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 →⏳ Time-slot places are limited. Lock in your time · instant confirmation.
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.
Tips from our walks through the gardens
At Ticket Visit we've explored the gardens at different times of year and checked their opening hours against the official sources. Here are our tips to make the most of them.
- The Prince's Garden is huge (~150 ha): set aside at least 2 hours. It's the largest of them all and takes a while; go early if you want to reach the Labourer's House and the Royal Barges Museum.
- The Island Garden is the oldest and shadiest. Its trees provide cover and make it the coolest spot in high summer: ideal for escaping the midday heat.
- Walking through the gardens is always free and they open daily. You don't need a ticket; bring water and comfortable shoes because the distances are deceptive.
- The fountains and the banks of the Tagus deserve a stop. The Chinescos Pond, the Narcissus Fountain and the river are the most photogenic corners: don't rush past them.
Travellers who book, visit and double-check every detail against official sources. Last reviewed: September 2026. Been to Aranjuez? Tell us about your visit →
Frequently asked questions about the gardens
Which is the best garden in Aranjuez?
The Prince's Garden is the favourite and the largest (around 150 hectares), one of the biggest walled gardens in Europe; it houses the Labourer's House and the Royal Barges Museum. The Island Garden is the oldest and shadiest.
How long does it take to see the gardens of Aranjuez?
For the Parterre and the Island Garden, 1–1.5 hours is enough. The Prince's Garden, much larger, needs at least 2 hours. To see the palace and gardens at a relaxed pace, set aside half a day or a full day.
Are the gardens of Aranjuez free?
Yes. Walking through the gardens is always free and they open every day. You only pay to enter the Labourer's House (5 €, guided tour only with booking) and the Royal Barges Museum, both inside the Prince's Garden.
How far is the Prince's Garden from the palace?
The main entrance to the Prince's Garden is about 400 metres from the palace, walking past the Island Garden area and the river Tagus. It's a comfortable few-minute walk.
