Forget the coast: could Madrid become a beach holiday destination?

ANYONE looking to book a beach holiday in Spain has plenty of beautiful coastal destinations to choose from. Madrid is not one of them. Not yet anyways.

Known for its world class museums, lush green parks, exquisite culinary scene and lively nightlife, the Spanish capital is ideal for a weekend getaway. But soon, Madrid could also attract holidaymakers who want nothing more than kick back and relax on a sandy beach.

Artificial beach near madrid opens in 2028

After years in development, construction has finally started on Alovera Beach, a man-made lagoon located in Guadalajara, just 30 minutes away from Madrid City Centre. Locals and tourists need only hope in a car and travel the 50 kilometres along the A-2 motorway before arriving at paradise.

The park will occupy 104,000 square metres and include a 21,000 square metre crystal clear lagoon and 16,000 square metres of sandy white beach. A Beach Club and water sports complex will keep those who aren’t satisfied with swimming or tanning entertained.

Visitors can also look forward to a range of activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding and beach volleyball, alongside restaurants, children’s areas and spaces to relax. The complex is being designed to appeal to families, groups of friends and adults looking for a day out, with the beach club offering a more laid-back atmosphere.

When will Alovera Beach open to the public?

The artificial beach has been in development for quite some time. First announced in 2017, the project has yet to predict an accurate opening date. Previous grand openings were announced for 2020, 2023 and spring 2027, but never materialized.

Developers now reveal the beach is expected to open to the public in summer 2028, bringing with it a new demographic of tourists to Madrid. Construction is expected to continue until March 2028, following the official start of work in October 2026.

The project represents an investment of more than €29 million and is expected to create over 150 direct and indirect jobs. Beyond the beach itself, the development could provide a boost to the surrounding area, particularly for businesses in hospitality, retail, transport and other services.

Could Alovera Beach attract more tourists to Madrid?

Alovera Beach is intended to offer a holiday-style experience without the need to travel to Spain’s traditional seaside destinations. Its combination of sandy shores, water sports, dining and leisure facilities could make it a popular summer destination for people living in Madrid and beyond.

In the first half of 2026, the Spanish capital received more than 5.6 million visitors, according to Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE). While Madrid has long attracted visitors for its culture, food and nightlife, Alovera Beach could give tourists another reason to extend their stay or plan a summer trip. Travellers who might otherwise head straight to Spain’s Mediterranean coast could be tempted to spend a few days exploring the capital before swapping its busy streets for white sand and clear water.

If the latest plans stay on track summer 2028 could finally bring a new kind of beach break to central Spain.