Madrid's Beautiful Blue Skies and Magnificent Sunsets
When we think of Madrid, many things come to mind, not the least of which are the beautiful blue skies and magnificent sunsets we enjoy there when the weather is clear: which is most of the time. According to TripSaavy.com on November 29, 2020 "Madrid... enjoys around 350 sunny days per year, making it Europe's sunniest capital (an honor it shares with Athens, Greece)." We pretty much knew Madrid had a lot of sunny days from our personal experience but figured some might want a little proof and this is what Google served up when we searched. The photo here is the morning sky over Madrid on Palm Sunday 2018. We had such fun that day! But we digress...
Honestly, when we started drafting this yesterday, we were feeling lazy. So we started out by asking Google's Gemini AI chatbot to write an article about sunsets in Madrid; specifically referencing certain places. Yikes! Let's just say the bot had its east and west mixed up and the "how to get there" information it generated would've gotten even Amerigo Vespucci lost. We'd been wondering if AI might be helpful. We now feel that fact checking is an absolute necessity when using it. For now, we'll go with our own knowledge and experience so that you can count on us for inspiration and guidance.
Top Places to See the Madrid Sunset
Now let's explore several locations where you can view a stunning sunset in Madrid. We think it makes a good evening activity whether you are visiting for the first time or a resident. And if you've just arrived and jet lag is an issue, this is a chill way to spend the evening before grabbing a bite to eat and heading to bed. Some places get more crowded than others. But each has its own charm and history. So, grab your portable picnic blanket and join us (sponsored link to Travel & Leisure's best blanket for 2024).
An Egyptian Temple in West Central Madrid
On our past several trips to Madrid, we had Templo de Debod on our agenda for viewing the sunset. We typically check to see what time sunset is (use the weather app on your phone or just google it) and plan to get there a half an hour early. There are many shade trees where you can sit on the grass and enjoy a snack and your beverage of choice. Just be discreet if you have an adult beverage. This is where a light-weight portable blanket will come in handy. This ancient Egyptian temple, dating back to the beginning of the second century BC, was a gift to Madrid from Egypt in the late 20th century. It was dismantled and reconstructed in Parque del Oeste. The temple originally stood in Lower Nubia, near the Nile River. When they built the Aswan Dam, this temple was in the flood plain and needed to be rescued from future water damage. Some feel that it should be housed in such a way to protect it from the elements. But for now we can enjoy it where it is. To get there, make your way to Plaza de España and head northwest from there.
Between the Royal Palace and the Cathedral
In between the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) and the Almudena Cathedral is the Plaza de la Armería which overlooks the beautiful Campo del Moro to the west. This is another great place to see the sunset and watch it bathe the palace and the cathedral with light. Like the Templo de Debod, this is just a short walk from the Plaza de España and you can take the opportunity to wander through Plaza de Oriente, one of our favorite places in Madrid.
Park of the Seven Breasts
Last year we had el Cerro del Tío Pío on our list too. But we just couldn't fit it in. We are headed back to Madrid in September and plan to go there to see the sunset. Also known as the “Park of the Seven Breasts,” we've been told this park offers unique views of central Madrid. It was developed in the 1980s and continues to be a popular place to visit. This is another opportunity to use the blanket you packed. Your best choice for getting there would be to get a taxi or an Uber. This would take you about 7 minutes from the Atocha train station, or longer if you are at a different starting point or if there is traffic. Another option would be to take the metro line one (light blue) to the Portazgo station and then walk 14 minutes. We haven't done this, and we don't know if it's easy to find. If you download the Madrid map for offline use (see below), you can use it to find your way without using your phone's data.
Dehesa de la Villa
Mirador Dehesa de la Villa is a lookout that's away from the central part of the city. We've never been there but we hear it is another great place to see the sunset. This park is on the north-west side of Madrid near the university. It has a rich history dating all the way back to Queen Isabel II’s reign when it was replanted with pine trees. From here you can watch the sunset over the Moncloa neighborhood. Take the metro line 3 (yellow line) to Moncloa. Exit on the east side of Calle de la Princesa, find the stop for bus 82 and take it 13 stops north (about 16 minutes) to Navalperal - Madrigal and then walk about eight minutes. Your map will come in handy for the walk. You could also take a taxi or an Uber, but these were not the preferred means according to Google.
Each of these places offers a unique vantage point for experiencing the sunset in Madrid. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a just in search of a place to chill in the evening with your squad, these spots will not disappoint.
Travel Tip - Offline Google Maps
Downloading a Google map of Madrid for offline use:
For iPhone (we tested this on April 23, 2024, but things change).
In the Maps app, search for Madrid, Spain.
Tap on the resulting map.
Swipe up to show the information pane.
Tap on the three dots next to the share icon.
Tap Download offline map.
Zoom in if you want to limit it to a smaller area.
Tap download.
Then to access the downloaded map..,
Tap your profile image.
Tap offline maps.
Tap the Madrid item.
We don't have access to an android phone. But you can search Google and find out how to do this on a different phone if you need to. This is a very nice feature in case you need to find your way and you don't have an international data plan or a local SIM card.
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