Located about 40 minutes south of Madrid, Aranjuez is a great day trip for visitors who want to get away from the city. It is easily reached by car via the A-4 highway, or by train or bus from central Madrid.
The
main site of interest is the Royal Palace, which was commissioned by
Philip II in the mid-18th C. The main palace building is impressive and
is entered through a cobblestone courtyard. Set in one of
the gardens is the Casa del Labrador, which was built in 1803 and was
modeled after the Petit Trianon at Versailles. There are a
number of gardens surrounding the palace, including the impressive
Jardín del Principe (the Prince’s Garden) and the Jardín de la Isla (the
Garden of the Island). For more information on the Royal Palace in
Aranjuez click here
Locals
flock to Aranjuez from May to July to enjoy the delicious locally grown
strawberries that are served with fresh whipped cream (fresas con
nata). A fun way to make the trip from Madrid is to take the Tren de la
Fresa (Strawberry Train), which was built in 1851 and was the country’s
second train line. The one hour ride is a unique experience, as
passengers ride in beautifully restored trains from the early 1900s that
are attended by staff who are dressed in period costumes. The train
leaves from the Museo del Ferrocarril (Railroad Museum) in Madrid on
Saturdays and Sundays in May, June, September and October. For more
information on the Strawberry Train click here
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