Madrid Río

More than 10km (6 miles) long, the Madrid Río has transformed a previously neglected part of the city to create an urban park on the banks of the Manzanares River. Dotted with historic monuments, viewpoints, pedestrian and cycle paths, it symbolises a hugely successful riverfront regeneration scheme; previously an ugly motorway scythed through this part of the city. Highlights include an orchard restored with more than 800 fruit trees, a glasshouse, a city beach and children's playgrounds.