How to Survive a Summer in Madrid
There’s nothing quite like a summer in Madrid. With no beaches nearby, it’s one of few Spanish cities that gets almost abandoned during the summer (that may be a slight exaggeration, but there are significantly less people here in the summer). Everyone opts out for either Valencia, Barcelona or anywhere, just anywhere where they could get just a little bit of a breeze.
Temperatures in Madrid can reach 40°C and average at 32°C and it may catch some people off guard – especially if you’re not used to the heat. Here’s how you should prepare for a hot summer in Madrid:
1. Invest in air-conditioning
Something you might want to consider when renting a flat or room in Madrid for the summer is air conditioning. This varies from apartment to apartment and it’s best to make sure you ask your landlord just to be safe. Spotahome makes this easier for you – here are some of our favorite summer apartments in Madrid’s city centre with air conditioning:
If AC is not an option in your apartment, getting a decent fan should be very easy and effective and might save you from a bad night’s sleep.
Have a look at properties in Madrid with AC.
2. It’s a pool party!
There are quite a few public swimming pools and aqua parks around Madrid. They stay open from open from May 31st to September 7th. Here are our top 5 most unique swimming pools in Madrid and surrounding area:
1. Piscina Universidad Complutense
Piscina Universidad Complutense. Image source: laplayademadrid
This is a perfect option for students as the swimming pool area has a friendly bar with cheap food (just 5€ for a full menu!) and an overall student atmosphere. Known as one of the best swimming pools in Madrid, it provides endless amounts of fun.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 11am to 8pm.
Price: 5€
Address: Avenida Obispo Trejo, 28040 Madrid,
Metro station: Moncloa
Tel: 913 94 35 98
2. Parque Deportivo Puerta del Hierro
Parque Deportivo Puerta del Hierro. Image source: ociopormadrid
The diverse park can brag as one of Madrid’s biggest sport parks and one of the largest in Europe. Among other things, you’ll be able to find a large swimming pool and plenty of activities that will keep you occupied and cooled down for the entire day.
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 8am – 10pm
Price: As prices vary, make sure you contact the number below for official prices for your desired activity.
Bus route: Bus 83, 133
Address: Ctra. de La Coruña, 28040 Madrid
Tel: 913 76 86 80
3. Piscinas naturales de Cercedilla (Las Dehesas)
Piscinas naturales de Cercedilla (Las Dehesas). Image source: bloginmadrd
If you want to escape the city buzz for a day, we’d definitely recommend these natural swimming pools located on Valle de la Fuenfría. You can relax in the pool, enjoy the beautiful scenery, grab a bite and return home at the end of the day. Please note that you have to take a train to Cercedilla and walk or take a bus from Cercedilla train station to the swimming pools so I would definitely recommend these pools as a one day getaway.
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 10am to 8pm
Price: Mon – Fri: 5,50€ Sat – Sun: 6,50€
Address: Piscinas Naturales Cercedilla, 28479 Las Dehesas
Tel: 918 52 57 40
4. La Terraza de Óscar Pool Club
La Terraza de Óscar Pool Club. Image source: teveoenmadrid
Those who wish to indulge in a little bit of wine and dine while you soak your feet in a swimming pool with one of the best views in the city should definitely check out this beautiful terrace. Located right in Chueca, this amazing terrace really can’t be beat.
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 12pm -6:30pm. Terrace bar 7pm-2am (Fri-Sun until 3am)
Price: Full day 40€, after 15:30 20€
Closest metro: Gran Via, Chueca
Address: Room Mate Oscar, Plaza Vázquez de Mella 12, 28004 Madrid
Tel: 917 01 11 73
5. Centro Deportivo Municipales
Fitness enthusiasts will be delighted to know that Madrid offers a lot of sports centres with swimming pools and sometimes even sauna option. For more information on finding a specific sports centre near you, check out Madrid’s official website.
You can find a complete list of Madrid’s swimming pools here.
3. Take a break
The best thing about Madrid is that it’s very close to cities that DO have a beach, like Barcelona and Valencia. There are several different ways to get to Barcelona and Valencia from Madrid – from using Blablacar (carsharing service) to regular trains, buses, coaches and even airplanes – the options are endless and there are many train and bus companies to choose from.
With such easy transport access and a variety of accommodation to choose from, you can take a break from the heat and enjoy a few days in the breeze – we’re sure you deserve it! While you’re at it, make sure to check out Spotahome’s room and apartment options in Valencia and Barcelona!
So get your summer clothes ready (and note that 2015 summer sales season start on 21st of June and run until 21st of September), grab your sunscreen and prepare for a hot summer!