Outdoor & Sport Activities in Madrid

While large cities don’t often seem the ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts to venture to on vacation, this is not the case with Spain’s capital, Madrid. This corner of the country is surrounded by deep valleys, rugged canyons and sky-scraping mountains, all of which can be explored easily from the heart of the city.

Outdoor and sport activities in Madrid range from leisurely horse rides to enlivening bungee jumps and bumpy quad tours.

Horse Riding

Those who wish to step outside the hustle and bustle of the city center and experience the tranquility of the region’s greenery should consider participating in a horse riding tour in Madrid.

Whether you’re an experienced rider or not, you can hop onto the back of a four-legged friend and trot along the lofty Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range that stretches along the Iberian Peninsula. It's the closest national park to Madrid, welcoming thousands of horse riders every year.

Alternatively, discover the dense forests and sparkling waters of the Lozoya Valley or the pine thickets of Cercedilla. Horseback riding adventures last between 2 and 3 hours and provide a great way to explore the peaceful outdoors, away from the crowds.

Bike Tours

Being Spain's largest city, it's tough to see it all on foot. And if you're driving around, you'll miss the nice little corners of this cosmopolitan city. Bike tours in Madrid provide an excellent in-between option.

Whether you’re a classic cycling enthusiast or prefer an e-bike to get you from A to B, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. These excursions enable you to see a multitude of attractions and explore several neighborhoods across the city in just a few short hours, which is ideal for those with a limited itinerary.

From the iconic Plaza Mayor to the spires of La Almudena Cathedral, you’ll gain a thorough introduction to Madrid as you cycle leisurely through its maze of streets.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

From ground level, Spain's skyline looks majestic. But from the sky, it's an entirely different world.

An activity for the thrill seekers among you, hot air balloon rides in Madrid provide you with unparalleled views over the UNESCO-listed city of Segovia during which you’ll see its beautifully preserved 1st-century Roman aqueduct and Gothic cathedral.

You'll usually be picked up from your hotel and taken to the launch site in the dark morning hours, before soaring up to 3,000 feet above the ground.

Alternatively, those who wish to see Spain from above can do so on an airplane tour in Madrid and feel their adrenaline rise as they take control of their aircraft.

Or, tumble and loop the loop through the air on an acrobatic flight if you dare. Another option for those who wish to pilot their own vehicle is to participate in a Madrid helicopter tour and head to a range of destinations, including Toledo and Casarrubios.

Bungee Jumping

Those looking for the biggest adrenaline rush the city has to offer can instead try bungee jumping in Madrid. Throwing yourself off a bridge into thin air takes a certain nerve, but those who manage to muster up the courage will experience a high like no other as they plummet toward the earth at eye-watering speeds before bouncing back up again at the last moment.

You can take the leap of faith at the Lozoya Viaduct or the Taboada Bridge, both located less than an hour from the city. The activity typically lasts for a few minutes, but the entire experience with travel included is usually around 3 hours.

Alternatively, you can try skydiving in Madrid and experience life above the clouds, jumping out of a plane from 4,000 meters above ground level. Those who are new to extreme sports may instead prefer indoor skydiving in Madrid, or even paragliding, during which you’ll let the wind sweep you across the region’s scenic lands.

Canoeing

When it comes to water sports, there are myriad options for you to discover, one of the most popular of which is a canoeing tour in Madrid, just a stone’s throw from the city center.

These excursions are typically self-guided, meaning that you can spend several hours exploring the wonders of the San Juan Reservoir with your loved ones without other tourists getting in your way. You’ll also have plenty of opportunity to brush up on your paddling skills, without feeling the embarrassment of anyone else watching.

Similar to canoeing, kayaking in Madrid is also a popular choice, as well as stand-up paddleboarding for those who wish to strengthen their core without hitting the gym. The San Juan Reservoir is famed for its watersports and those who find themselves in this region can try out a wakeboarding tour in Madrid. Not for the faint of heart, this activity requires you to develop your balance and agility all while being dragged through the water at rip-roaring speeds.

Or whoop your way through a Madrid flyboard experience as you hover over the lake’s surface. Jet ski tours from Madrid are also popular among those who like to feel the wind whipping through their hair at speeds of up to 110 kilometers per hour.

Escape Games

One of the most exciting activities available is an escape room in Madrid. While some of these tours offer up this game of logic inside a specific facility, the majority of escape rooms are outdoor scavenger hunts where, together with your group, you’ll work against the clock to solve riddles, clues and puzzles to unlock the next destination on the list.

This will allow you to see the major landmarks of Madrid in the most fun way possible, making this the perfect option for birthday trips, bachelor parties and team-building events.

Zip Lining

Travel to the ancient town of Toledo, famed for its steel-working history, and, while you’re there, don a helmet to experience the longest urban zip line in Europe. Covering more than 180 meters, this zip line tour in Madrid enables you to explore the city skyline effortlessly in just a few seconds.

Cercedilla is also a popular place to take part in this activity and, if you’re seeking the ultimate experience, you can combine zip lining with bungee jumping on an all-inclusive tour.

Quad Tours

When it comes to experiencing Madrid off-road, you can choose between buggy tours, jeep tours and quad tours in Madrid. These excursions bump over the rugged terrain of central Spain to a number of different destinations, meaning there’s one to suit every interest.

You’ll find Madrid buggy tours that journey through the raging rivers of the La Campiña region and jeep tours in Madrid that head to bountiful vineyards, as well as the historic city of Segovia.

Those who prefer to jump behind the wheel and explore the area at their own pace can choose to participate in a motorbike course in Madrid in order to improve their riding techniques.

Hiking

Those who wish to feel their pulse rise and endorphins flood through their body can challenge themselves to a hiking tour in Madrid. Lose yourself in the incredible landscape of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, take a multi-day walking trip to the steep slopes of Peña Oroel or experience the Bola del Mondo under a fluffy white blanket on a snow shoe tour.

Canyoning

Experience the best of the Great Outdoors through a canyoning tour in Madrid. During these excursions, you’ll rappel, slide and climb your way along the banks of one of the area’s many rivers, using the surrounding rocks as your own personal playground.

If the climbing part is what piques your interest, opt for an abseiling tour in Madrid instead, which allows you to scramble up soaring cliff faces before lowering yourself back to the ground to try again. These take place in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains (lasting around 4 hours), or you can try a more comprehensive experience in Patones de Abajo that involves climbing, caving and abseiling.

Scuba Diving

If you wish to head home from your vacation having gained a new skill, try out a scuba diving tour in Madrid. This will teach you the basics behind the watersport and allow you to practice the techniques of scuba diving in a controlled environment, surrounded by professionals.

Alternatively, if you find scuba diving isn’t for you, take surf lessons in Madrid instead and learn how to catch a wave perfectly. You can take surf lessons at the San Juan Reservoir or the actual coastal destinations like Valencia (3.5 hours away). Or, you can also go to the Honna Surf Hub – Citywave Madrid if you want to try surfing in a manmade environment.

Boat Tours

If the glistening waters surrounding the city call to you, consider booking a boat tour in Madrid. These excursions come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from sailing courses to party boats where you’ll let the drinks flow freely as you join in on a host of games and dancing. Pair your boat ride with a multitude of other water sports, such as water skiing and banana boating for a fun-filled day you won’t forget.