The 8 Best Outdoor Activities Near Madrid

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If a peaceful walk in the woods just doesn’t cut it, don’t worry; Madrid’s got options for those of us who prefer our outdoor time with a side of panic. From jumping off bridges to floating through the sky in a giant balloon, there’s no shortage of ways to get your heart rate up. Here are some of the best outdoor activities near Madrid!

If you’re up for something a little more tranquil, have a look at our hiking, climbing, or cycling near Madrid articles, and don’t miss our list of the 7 most beautiful day trips from Madrid!

1. Skydiving Near Madrid

For some reason, certain people enjoy throwing themselves out of airplanes at 4000 meters. If you’re one of those people, first of all, why? Second of all, you’re in luck! There are a few spots near Madrid where you can go skydiving, such as SkydiveMadrid. Most of them offer tandem jumps, so you don’t need any experience, and there will always be someone with you to hold your hand in case you come to your senses. In all seriousness, if you want a truly unique experience with a breathtaking view of Madrid, you absolutely have to try this!

2. Canyoning Near Madrid

Canyoning is basically a natural water park experience; jumping off rocks, sliding down waterfalls, swimming through canyons, and scrambling over boulders, all while surrounded by epic landscapes. If this sounds like your thing, have a look at our upcoming trips and join Citylife on the Júcar River!

3. Bungee Jumping Near Madrid

Have you always wanted to be a yo-yo? Well, it’s the 21st century, and you can be whatever you want to be! Just outside of Madrid are a few places where you can launch yourself off a bridge and bounce right back up like it’s no big deal, like Madrid Puenting or Dreampeaks. This outdoor activity near Madrid is intense, incredibly fun, and will shoot you up with an adrenaline kick that makes your morning coffee feel like a joke.

4. Hot Air Balloon Rides Near Madrid

We always recommend that students explore more of Spain before they go back home, and while the conventional way would be doing that by train or car, or with a p re-planned trip, you can also do it from above. Companies like Globos Boreal, the Balloon Company, and Aerotours offer Balloon rides all over the area, including the beautiful natural park Guadarrama! Do keep in mind that you might have to travel a bit to the launch sites, as the balloons have to land in open spaces.

5. Paragliding Near Madrid

You might not have wings, but the movement of the parachute when you are paragliding will surely make you feel like you’re flying. Near Madrid, companies like AirParapente and DParapente offer you the chance to soar above the mountains, valleys, and forests, feeling the breeze on your face and watching the landscape below. No experience needed, just trust the pro who’ll be flying with you and enjoy the view!

6. Adventure Parks Near Madrid

Sometimes, the urge hits to just climb a tree. At an adventure park, you can finally give in. Reject humanity, return to monkey life. Swing from vines, balance on ropes, and conquer the treetops like it’s your natural habitat. Aventura Amazonia has all the high-up chaos your inner primate could ask for. Tirolinas Go offers something similar, but their focus is largely on ziplining!

7. Horse Riding Near Madrid

For more serene outdoor activities near Madrid, horse riding near Madrid lets you connect with nature at a slower pace. There are a variety of routes that take you through forests, over hills, or alongside rivers, and all of them are sure to bring out your inner cowboy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, it’s a peaceful and unique way to enjoy the outdoors! Horseriding.es even includes a tapas picnic with some of their rides.

8. Kayaking, Canoeing, and Rafting near Madrid

If you’re the type who likes to get your adrenaline from the water, kayaking and canoeing are the perfect way to experience Spain’s natural beauty. You can choose to cruise along peaceful reservoirs and lakes, or chase a bit more excitement with faster currents. Unfortunately, except for Casa de Campo, these activities do require a bit of travel outside Madrid (so you might need a car), but they’ll cool you right down on a hot summer day. Check out some of the best kayaking spots and, if you’re up for it, dive into some epic rafting experiences!