Madrid is almost alone among major European capitals in that it is not defined by its water features. It has no natural lakes and a river that is an afterthought rather than a centerpiece. Set in the dead center of Spain, the city sits on an arid plateau that sizzles during the hot summer months. Most Madrilenos flee the city during August for the coast. Those who remain are remarkably resourceful when it comes to finding somewhere to cool off. Visitors can find bodies of water for swimming but must be prepared to share them with some significant crowds on the days the mercury rises.