I'm leaving for Madrid in 2 weeks, and I am planning on proposing to my girlfriend. I have never been to Madrid, and was hoping someone can give me suggestions or ideas on romantic places to go to pop the question. I want this to be truly memorable. Please help!

What type of place do you have in mind...quiet, romantic, crowded, public, private, resteraunt, hilltop, plaza/square? Defining these things may help members give a suggestion.

I'm looking for something rather scenic, quiet, peaceful, and somewhat romantic. I don't want to do the typical fancy romantic dinner. I'd prefer we go somewhere peaceful where there aren't too many people, even if its a little outside the city. I was thinking along the lines of having a private chauffer take us somewhere for a few hours one afternoon for lunch, I just don't know where? Can anyone please throw out a few suggestions. Thanks!

It is hard to guess what your tastes may be but I have a few ideas. Are you going to have a chance to see the places before you go with your girlfriend?

1. Segovia - you could spend the day in the city, doing typical tourist things (see a guidebook - there is a Roman aquaduct among other things), and end the day up on the hill where the castle is. It is a touristy area, but if you go later in the day, it clears out better. You can also climb to the top of the castle and overlook the city, but then you will have to go during tourist hours and may have a bit more company than you wish.
2. The mountains outside Madrid offer hiking trails, and these can be empty if you go on weekdays (weekends = packed.) The views are awesome. Some other members may have suggestions of specific trails.
3. There is a mini Versailles between Segovia and Madrid.. and a board member is going to have to help me out here, I can't remember the town name or the exact name of the palace. But it has nice gardens, but the fountains aren't turned on except for specific days of the year...so that challenges the romance some. But they are still expansive and beautiful.

I'll keep thinking about it to see if I can come up with any other ideas. Hope this helps.

What a lucky lady....My husband proposed to me 6 years ago while we were vacationing in Madrid. I loved the spot -- The plaza de Oriente (it is a public spot -- but beautiful). It was right in front of the Royal Palace. There are many benches and a fountain right in the center. I will certainly never forget that moment. Enjoy the experience.

Super Lau, are you thinking of Aranjuez and La Granja? La Granja is certainly lovely.

El Parque Retiro is a quiet(er) setting within the city, if you'd like to be surrouded by trees.

Best wishes on your adventure!

Are you specifically set on Madrid? If not, I would second the suggestion of the castle in Segovia... if you want more info, I have some pictures and can post them if it would help you get a better idea. I dont know if you are traveling to other cities in Spain, but my other suggestions would be the mirador at sunset in Granada, the Alhambra at night in Granada, or the beach at night in Barcelona. Just another thought, not sure if this is supposed to be a suprise or not, but if so, a private chauffer would probably be a dead give away. Good Luck!
Kelly

I also recommend the Plaza de Oriente. It is elegant and beautiful with an ambiance that is hard to beat. Another idea would be the Parador at Chinchon for lunch. It is lovely and the square in the little town is charming. The nice gardens of Aranjuez is another suggestion. In fact, the sites of Chinchon and Aranjuez may be combined to make a nice day trip out of Madrid. Our driver/escort for a similar trip was Julio with Easy Goin'. He is an excellent person with whom to travel, and he knows when to "disappear," too.

Best Wishes! Dreams do come true in Spain!

La Granja is what I was thinking of when I said the mini Versailles. Thanks Lynette!

Chinchon would be a completely romantic spot -
Some links - see for yourself:

http://paradores-spain.com/spain/pchinchon.html
The Parador - in English

http://www.spain.info/TourSpain/Destinos/TipoIII/Datos%20Generales/N/MH/0/Ch inchon.htm?Language=EN
Visitor Bureau - in English

http://community.webshots.com/album/204158275zlaEjo
Webcam with some relatively good photos -

She's a lucky lady!