Aranjuez in autumn
A route through the autumn colours of Aranjuez: golden avenues in the Prince's and Island gardens, the Chinescos pond, the Strawberry Train and the Early Music Festival.
If you can only come once, make it autumn. The plane trees, elms and exotic trees of the royal gardens turn gold, ochre and red, and the avenues fill with leaves. It’s also Strawberry Train and early music season.
The plan
8:30
The Island Garden at opening
Low light through the trees and untrodden leaves. Photo time.
10:00
Royal Palace
With the morning chill, the interior is the perfect place.
12:00
The Chinescos pond
Red and ochre trees around the temple and the oriental pavilion.
13:00
Calle de la Reina
The great tree-lined avenue along the Prince's Garden, carpeted with leaves.
16:30
The Hercules fountain at sunset
Autumn afternoon sun on the fountain and the palace.
19:00
Early music
In October and early November, Early Music Festival concerts at weekends.
Before you go
- The colours usually peak in late October and November, depending on the year.
- October is the wettest month: bring an umbrella, but don't give up, wet gardens are beautiful too.
- The Strawberry Train also runs in autumn (in 2026, until 8 November).
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