Cheap flights to Madrid, Spain from C$ 399

Spain’s capital and largest city, Madrid is located almost dead centre of the Iberian Peninsula. Culture vultures take cheap flights to Madrid to “ooh” at the treasure troves that are the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofia galleries. All are stuffed with priceless religious paintings and magnificent royal portraits. The streets offer plenty of opportunities to say “aah”. Philip II established his royal court in Madrid in 1561 and later kings added to the streetscape with ever grander palaces, ornate cathedrals, stately public buildings and glorious monuments.

The galleries and museums might feed the mind, but Madrid has plenty to feed the soul too. It is one of Europe’s greenest cities with more than 40 parks. These include Madrid’s best-known park, the Retiro, as well as the Casa de Campo and the Parque Quinta de la Fuente del Berro.

As for feeding the belly, Madrid’s cuisine is a melting pot, literally, of all of Spain’s regional dishes. Renowned in particular for its stews and hotpots and tapas, they provide the fuel for long nights. Starting late, a night out for Madrilenos can end at breakfast time the following day.

Madrid climate

Madrid has a temperate, Mediterranean climate. Summers, when most travellers take cheap flights to Madrid, are hot with temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) or hotter, sometimes up to 40 degrees (104F). The heat is dry, not humid. Winters are cold. Daily average temperatures are about 9 degrees (48F).

Getting around Madrid

After landing on cheap flights to Madrid, the city is easy to get about on foot. When you get tired of walking taxis can be hailed on the street. There are also several taxi ranks throughout the city.

Madrid also has a fantastic metro system – cheap (fares are about €1) and very efficient. There are 12 metro lines, three tramway lines and the branch line that links Ópera to Principe Pío.

Empresa Municipal de Transporte (EMT) operates the buses. Just like the Metro, bus services are efficient and cheap. A single ticket costs €1.

One of the most wonderful ways of getting around Madrid is by cable car. The cars link terminal on Paseo Pintor Rosales with the Casa de Campo. One-way tickets (adults) cost about €3, round trips are about €5. From the cable car there are views of the Air Transport Ministry, Temple of Debod, Plaza de España skyscrapers, Royal Palace and Cathedral of the Almudena.

What is good to know if travelling to Madrid?

• El Rastro is a magnet for bargain hunters. It’s the most popular open-air flea market in Madrid, held every Sunday and public holiday. You’ll find it between Plaza Mayor, La Latina and Puerta de Toledo.
• Bull-fighting – Madrid attracts the best matadors in Spain. If you are interested, try to time cheap flights to Madrid during May and June. The San Isidro bullfight festival kicks off on May 15. San Isidro is the male patron saint of Madrid. His day is marked with local pilgrimages, fairs and bullfights.
• Among the world-renowned galleries and museums – the Prado, the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia and the Thyssen- Bornemisza – seek out a lesser-known jewel. The Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales was built in the 16th century for aristocratic nuns. As young girls entered the convent they brought with them a dowry that often included works of art. There are works by Breughel, Rubens and Titian.
• The Church of San Nicolás de los Servitas is the oldest church in Madrid, parts of which date back to the 11th century. An exhibition in the small chapel tells the story of Madrid’s early history when the Moors ruled.
• One of the best places to see flamenco is Corral de la Moreria.

Madrid airport overview

On average, 49 million travellers a year make their way through Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD), Spain’s main gateway. Conveniently close to the city centre, it is easily accessible by rail or road.

Flights to Madrid Barajas Airport come in from major hubs around the world. Acting as the main bridge between Europe and Latin America, Madrid Barajas Airport places emphasis on speed, efficiency and traveller comfort, and uses the latest technology to facilitate a smoother, more enjoyable journey.

A big part of the running of Barajas Airport is the careful monitoring of the facility’s environmental impact. The airport is run in accordance with Aena Aeropuertos’ environmental quality policy so that its activity stays within regulations. Employees, companies and users all regularly participate in awareness campaigns that examine the facilities and their impact on the airport’s natural surroundings. A ground-breaking and forward-thinking facility, Barajas Airport is as efficient as it is eco-friendly.