Parque Princesa Leonor

Parque Princesa Leonor is one of the newest and largest urban parks in Madrid, located in the Hortaleza district within the Valdebebas development. Covering 78 hectares, it forms the transition between Valdebebas' residential blocks and the sprawling Parque Forestal Felipe VI, the second-largest public park in the city after Casa de Campo.

How do you get there?

The park sits in the northeastern part of Madrid, right next to the Valdebebas neighborhood and close to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. The easiest way in is by Metro Line 4 to one of the stations serving Valdebebas, followed by a short walk of a few minutes through the newer residential streets toward the green area. Cyclists will find the park a convenient starting point for a longer ride, since it connects directly by shared paths to Parque Felipe VI further west.

What will you see there?

The park was built in two stages. The first, more urban section adjoining Valdebebas opened in 2018, while the second and more naturalistic area — designed around the "Sol y Sombra" (Sun and Shade) concept — opened on March 26, 2023. The result is a single space that combines three distinct landscapes: a landscaped urban section, greenery recreating the traditional agroforestry landscape once found in this part of Madrid, and open meadows and woodland patches echoing the area's natural terrain.

Around 5,500 trees and 170,000 shrubs were planted across the site, and visitors can use roughly 10 kilometers of walking paths and 3 kilometers of cycling trails. The park includes several viewpoints overlooking the Madrid skyline, along with urban garden plots, buildings used for environmental education programs, and food and drink options. One of its most distinctive features is a set of insect-themed play areas — structures shaped like ladybugs and caterpillars, a giant beehive, and a large butterfly fitted with climbing ropes — making it a particularly appealing stop for families with children.

The park takes its name from Infanta Leonor de Borbón, the current Princess of Asturias, a nod to the royal family that underlines the symbolic importance of this large new green space for the Valdebebas district.

When is the best time to visit?

Given its size and open layout, the park is best explored in the morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are milder — Madrid summers can get very hot, and the trees in the newer, naturalized section are still maturing and don't yet provide full shade. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for longer walks or bike rides, when the vegetation looks its best and the viewpoints offer the clearest views over the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, Parque Princesa Leonor is a free public park, open all day with no admission charge.

Can you cycle through the park? Yes, the park has a dedicated cycling route of about 3 kilometers, and it also connects via shared paths to the neighboring Parque Felipe VI, allowing for longer rides.

Is the park suitable for children? Yes, one of its main draws is the set of insect-themed play structures — ladybugs, caterpillars, a beehive, and a butterfly with climbing ropes — designed specifically for younger visitors.

Why is the park named Princesa Leonor? It was named in honor of Leonor de Borbón, Princess of Asturias and daughter of King Felipe VI, marking the significance of this large new green space in Madrid.