Lineal de Palomeras Park

Lineal de Palomeras Park is a long, ribbon-shaped green space in Madrid's Puente de Vallecas district, stretching alongside the M-40 ring road. Covering nearly 40 hectares, it works both as a buffer between residential blocks and the busy motorway and as a genuine recreational lung for the eastern side of the city.

How do you get there?

The park sits in Puente de Vallecas, sandwiched between the M-40 and Calle Miguel Hernández, so the easiest approach is by metro to a station serving this district, followed by a short walk toward the ring road. Drivers will actually spot the park before arriving, since its distinctive artificial hills are visible right from the M-40 itself. Cyclists have a direct route in, too — the park forms part of Madrid's Anillo Verde Ciclista, the green cycling ring that loops around the whole city.

What's the story behind it?

The park's origins go back to 1978, when residents of Vallecas began pushing for a natural barrier to shield their neighborhood from the noise and disruption of the M-40. The land itself had previously served as an informal dump, locally known as the "vertedero de las casas bajas." A formal design was drawn up in 1982 by architect Manuel Paredes together with Uruguayan landscape architect Leandro Silva, and the project was completed in 1988. The park stands today as one of the tangible results of grassroots demands from the early years of Spain's democratic period, when residents of outlying districts pushed hard for real improvements to their quality of life.

What will you actually see?

The most recognizable feature is a series of artificial mounds and hills, which earned the park its informal nickname as the "park of hills" — visible both from the internal paths and from the M-40 itself. Broad meadows are shaded by dense stands of pine, plane trees, elms, and maples, filled out with shrubs and seasonal flowers. The tree cover provides welcome shade and cooler air even during Madrid's hot summers, while open plazas scattered through the park invite people to sit, socialize, or simply rest.

What can you do here?

Lineal de Palomeras is a popular spot for active recreation — runners, cyclists, and skateboarders all find stretches suited to their pace, from flat paths to the rolling terrain around the hills. The park also has dedicated sports facilities and children's play areas, making it a solid choice for a family outing. Because it's woven into the Anillo Verde Ciclista, it also functions as a natural stopping point for anyone cycling the full green ring around Madrid. In spring and autumn, themed nature walks combining birdwatching with poetry readings are occasionally organized here as well.

When's the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the most rewarding seasons, with mild temperatures and vegetation at its most striking — fresh green growth in spring, colorful foliage in autumn. In summer, the tree-shaded paths and open meadows offer relief from the city heat, though early morning or late afternoon visits are more comfortable than midday. Winter brings a quieter, calmer atmosphere, appreciated by visitors looking for a break from the bustle of central Madrid.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, Lineal de Palomeras Park is a public municipal park, and access is free year-round.

Can you cycle through the park? Yes, it's part of Madrid's Anillo Verde Ciclista route and has designated cycling paths.

Is it a good place to visit with children? Yes, the park has playgrounds and open meadows that make it well suited to family visits.

Why does the park have artificial hills? They were built as part of the 1982 landscaping design by Manuel Paredes and Leandro Silva, and remain the park's most recognizable feature, visible even from the M-40.