The Cable Cars of Casa de Campo offers a different view of Madrid, as well as getting a little break from the city´s hectic pace
The first time I rode the cable cars from Paseo Pintor Rosales across the Manzanares River and the M-30 highway to Casa de Campo, I was playing tour guide to my family. I was immediately impressed by the views from up above, as well as the nice little picnic area in Casa de Campo. I would later return with Pedro to spend Sunday morning escaping the craziness of downtown Madrid while enjoying the views. And, most importantly, with all of Madrid to our backs, one sunny Sunday in May of 2011, Pedro asked for my hand in marriage. So, more than two years later, I thought it was time to share with all of you the meaning of the Cable Cars of Casa de Campo of Madrid which bring us through these unique places.
You can board the Cable Cars of Madrid either from the entrance in Parque del Oeste (Pintor Rosales) or from Casa de Campo, depending on which works better for you. As we usually came from the metro or walking from our house, we would usually board from the Pintor Rosales side. The round trip entrance fee for the cable cars is 5.35 euro for adults and 4.70 euro reduced fare. There can be a long line to buy tickets, which are also available to be purchased online, so if you plan to visit on a weekend, especially a Sunday, make sure to plan in advance.
As you travel along, floating above it all, there is a recording that explains, in Spanish, what you are seeing. If you speak Spanish, it’s a helpful recording, sort of like your own private tour guide, although the downside is that on the return trip they play the same information in reverse order, so it’s a bit repetitive. The first thing you will see from the Cable Cars of Madrid (leaving from Pintor Rosales) are the beautiful Rose Gardens of the Rosaleda in Parque del Oeste. You will then pass over the Principe Pío Railroad Station which dates back to the 19th century and today serves as a transportation hub as well as a shopping center.
Once you pass the River Manzanares, you will enter the park of Casa de Campo. This is the largest public park of Madrid, and in the beginning it was property of the Royal family where they went to go hunting. In the Second Republic (May 1, 1931) the park was turned over to the state. The park is home to various flora and fauna, and provides a place for residents and visitors to Madrid to enjoy, do sports, and even participate in athletic competitions.
From the Casa de Campo side of the cable car journey, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful views of the city from afar including well known landmarks like the Templo de Debod, the Cathedral of the Almudena, the “piruli” telecommunications tower and the skyscrapers near Plaza de Castilla. We always take time to walk around the park a bit and take some photographs of the city, as well as the natural landscape, which is charming, but different depending on the season you visit.
We ruskommend that you take advantage of the Cable Cars of Casa de Campo of Madrid with 5 boquerones. You will enjoy a different view of Madrid, as well as getting a little break from the city’s hectic pace. The panoramic views from Casa de Campo are unique, and you are sure to remember the visit for years to come. If you are lucky enough to live nearby, this is a great place to spend a Sunday afternoon and enjoy nature. And, for us, it will always hold a very special memory of an unforgettable day.
