Madrid is often ranked as being one of the top capital cities in Europe for iiving in. The environment of the city and its surrounding areas increases the quality of life for each Madrileño and attracts tourists to the city. People enjoy both the hot summers when the inhabitants and visitors can spend time in the parks, and the dry winters when there are cozy cafes to warm up in.
Madrid is located exactly in the middle of Spain; some say it is the heart of the Iberian Peninsula. It sits on a Meseta (plateau) at an elevation of 2,100 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest capitals in Europe. Because of this elevation, Madrid has cold, dry winters with high winds, and very hot summers.
Madrid is very close to the mountains of the Somosierra (to the north and north-east), the Guadarrama (to the north-east) and Toledo (to the south and east). Due to its high elevation and proximity to these mountains, it is said that pure air flows into Madrid from almost all sides. Due to this fact, it is one of the healthiest capital cities in Europe.
