naciones and Feria de Madrid stations, on Line 8, sit right at the park's entrances. Line 8 runs directly from the city center (Nuevos Ministerios) toward Madrid-Barajas Airport, so the park makes an easy stop on the way to or from a flight. The grounds border Vía Dublín, Avenida de Logroño and the M-40 ring road, making it straightforward to reach by car from outside the city too.

When should you visit?

The park is open year-round, but it looks its best in spring and early summer, when the Jardín de las Tres Culturas is in bloom and temperatures are pleasant for walking or cycling by the water. On summer afternoons, stick to the tree-lined paths for shade — the grounds are large and open, and full sun can get intense. Autumn and winter bring a quieter atmosphere, which suits visitors looking for a calmer walk.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, entry is free — it's a public municipal park run by Madrid's city council.

How long does a visit take? Covering the main attractions, including the Sculpture Path and the gardens, typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours depending on your pace.

Can I combine a visit with the IFEMA trade fair? Yes, the park sits directly next to the IFEMA complex, making it a natural stop before or after a trade fair event.

Can I rent a bike or a boat inside the park? Yes, there's a bike rental station on site as well as a boat rental point on the lake and river.