The Cercanías Line C3 from Madrid Atocha to Aranjuez takes 45 minutes, running south through the flat agricultural plain where the Tagus and Jarama rivers converge. Late April is the specific moment when Aranjuez is at its best: the royal gardens are in full spring leaf, and the two things the town has been famous for since the 16th century are at their seasonal peak - white asparagus (espárragos de Aranjuez) and strawberries (fresones), both with protected designation of origin status. Every restaurant is serving them fresh from the surrounding fields.
Getting There
Cercanías Line C3 from Madrid Atocha or Sol to Aranjuez: 45 minutes. Trains run every 30 minutes throughout the day; no advance booking required. Aranjuez station is a flat ten-minute walk to the palace and gardens.
The Royal Gardens
The Jardín del Príncipe is the main garden: 150 hectares of flat, wide gravel avenues following the right bank of the Tagus, shaded by plane trees, holm oaks, and the 280-year-old black poplars that line the river paths. Entirely level. In late April, the trees are in full leaf; the Tagus runs high with snowmelt from the mountains upstream. Walk as far as the legs recommend and stop when they recommend it.
The Jardín de la Isla occupies an island in the Tagus directly behind the palace, connected by bridges at both ends. Smaller and more formal, with geometric parterres and Baroque fountains. Also flat. The fountains operate in spring; the garden is cool in the afternoon under the trees.
The Royal Palace
The Palacio Real contains the rooms used by successive Spanish monarchs as their spring residence from the 16th century. The Sala de Porcelanas (Porcelain Room) is the specific interior worth seeing: 230 porcelain panels produced at the Buen Retiro factory in Madrid in 1763, covering walls, ceiling, and doorframes in a continuous programme of Chinese and Japanese motifs. One of the finest rococo interiors in Spain. Takes ten minutes to walk through slowly with your head tilted back.
The Strawberry Train
The Tren de la Fresa (Strawberry Train) is a heritage railway service between Madrid Atocha and Aranjuez running on selected spring Sundays, with staff in period costume serving strawberries on board. Typically not available on Mondays. Check current dates at renfe.com.
Where to Stay and Eat
El Rana Verde on the Tagus has served river-facing tables since 1941. The asparagus and strawberry preparations are the dishes to order in late April. Book a table by the water.
Hotels in Aranjuez are limited. The NH Palacio de Aranjuez is in the historic centre, a converted 18th-century building with flat interior circulation.
Getting Back
Cercanías C3 returns to Madrid Atocha throughout the day. No booking required.