If you are one of those who think that it is necessary to take care of the body, even (or especially) on vacation, you're in luck. In Madrid there is a wide range of sport activities for everyone. Whether you like to practice it alone, or you enjoy team or family sports, you will find different alternatives that for sure will cover your expectations in this brief list. So now you know, if you come to Madrid ... do not forget to put the sneakers in the suitcase!
Jogging
If you've taken a look at the "Parks and Gardens" section, you may have noticed that Madrid is a paradise for runners. From the central Retiro Park with a lap of 6.29 km or the Madrid Rio Park, where you can jog around the whole city, to the Casa de Campo Park, where you’ll be able to like in the countryside, but only a few minutes away from the city.
Swimming Pools
Why give up something so relaxing like swimming just because you're on holiday in a region without a beach? Madrid has an excellent network of municipal pools in order to exercise or spend a relaxing day lying in the sun. For those who prefer more exclusive environments, there is a variety of private pools installed in the most impressive roof tops at the very city center, accessible to everyone on payment of an entry ticket.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
If you like soccer, you probably already have this place listed as a "must-see". Real Madrid's stadium was opened in 1947 and has undergone several renovations throughout its history. Currently it has the capacity to accommodate more than 81,000 spectators, making it the third largest stadium in Europe. Make a tour of the interior, search the store for the team merchandising, or lunch at one of the restaurants located inside. Of course, if your visit coincides with a match, don’t hesitate! You’ll rarely have the opportunity to experience such an environment again.
Skiing
Madrilians love skiing, and for it, they have several options: first, local stations like Navacerrada and Valdesqui, at 50 and 70 km away from the center of Madrid respectively, secondly, the artificial snow slope Snowzone (see "families"), also very close to the city. Already outside of Madrid, both north and south, there are spectacular natural slopes like Formigal with an area of 137 kilometers and only a few hours away by car.
Golf
There are over 100,000 people in Madrid who joined the golf federation and 34 golf clubs of every level so they can all practice their favorite sport. From the luxurious and exclusive clubs of La Moraleja or Puerta de Hierro, with 18 holes each, to the popular Jarama RACE, with thousands of players every year. A whole circuit of fields prepared to accommodate from beginners, to the most professional and demanding golf players.
Gyms
Holiday periods are complicated when trying to watch our figures and eat healthy, especially if you are in a city with so many delicious things to eat like Madrid!. That is why we recommend to all weight watchers to experiment without limits on the table, and spend a few hours occasionally burning calories at the gym. In Madrid almost every high-end hotels have a small fitness room, but if you want something more complete, you can find a wide range of gyms in the city center with one day vouchers that will allow you to use the all its facilities. Examples include the Metropolitan Palace Santa Ana, or Gymage Lounge Resort.
Biking
If you like to exercise outdoors, a very good option is a bicycle route. Quite and moderate around the Retiro Park, guided like the ones offered at Rent & Roll, urbanites around Madrid Río Park, or intense and professional through the Casa de Campo. In Madrid there are opportunities for everyone. But let us give you one piece of advice, whatever you do on the bike, mind the traffic!
