Retiro Park, or Parque del Retiro, is a 125-hectare park in the center of Madrid. Originally a royal park, it's a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can rent a boat and paddle around the park's central lake, visit the Crystal Palace, and admire the rose garden. The park also has numerous sculptures and fountains, including the striking Fuente de la Alcachofa.
Montserrat is a spectacular rocky mountain formation located an hour outside of Madrid. A site of religious pilgrimage for centuries, the mountain houses the 12th century Benedictine abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat. Visitors can take a cable car up into the mountains and hike the surrounding trails, which offer breathtaking views of the Catalonian countryside.
If you have an extra day to spare, consider visiting Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 45 minutes from Madrid. Toledo boasts stunning architecture, winding medieval streets, and rich cultural history. Alternatively, if you're looking for a shorter nature experience, consider visiting Parque del Oeste, located just west of Retiro Park. Parque del Oeste is a smaller park but has beautiful gardens, a rose garden, and a temple of debod.