Madrid is located approximately 350 kilometres (around 220 miles, around a
4-hour drive) from the nearest beach in the region of Valencia, but by the year 2010, the Madrid beach will be a reality!
In January 2008, the Madrid Río project (el Plan Especial Madrid-Río) was unveiled by the Lord Mayor of Madrid, Alberto Ruíz Gallardón.
Due to the move underground of a large section of Madrid's inner ring-road, the M-30, 820 hectares along the Manzanares River will be converted into a long park, and including an
urban beach, rowing lanes on the river, walks, bicycle paths, kiosks, cafés and restaurants, terraces, cultural and sports facilities, areas for pensioners and children's play areas. All this just 1.5
kilometres from the Puerta del Sol
in the centre of Madrid.
Tourist Accommodation Near Arganzuela Park & Madrid Beach
This large green area will run alongside Madrid's river for a total of 6 kilometres and will be an average of 25 metres wide, connecting already existing green areas such as the
Casa del Campo with the city centre.
Madrid's beach will be located close to the existing Arganzuela park, near the old slaughterhouse (Madrid Matadero), which is been converted into a cultural centre, with exhibitions, workshops and conferences. This area will allow tourists and inhabitants alike to enjoy a seaside atmosphere with areas for sunbathing.
INSTITUTIONAL VIDEO EXPLAINING THE MADRID RIO PROJECT AND BEACH
More than 5000 new trees will be planted in the Arganzuela park, which will also enjoy skating rinks, an auditorium for concerts, a new cultural centre and the already mentioned children's areas. In total, the green areas will have more than 26000 trees.
The project includes the restoration of the magnificent old bridges across the river, such as the Puente de Segovia, the Puente del Rey and the Puente de Toledo. 11 new footbridges will be built, allowing better access to both sides of the river, and a green
corridor of pine trees will provide pleasantly shaded walks.
Existing sidewalks will be widened and new parking facilities built.
The project will be undertaken in 2009 and 2010, and hopefully ready for completion by the end of 2010.
