Aranjuez in autumn
In autumn, the gardens of the Royal Site of Aranjuez turn golden and can be visited with far fewer people than in spring. It's the best time to stroll through the Prince's Garden and the Labourer's House. You can get there from Madrid on the historic Strawberry Train, which runs at weekends until early November.
Golden gardens and mild temperatures
Autumn turns the gardens of Aranjuez into a mosaic of ochres, golds and russets. The plane trees, elms and horse chestnuts of the Prince's Garden — the largest and most wooded of the Royal Site — offer one of the most spectacular displays of autumn colour in the whole Madrid region during October and November. At the far end awaits the Labourer's House, the small pleasure palace of Charles IV, perfect for combining a walk with a visit.
Temperatures are the other big advantage: neither the Castilian summer heat nor the winter cold. At midday you can stroll comfortably in the sun, and the low autumn light delivers stunning photos among fountains and statues.
Fewer queues than in spring
Aranjuez is, above all, a spring destination, so in autumn you'll find the gardens far quieter. On weekdays you can often walk through the Prince's Garden without crossing paths with anyone, and the queues to enter the palace shrink to a minimum. If you're after calm, crowd-free photos and a relaxed pace, this is your season. To learn more about when to go, see our guide to the best time to visit Aranjuez.
The Pilar long weekend: the ideal getaway
The Pilar long weekend (around 12 October) is the exception to the autumn calm: many people from Madrid choose Aranjuez for a day trip. It's a perfect date to visit the Royal Site with the gardens already in colour, but it pays to:
- Book your ticket or guided tour in advance, as it's one of the busiest autumn weekends.
- Arrive first thing (opening at 10:00) to avoid the midday queues.
- Remember the palace closes on Mondays; the gardens open daily.
The Strawberry Train, until 8 November 2026
One of the loveliest ways to reach Aranjuez in autumn is the historic Strawberry Train: a vintage convoy that leaves Madrid with period hosts and a strawberry tasting on board. It usually runs at weekends until early November; for the 2026 season it is expected to operate until 8 November.
The Strawberry Train is a tourist service operated by Renfe: the information we provide here is indicative, and tickets are handled through Renfe's official channels, not through Civitatis. Always confirm dates, times and availability before planning your trip.
Getting there: Cercanías C-3
If the Strawberry Train isn't running on the day you travel, the most convenient option is the Cercanías C-3 line, which connects Madrid (Atocha and Chamartín) with Aranjuez in about 45–50 minutes, with frequent services throughout the day. From Aranjuez station it's a pleasant 15-minute walk to the palace. You'll find all the details in our guide on how to get to Aranjuez.
Make the most of golden autumn with your visit
Tour the palace without queues and discover the gardens at their most colourful. Buy your ticket or choose the guided tour with admission included.
See tickets & tours →Autumn in Aranjuez: what we learned on the ground
At Ticket Visit we've explored Aranjuez across different seasons and cross-checked opening times and crowd levels against the official sources. Here are our tips for getting an autumn visit right.
- October and November turn the gardens golden. The Prince's Garden changes the most: it's worth devoting the whole morning to it.
- Weekdays mean total calm. If you can avoid the Pilar long weekend, you'll have the gardens almost to yourself.
- Bring a jacket for the morning. It dawns chilly, but midday is lovely for strolling in the sun.
- The Strawberry Train is an experience in itself. If your trip falls on an in-season weekend, it's a charming way to arrive; remember to arrange it through Renfe.
Travellers who book, visit and double-check every detail against official sources. Last reviewed: June 2026. Been to Aranjuez in autumn? Tell us about your visit →
Frequently asked questions
Is autumn a good time to visit Aranjuez?
Yes, it's the second-best after spring: golden gardens, mild temperatures and far fewer people. October and November are ideal for the Prince's Garden and the Labourer's House.
Are there fewer crowds in Aranjuez in autumn?
Yes, far fewer than in spring. On weekdays the gardens are almost empty. The exception is the Pilar long weekend (around 12 October): book ahead and arrive first thing.
Does the Strawberry Train run in autumn?
Yes, it usually runs at weekends until early November; in 2026 until 8 November. It's a tourist service operated by Renfe, not sold by Civitatis: check dates and tickets through Renfe's channels.
What should I bring to visit Aranjuez in autumn?
A light jacket for the cool mornings, comfortable shoes for the gardens and a small umbrella in case of rain. Midday is usually pleasant for strolling in the sun.
Last updated: June 2026. Strawberry Train dates, hours and prices may change; please confirm before your visit.