Running in Madrid
Discover Madrid in a different way with a running route. A healthy way to explore every corner of the city.
There’s plenty to see in the Spanish capital, and if you want to combine sightseeing with your fitness routine, there’s no better way than going for a run in Madrid.
If your trip doesn’t coincide with any of the official races held in the city, in this article we recommend the best places to go for a run in Madrid on any given day. Whether you’re an amateur or a running enthusiast, we invite you to discover the joy of running through the streets of Madrid.
The best places to go running in Madrid
From lush green parks to the wide, empty streets of the city centre at dawn, Madrid is the perfect place for long-distance running. Here are some of the best places to go running in Madrid:
El Retiro
Undoubtedly the most popular spot among Madrid’s runners, the park has a 4.5 km perimeter and several signposted routes. Running in Madrid’s El Retiro is an unmissable experience for running enthusiasts, and an opportunity to discover the architectural wonders and scenery of the city’s green lung.
Madrid Río
Another fantastic option for a run in the countryside is this park on the banks of the River Manzanares. It offers a route of over 10 km with distance markers on the ground, as well as a wide range of sports facilities.
Country House
At around 17 kilometres long, the route through Casa de Campo is ideal for keen runners. The lake provides a spectacular setting for a run whilst you enjoy the natural surroundings.
West Park
Just a stone’s throw from the Temple of Debod, in the Moncloa district, lies this large green space, one of the best places to go for a run in Madrid. It is one of the most challenging routes due to its hilly terrain and the mix of tarmac and dirt paths.
Central Madrid
If you’re someone who prefers to run at dawn or in the evening, you can go for a sightseeing run through the city centre, taking in Gran Vía and Puerta del Sol, heading towards the Paseo del Prado, or running past the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral.
Running routes in Madrid
At Hotel Único, we’d like to share two of our favourite running routes around Madrid. These are two accessible routes with little traffic that will take you to the city’s green lung, El Retiro.
El Retiro
This route starts at the Hotel Único and follows Calle de Paulo Coello to the Retiro Park. Enter through the Puerta de Alcalá and enjoy a walk that will take you past the Estanque Grande, the Palacio de Cristal and the Jardines de Herrero Palacios. Leave the park via Avenida de Menéndez Pelayo and continue around the park until you reach Paulo Coello again, heading back towards the hotel.
10 km route through the Retiro
This route extends the walk to the Paseo de Ferran Núñez and circles the lake, offering longer stretches where you can take in the full expanse of the park. After walking along the main avenues of El Retiro, exit via the Puerta de Alcalá to return to the hotel.
Go for a run in Madrid and explore the city
At Hotel Único Madrid, you’ll find the perfect accommodation for your city break. Our 5-star hotel in Madrid is situated in the Salamanca district, right in the heart of the city, allowing you to head out and explore the city’s most iconic sights.
Conocer cada destino, más allá de la estancia
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