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Getafe

Getafe, Madrid, Spain

Getafe: A Taste of Authentic Spain Just Outside Madrid While many tourists flock to Madrid's bustling center, a hidden gem awaits just a stone's throw away. Getafe, a vibrant city steeped in history and brimming with Spa…

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Getafe.

Top Hotels in Getafe

Top Flights to Getafe

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Getafe.

Tours

Royal Palace of Aranjuez Visit

Explore the stunning Royal Palace of Aranjuez, a beautiful example of Spanish baroque architecture.

Parque Warner Madrid Visit

Spend a thrilling day with family and friends at Parque Warner Madrid, a renowned theme park close to Getafe.

Explore Getafe's Historical Center

Stroll through the historical center of Getafe and discover its charming streets and historical buildings.

Shopping

Gran Via Getafe Shopping Experience

Enjoy a shopping spree at Gran Via Getafe, a bustling shopping district with numerous stores and boutiques.

El Bercial Shopping Spree

Shop at El Bercial, a vast shopping area catering to all your retail needs with a variety of stores available.

Outdoor

Getafe Outdoor Adventure

Engage in exciting outdoor activities like hiking and cycling through the beautiful landscapes around Getafe.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Getafe.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Getafe, Madrid, Spain is around 0.2 million.

Languages

Spanish, Spanish

Average weather

Getafe

Jan

10°3°

Feb

12°4°

Mar

16°6°

Apr

18°8°

May

22°11°

Jun

28°16°

Jul

33°19°

Aug

32°19°

Sep

28°16°

Oct

21°11°

Nov

15°6°

Dec

11°4°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Getafe.

What people love

Getafe, located in the Madrid region of Spain, offers several advantages for travelers:

Proximity to Madrid: Getafe is just a short distance away from the Spanish capital, Madrid. This allows visitors to easily access the cultural attractions, museums, shopping centers, and vibrant nightlife of Madrid while staying in a quieter and more relaxed environment in Getafe.
Historic Sites: Getafe has a rich history and is home to several historic sites, including the Church of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, the Church of San José, and the Castillo de la Marquesa, a 19th-century castle. Exploring these sites can provide insights into the region's past.
Parks and Green Spaces: Getafe boasts several parks and green spaces where visitors can relax and enjoy nature. The Parque de la Alhóndiga and the Parque de Castilla-La Mancha are popular spots for picnics, leisurely walks, and outdoor activities.
Sporting Events: Getafe is home to the Getafe Club de Fútbol, a professional football team that competes in La Liga, the top division of Spanish football. Attending a match at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez stadium can be a thrilling experience for sports enthusiasts.
Local Cuisine: Getafe offers a variety of dining options, ranging from traditional Spanish tapas bars to international cuisine. Visitors can sample local specialties such as cocido madrileño (a hearty stew) and churros con chocolate (fried dough served with hot chocolate).

These are just a few of the pros of traveling to Getafe, Madrid, Spain. Each traveler may find different aspects of the city appealing based on their interests and preferences.

What to know

Getafe is a city located in the Madrid metropolitan area in Spain. While Getafe is a vibrant and culturally rich city with many attractions, there are some potential cons to consider when traveling there:

Distance from Madrid city center: Getafe is located about 13 kilometers south of Madrid city center. This distance may make it less convenient for travelers who want to explore the main tourist attractions in Madrid.
Limited nightlife options: Getafe is known more for its academic institutions and industrial areas rather than its nightlife scene. If you are looking for a bustling nightlife with bars and clubs, you may find Getafe lacking in comparison to other areas in Madrid.
Language barrier: While many people in Getafe, especially in tourist areas, may speak English, you may encounter some language barriers, especially if you venture off the beaten path. It could be helpful to brush up on some basic Spanish phases to facilitate communication.
Limited tourist infrastructure: Getafe is not as well-known as other cities in Spain like Madrid or Barcelona, so it may have a less developed tourist infrastructure. This could mean fewer accommodation options, restaurants, and tourist services compared to more popular destinations.
Weather: Getafe, like the rest of Spain, can experience very hot temperatures in the summer months. If you are not accustomed to high temperatures, this could make exploring the city uncomfortable.

Overall, while Getafe has its own unique charm and attractions, it may not offer the same level of convenience and amenities as larger cities like Madrid. It is important to consider these factors when planning a trip to Getafe.

Getafe is a city within the Community of Madrid, Spain, with a rich history and several important landmarks. Here’s a detailed historical overview:

Ancient and Medieval History

Ancient Times: The area where Getafe is now located has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archaeological findings suggest the presence of humans during the Paleolithic era. The region was later influenced by Roman civilization, as evidenced by remnants of Roman villas and roads.
Middle Ages: During the medieval period, the area was part of the Muslim territory until the Christian reconquest in the 11th century. Getafe, like many towns in the region, developed around a small settlement and an agricultural community.

Modern History

16th to 18th Century: The modern name 'Getafe' is believed to have evolved from the Arabic term 'Jata’, which means "something flat" or "plain", referring to the geography of the area. In 1326, Getafe was officially established as a town. The town grew in importance due to its location on the royal road connecting Madrid to Andalusia.
19th Century: The industrial revolution brought significant change to Getafe. The construction of the railway in the 19th century connected it more efficiently to Madrid, aiding in its growth as an industrial and residential area.
20th Century: Getafe underwent further industrial expansion in the 20th century. It also became an important location for the Spanish air force, with the establishment of the Getafe Air Base. The population grew significantly, particularly during the Franco regime, as people migrated from rural areas to work in factories.

Significant Events and Figures

Spanish Civil War: Getafe, like much of Spain, was affected by the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The area saw several battles, and its industrial capacity was repurposed for the war effort.
Post-Franco Era: Following the death of Francisco Franco in 1975, Getafe, along with the rest of Spain, transitioned to democracy. The city continued to grow, becoming a significant urban center.

Important Landmarks

Cerro de los Ángeles: This hill is considered the geographical center of the Iberian Peninsula. It is home to the Monument to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, inaugurated in 1919, and a site of religious pilgrimage.
Cathedral of La Magdalena: With its origins in the 16th century, this is one of the most important religious structures in Getafe. It was declared a Cultural Heritage site in 1958.
Getafe Air Base: Established in the early 20th century, the air base is a significant military installation and contributes to the local economy.
University of Carlos III: A prominent educational institution in Spain, with a campus located in Getafe, contributing to the city’s cultural and academic significance.

Contemporary Developments

In recent decades, Getafe has continued to develop economically and culturally, becoming one of the key suburban areas of Madrid. It has a diverse population and serves as an industrial, educational, and residential hub within the Madrid metropolitan area.

These elements collectively illustrate the historical significance and the ongoing development of Getafe as a prominent city in Spain.