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    Aranjuez

    Spain

    Aranjuez

    CityCulture

    Aranjuez is located about 50 kilometers south of Madrid on the Tajo. Spanish kings spent spring here for centuries; the Royal Palace, extensive gardens, and the pleasure palace Casa del Labrador date from this era.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Spain
    7. Madrid Region
    9. Aranjuez
    Aranjuez is located about 50 kilometers south of Madrid on the Tajo. Spanish kings spent spring here for centuries; the Royal Palace, extensive gardens, and the pleasure palace Casa del Labrador date from this era. The cultural landscape has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001.

    Sights in Aranjuez

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Royal Palace of Aranjuez

    1Royal Palace of Aranjuez

    Built from the 16th century, the Royal Palace was expanded in the 18th century by the Bourbons. You'll see the Throne Room, the porcelain-lined Cabinet, and other opulent halls.
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    Jardín de la Isla

    2Jardín de la Isla

    The oldest garden of Aranjuez is located on an island between the Tagus and a canal next to the palace. Laid out under Philip II in the 16th century, shady avenues connect several fountains with figures from mythology.
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    Fuente de la Mariblanca

    3Fuente de la Mariblanca

    The Venus Fountain at the north end of Plaza de San Antonio was created around 1762; the figure was sculpted by Juan Reyna. It is popularly called Mariblanca, after the white stone figure.
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    Jardín del Parterre

    4Jardín del Parterre

    The Baroque ornamental garden on the east side of the palace was laid out in the 18th century in the French style with geometric beds, water basins, and fountains.
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    Casa del Labrador

    5Casa del Labrador

    Karl IV had this Neoclassical pleasure palace built at the end of the 18th century, at the end of the Jardín del Príncipe. Despite its name "Bauernhaus" (Farmhouse), the rooms are sumptuously decorated with silk wallpaper, marble, and clocks. Visits are only possible with a guided tour and limited capacity.
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    City walks in Aranjuez

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Aranjuez: Everyday Town Life and the City on the River

    This walk takes you away from the well-known royal grounds and gardens through authentic Aranjuez. Discover the town's everyday life, its local markets and the lesser-known banks of the Tagus River, and get to know a different facet of this historic town.

    ~1 Std. 40 Min.
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    Stops (7)

    Essen & Trinken

    1

    Casa José

    Upscale restaurant in a historic house near the Plaza de San Antonio, serving dishes with regional products like asparagus and strawberries from Aranjuez.
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    2

    Restaurante Aguatinta

    Restaurant in downtown Aranjuez with Castilian cuisine.
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    3

    Asador de Pollos Punto Rico Aranjuez

    Casual grilled chicken spot in Aranjuez, also for takeout.
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    4

    Restaurante Matilde

    Restaurant in Aranjuez with traditional Spanish cuisine.
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    5

    Unbekannter Ort

    Bar-restaurant in Aranjuez with tapas and raciones.
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    Food & Beverages

    The gastronomy in Aranjuez reflects the region's rich agriculture, especially through its famous strawberries and asparagus, which are present in many dishes. You can enjoy traditional Castilian cuisine in cozy establishments like Restaurante Aguatinta, as well as find modern interpretations in more sophisticated venues.

    Strawberries

    The strawberries from Aranjuez are sold in spring at stands in the city, often with cream.

    Spargel

    Green asparagus from the gardens by the Tagus is on many menus in April and May.

    Culture

    Royal Spring ResidencePhilip II commissioned the palace and the first gardens from 1564. Under the Bourbons in the 18th century, both were expanded and the city systematically developed. In 1808, the Aranjuez Mutiny triggered the overthrow of Charles IV. Joaquín Rodrigo's guitar concerto “Concierto de Aranjuez” from 1939 made the name world-famous.The riverside gardens are still fed by water from the Tajo River. In the surrounding Huerta, strawberries and asparagus grow, which are among the region's most famous products.

    Exploring locally

    From Madrid-Atocha, you can travel to Aranjuez in about 45 minutes on the Cercanías C-3 line. On some weekends in spring and autumn, the historic Strawberry Train, Tren de la Fresa, runs. From the station, it's about a ten-minute walk to the Palace. You explore the Palace, gardens, and old town on foot; for the Casa del Labrador at the end of the Jardín del Príncipe, a bicycle is practical.

    Accommodations in Aranjuez

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    Campgrounds in Aranjuez

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    Plan your trip to Aranjuez

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      • 1Royal Palace of Aranjuez3 days
      • 2Jardín de la Isla4 days
      • 3Fuente de la Mariblanca5 days
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    Nearby

    Castile-La Mancha

    Castile-La Mancha

    Castilla-La Mancha lies in the heart of Spain and is the land of Cervantes' Don Quijote. This extensive region is known for its windmills, historic cities with UNESCO World Heritage sites like Toledo and Cuenca, and a deeply rooted culture reflected in its cuisine and architecture. Beyond the well-known places, you'll find vast plains, wine regions, and tranquil villages.
    Toledo

    Toledo

    Toledo was the seat of the Castilian royal court until 1561 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986. The city is known as the "City of Three Cultures": Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences shape its architecture and history. The Cathedral of Toledo, the Alcázar, and the Synagogue Santa María la Blanca are key landmarks. In the narrow streets, you'll also find the El Greco Museum and other historical testimonies. Explore the Old Town best on foot; spring or autumn offers ideal conditions with fewer visitors.
    El Retiro

    El Retiro

    The Parque del Buen Retiro, with approximately 120 hectares, is Madrid's best-known park. It originated in the 17th century as a royal palace garden, became public in 1868, and since 2021, along with the Paseo del Prado, has been a UNESCO World Heritage. Key attractions include the Grand Pond, the Crystal Palace, and the Rose Garden.
    Madrid

    Madrid

    Madrid is the capital of Spain and its largest city, home to some 3.4 million inhabitants. Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Reina Sofía form one of Europe's densest museum districts, also home to the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park, and a nightlife that starts late.
    Madrid Region

    Madrid Region

    The Madrid region is located in the center of the Iberian Peninsula, at an elevation of around 650 meters. In addition to the capital, it includes the royal sites of El Escorial and Aranjuez, the university city of Alcalá de Henares, and the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains in the north.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI