Gardens of Aranjuez: which ones to see, hours & tips
The gardens are the great treasure of Aranjuez, as famous as the palace itself. Designed over several centuries on the banks of the Tagus, they are part of the Cultural Landscape declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Best of all: entry to the gardens is free.
Parterre Garden
Next to the palace's east facade, it's the closest garden to the entrance and the most "postcard" of them all. French in style, ordered and symmetrical, it features the monumental Fountain of Hercules and Antaeus. Perfect for your first photos before entering the palace.
Island Garden
One of the oldest, surrounded by the Tagus and a channel that creates an "island". Among its historic groves you'll find mythological fountains such as the Fountain of Apollo, the Fountain of Bacchus and the Clock Fountain. A calm, shady stroll, ideal in summer.
Prince's Garden
By far the largest (around 150 hectares) and, for many, the most beautiful. Inside it hide three must-see sights:
- Labourer's Cottage (Casa del Labrador): a small neoclassical palace of extraordinary luxury, a whim of Charles IV.
- Royal Barges Museum: the pleasure boats the court used to sail the Tagus.
- Chinese Pond and Fountain of Narcissus: romantic corners by the water.
Isabel II Garden
Facing the palace facade and presided over by the statue of the queen, it's the usual meeting point and the antechamber to the Plaza de Parejas.
Make the most of your visit with a guide
A guided tour combines the palace and the gardens and tells you the history you can't see at a glance. Admission included and skip the line.
See guided tours →Opening hours and tips
- The gardens open daily (hours extend in spring and summer). The palace closes on Mondays.
- Entry to the gardens is free; the Labourer's Cottage and the Royal Barges Museum have separate tickets.
- The best season is spring, when everything blooms.
- Bring water and comfortable shoes: walking the whole Prince's Garden takes time.
Did you know these gardens inspired Joaquín Rodrigo's famous Concierto de Aranjuez? Strolling through them at sunset is one of the best things to do at the Royal Site.