Madrid: Golf & Much More in the Capital City
Lying almost at the very heart of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid is a bustling capital and the largest city in Spain. It's a lively metropolis with many high-quality golf courses on offer, while away from the fairways memorable experiences await for the discerning golf traveller, their family and friends.
With so much to see and do in modern Madrid, here we list the main things you can look out for during your visit...
Gastronomy
Madrid's cuisine brings together diverse styles from every corner of Spain, while also drawing influence from outside the country. The open-mindedness of Madrileños is reflected in the varied and affordable dishes you'll find throughout the many restaurants, modern gastrobars (or gastropub) and winebars in the region.
And, of course, in Madrid, you'll also sample the finest in Mediterranean cuisine along with many Michelin-starred restaurants. In a city awash with some of the very best tapas bars in the whole of Spain, endless dining options lie around every corner.
You can visit Centenary Restaurants, have some Tapas, learn more about the most traditional Madrid Style Cuisine, taste the Wines of Madrid, and check out the Gourmet Shops or the Cuisine Schools.
Culture
Madrid is a city drenched in cultural richness with plenty to satisfy the most demanding of tourist expectations.
The thriving capital boasts one of Europe's most vibrant art scenes with a real treasure-trove of high-end galleries ready to be discovered by those who appreciate the beauty in fine art. In particular, "The Golden Triangle” on the Paseo del Prado consists of the world-famous art museums Museo del Prado, the Museo Thyssen-Borenmisza and Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. Here you'll find a cherished mix of private and nationally-owned collections featuring Spanish artists such as Picasso, Goya and Dali.
Madrid's architecture is a mix of historical buildings, stunning monuments and classic Spanish homes intertwined with modern high-rises giving a proud, almost stately feel. And with more than 100 museums, nearly 200 theatres, as well as a plethora of galleries and showrooms, Madrid has plenty to offer those looking to absorb the city's culture fully.
Wine Tourism
Wine-making represents an integral part of Spain's history and identity, and Madrid, in particular, is very rich when it comes to wine culture. So, if you are a wine-lover, you will be able to get a 'taste' of the region's well-developed 'Wine Routes'.
Wine Tourism (or Eno-Tourism) is a popular draw for many visitors to Madrid. The varied landscape is home to many wineries each producing wine of outstanding quality and, while it's true that the entire country is synonymous with fine wine, Madrid is forging its own reputation as a quality wine-producing region.
Today you can visit around twenty wineries and vineyards spread throughout the region, where you can discover the reasons for the growing fame of Madrid wines.
You can learn more about the wine routes and all activities available here.
Rural Getaways
Around Madrid you will find eleven separate tourist towns, each bursting with their own unique charm and ready to delight visitors with a mix of rich historical and cultural heritage.
These towns, known as the "Villas de Madrid", are secret corners waiting to be discovered by the adventurous tourist or anyone who seeks something unique and different just outside the city. Whether you are travelling alone, with your partner, family, or friends, you can have a great experience in any of these towns during your stay in Madrid.
Some of these Villas are: Buitrago del Lozoya, Chinchón, Colmenar de Oreja, Navalcarnero and Nuevo Baztán. You can check them all out here.
And Golf, of Course
Madrid has more golf courses within a radius of 25km than any other European capital, and the quality of golf courses is unquestionable. With courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus (La Moraleja), Jose Maria Olazabal (Retamares) and Seve Ballesteros (Golf Santander), those looking to hit the fairways will have plenty of quality options.
Other highly notable courses include Club de Campo, El Encin, RACE, Real Sociedad, Centro Nacional, Real Club de Golf La Herrería - each of which have hosted numerous European Tour events.
With many courses open to visiting golfers, you are sure to find your next exhilarating golfing adventure in Madrid.