This great artificial lake originates in the 16th century, part of the landscaping project ordered by the king Felipe II to the architect Juan Bautista de Toledo, to refurbish the Real Sitio de la Casa de Campo. The lake was completely restored in 2018 and now it is a perfect place to enjoy nature, while you have a drink or a snack in one of the bars or restaurants located around it, or for water sports.
The lake occupies an area of 80,150 square meters, with a volume of 158,637.41 cubic meters of water and a depth that varies from a maximum of 4.50 meters to a minimum of 1.20 meters. The perimeter is 1,370 meters long.
Taking a walk through its surroundings, that were declared Cultural Heritage Monument as a Historic Site, you can find different kinds of trees and bushes like arbutus, tamarix, maples, mountain ashes, banana trees and elms. Close to the restaurant area there is a viewpoint that gives you amazing views of the lake, the park and of Madrid.
The pier which spans more than 250 square metres divided into four pontoons, currently has around 50 rowing boats for recreational use and the possibility of canoeing and kayaking. Boat rentals can be booked through the "Madrid Móvil" application or the sports / website. On entering, go to the “Open classes“ section, where you will be able to choose the facility and book the boat rental in advance.
Very close you can also visit the Entomological Center Manuel Ortego that has one of the most important collections of Coleoptera (beetles) and Lepidoptera (butterflies) and the Zoo, Amusement Park and Casa de Campo Fairground. All of these places are very easily accessible, not only by bus and underground, but also on foot on Avenida de Portugal from Madrid Río.
OUTSTANDING GASTRONOMY ON THE SHORES OF THE LAKE
Around the Lake at Casa de Campo, there are various restaurants with an interesting culinary offer, further contributing to the value of this beautiful natural setting in Madrid. Run by prestigious catering groups, such as Triciclo, Casa Remigio or Urogallo, visitors to the lake will be able to savour the different Spanish cuisine proposals.