Fake Orchid Flowers

Jardines de Sabatini : Just north of the Palacio Real you will find the Jardines de Sabatini... formal gardens which were originally laid out in the 1930s. These gardens are not too crowded so you are more or less guaranteed some peace a quiet but be aware that it is also a popular place for mothers and small children after school.

Real Jardin Botanico: If you have spent time at the Prado Museum, this is an excellent place to relax and rest your feet as it is literally steps away [the entrance is on the Plaza de Murillo]. You will find lots of flowers and shrubs around the garden, but don't expect any cafes or refreshments for sale.

Casa de Campo : This is a huge park located to the west of Madrid on the far side of the Rio Manzanares. You will find a restaurant, cafes, tennis courts, swimming pools, a lake, a zoo and the Parque de Atracciones [amusement park] here. The Casa de Campo was a former hunting ground but is now a site for picnics, lazing around, kicking a football about or even walking through the scrubland. During the Civil War, Franco's troops were based here and some signs of the trenches can still be round.

Campo del Moro : Just below the Palacio Real is Campo del Moro which is more like formal woodland than a park. There are avenues to walk along and attractive fountains [Las Conchas and Los Tritones]. You will also have the chance to see the royal carriage horses at around noon when they take their daily trot through the here for their exercise.

Parque del Oeste : This park is set into a hillside located to the northwest of the Palacio Real. At the southern end of the Parque del Oeste you will find La Rosaleda - a rose garden which is at its best during the month of May. The Paseo del Pintor Rosales runs along one side of the park and the Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida stands at the bottom of the slope. There are 2 small churches here, the one on the left is a replica where services are held and the one of the right is the original ermita which is now a museum dedicated to Goya [one of Spain's greatest artists].

Did you know?.. A 200 year old custom says that St Anthony [San Antonio] "the matchmaker" on his feast day on the 13 June draws unmarried women to the Ermita. Standing before the baptismal font, each drops 13 pins into the water, presses her palm down and then lifts it out. Each pin sticking t the skin represents a suitor.

Plaza de Vazquez de Mella : North of the Gran Via is a square with benches, a fountain and s small playground where children can burn off their excess energy.

Gail Hewitt works for and writes articles on behalf of Corona Holidays [UK] Limited - an independent UK travel agency providing beach and city hotels, apartments, villas, flights and car hire worldwide - all holidays are financially protected. Visit our or .