Summary
Madrid, while being one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, is decidedly landlocked. In fact, it’s over 300 kilometers, or nearly 200 miles, from the sea. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have a few options for a visit to the beach during your stay in Madrid if you’re willing to do a little bit of travel and get creative.
Valencia: Your Best & Fastest Bet
Thanks to the high-speed AVE train, the nearest beach to Madrid is in Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city and a verifiable Mediterranean metropolis. You can get there by train from Madrid in an hour and 40 minutes, then take a taxi to the city beach. While it may be pricey, it’s certainly an achievable day trip from Madrid. If you catch the earliest possible AVE train from Madrid (which usually leaves around 8 a.m. or shortly after), you can be in Valencia and on the beach by midmorning.
Valencia itself also serves as a great base if more fun in the sun is on your agenda. The city is well connected to numerous other beach destinations nearby. To truly maximize your summer, consider a longer stay in Valencia, allowing for day trips to other beautiful locations. One great option is Alicante, which perfectly blends an exciting city vibe with that of a laid-back coastal town.
Catalonia: Beach Fun Further Afield
If your itinerary and budget allow, you can also hop on the AVE in Madrid and head for Catalonia. The AVE also reaches the northeast of Spain, so you can reach Barcelona in three hours or Tarragona in two and a half. Both locations feature some of the country’s best city beaches. Barcelona in particular serves as an excellent base for discovering the region’s pristine playas, while Tarragona is perfect for those who enjoy a side of history and culture with their sun and sand—it’s one of Spain’s foremost destinations for Roman ruins.
Costa del Sol: Spain’s Most Emblematic Beaches
Although it may set you back more than a hundred euros, the AVE train also services Malaga, making it easy to visit the Costa del Sol from Madrid. If the magic and passion of Andalusia calls out to you, this route is your best option. You can reach Malaga from Madrid in less than three hours, allowing you to spend time at the beautiful beaches in a nearby town via the Cercanías commuter train.
Alberche Beach: A Hidden Gem Along the River
Believe it or not, there’s a charming little beach within an hour of Madrid itself. While Alberche Beach isn’t located by the sea, it bursts with so much coastal, tropical charm that you’ll almost forget you’re at the junction of the Alberche and Perales rivers. Locals flock here on weekends for sun and fun close to the city—you can rent boats, picnic, and practice swimming all just a quick trip from Madrid.
Sounds appealing? Renting a car is your best option to reach Alberche Beach, although that may not be feasible for everyone. If not, bus 551 from Príncipe Pío also serves the area.
Madrid Rio: Fun in the Sun Within City Limits
Madrid Rio is the latest recreational development in Madrid, featuring sports facilities, skate parks, and a stunning 17 children’s play areas (making it extremely family-friendly). Additionally, it includes an urban beach (more on that momentarily). The 10-kilometer-long park runs along the banks of the Manzanares River, boasting concert venues, a new cultural center, and over 26,000 trees.
The Madrid Beach is an urban beach area located within Madrid Rio Park between the bridges: Puente de Toledo and Puente de Praga. It transforms into an ice-skating rink, but in the summer, both locals and tourists are encouraged to take a swim and soak up the sun. The nearest metro station is Pirámides, along with several other stations including Príncipe Pío, Puerta del Ángel, Marqués de Vadillo, Legazpi, and Almendrales, providing easy access to the park.
