Aranjuez day trip from Madrid: royal palace and gardens

Aranjuez, south of Madrid, was the spring residence of the Spanish monarchy. Its royal palace, gardens along the Tagus and fertile orchards form a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape, all within reach by commuter train.

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Why go

Aranjuez offers a different side of royal Spain: green, relaxed and built around water. The town is pleasant in spring, when the gardens bloom and the river banks are shady. It suits travellers who want a calmer day out than Toledo.

Getting there

Cercanías line C3 runs from Atocha and Sol to Aranjuez in under an hour. The palace is a short walk from the station. On selected weekends in spring and autumn, the historic Tren de la Fresa (Strawberry Train) runs from Madrid with vintage carriages; dates and tickets are announced by the railway museum.

The Royal Palace

The palace dates mainly from the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries, with rooms decorated in Baroque, Rococo and neoclassical styles. Highlights include the Porcelain Room and the Smoking Room inspired by the Alhambra. Like many royal sites managed by Patrimonio Nacional, it usually closes on Mondays.

The gardens

The Jardín de la Isla sits on an island formed by the river and a canal, with fountains and shaded paths. The Jardín del Parterre lies beside the palace. The large Jardín del Príncipe stretches along the Tagus and includes the Casa del Labrador, a small but richly decorated palace, and the Museo de Falúas Reales, which displays royal pleasure boats. The gardens are free to enter during opening hours.

Food

Aranjuez is known for its strawberries and asparagus, which appear on menus in season, typically in spring. Restaurants near the river serve Castilian dishes, and there are terraces around the arcaded Plaza de San Antonio.

Music connection

The town gave its name to Joaquín Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez for guitar and orchestra, composed in 1939 and one of the best-known pieces of Spanish classical music. Listening to it on the train ride is a nice touch.

When to go

Spring is best, with green gardens and fresh produce. Summer can be very hot, though shaded paths help. Autumn colours are lovely along the river. Early September brings the Motín de Aranjuez festival, which recreates the 1808 uprising.

Suggested plan

Arrive mid-morning and visit the palace first, then have lunch. Spend the afternoon walking the Jardín del Príncipe, which is large; allow at least two hours if you want to reach the Casa del Labrador.

Where to stay

Aranjuez is an easy half-day or full-day trip, so most visitors stay in Madrid. Accommodation near Atocha is convenient, because Cercanías C3 trains depart from there. Staying overnight in Aranjuez suits those who want to walk the gardens early in the morning, when they are coolest and most peaceful.

Getting around town

The centre of Aranjuez is laid out on a grid planned in the eighteenth century, which makes it easy to navigate. Distances inside the Jardín del Príncipe are long, so allow plenty of time; a seasonal tourist train sometimes runs between the main sights. Bicycles are another pleasant way to explore the riverside paths, where rental is available.

Practical tips

Bring water and sun protection in summer and spring, as gardens can be exposed in places. Check closing times for the gardens, which vary with the season and daylight hours.

Combining Aranjuez with Chinchón

Chinchón, a small town about 20 kilometres north-east of Aranjuez, is known for its arcaded medieval Plaza Mayor ringed by wooden balconies, which has been used for bullfights, plays and film shoots. Buses connect it with Madrid, but linking it with Aranjuez on the same day is easiest by car. If you drive, the two together make a satisfying full day.

FAQ

Official sources

• Official Madrid tourism (esMADRID)
• Metro de Madrid