Best Day Trips from Madrid: Aranjuez

The weather in Madrid is hardly ever frightful making it the perfect destination for your winter escapes. Apart from visiting the capital of Spain you can't miss some day trips like the beautiful town of Aranjuez. With its renowned Royal Palace and Gardens, Aranjuez is a magnificent touristic town located less than 50 kilometers south of Madrid.

Let's soak up Aranjuez's history, culture, gastronomy and legacy with a stroll around the town while listening to Concierto de Aranjuez a masterpiece that Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo dedicated to its magnificent gardens. Shall we?

These photos were taken right before Christmas when a group of gals and I went to visit our good friend and fellow blogger Johlene Orton. I had only been to Aranjuez once before, back in May 2013, and fell in love with the town. We took the train, cercanias, on a Saturday morning. It's 50 km from the center of Madrid which will take you 45 minutes by car or 45' by train if you take it from Atocha station. I always recommend public transport if you travel to Madrid. It's reliable and fast and you avoid the fuss of finding a parking spot. All you have to see in Aranjuez is within walking distance from the train station and a return ticket will only cost you 8€.

THE ROYAL PALACE AND GARDENS
Aranjuez was the site the Bourbons chose to establish their spring residence. Philip II commissioned its construction back in the year 1561. The inside of the palace houses several works of art which will be the joy of art lovers. Be sure to take the guided tour inside the palace, you don't want to miss the jaw-dropping Sala de Porcelana (Porcelain Room) and the Gabinete Arabe (Arab Room), true masterpieces that are my personal favorites. Some people think that once you've seen a European Royal Palace you've seen them all, but I can assure you that Aranjuez's Palacio Real can change blow your mind.

Together with the breathtaking palace gardens, the town has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The gardens may not be in bloom at the moment but they are still stunning thanks to their great botanical variety.

The entrance fee to the Royal Palace is 9€ but you can visit the gardens for free. Find all the info about opening times and discounts here.

Read my spring guide to Aranjuez here

WHAT TO SEE IN ARANJUEZ
If you like tourist trains you can take "Chiquitren" to explore Aranjuez. Tickets are available from the tourist booth in front of the Royal Palace.

Apart from visiting the Palace and taking a stroll around the gardens you must see the following sites:

• The Royal Barge Museum. A museum of royal pleasure boats from the 17th to the 19th century.
• Casa del Labrador. This 18th-century neoclassical building in the grounds of the Royal Palace houses a collection of royal objects. 
• the bullfighting ring which dates from the 18th century.

Aranjuez is also a wine producing area so if you are a wine enthusiast, you can visit some wineries near this town. 

WHERE TO EAT IN ARANJUEZ
Johlene took us to a wonderful healthy restaurant called Planta. Highly instagrammable, healthy food and yummy desserts, the moment I walked in I was sold. I had an avocado on toast with egg, salmon, seeds and blueberries that I have recreated at home several times since.

Planta Restaurante
Instagram
Phone: +34 918 91 75 80
Google Maps

Read about healthy -and highly instagrammable- restaurants in Madrid here and here

There are many more places in the region of Madrid that you've got to see including other World Heritage Sites like El Escorial or Alcala de Henares and charming towns like Chinchon.

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