Aranjuez in summer, without the heat
How to visit Aranjuez in July and August: gardens first thing, the palace at midday, the river at sunset and gardens open late. A plan with times.
Summer in Aranjuez is properly hot, but there’s a trick: the gardens open at 8:30 and close late, the palace gives shade at midday and the river cools things down at sunset. This plan follows the rhythm of the heat instead of fighting it.
The plan
8:30
The Prince's Garden at opening
The gardens open at 8:30. At that hour the shady avenues and the cool of the river make for the perfect walk.
10:30
The Island Garden
The shadiest garden in Aranjuez, between the Tagus and the channel.
12:00
Royal Palace
Spend the hottest hours inside the palace. A good hour.
14:00
Lunch and siesta
An unhurried lunch in the old town and a rest through the middle of the day, as the locals do.
18:30
Canoe or boat on the Tagus
As the sun drops, the river is the place to be. A boat trip or a canoe in front of the palace.
20:30
The Parterre at sunset
In high summer the gardens close around 21:30: catch the last light by the Hercules fountain.
Before you go
- The average July high is around 34 °C, but the low drops below 17 °C: nights by the river are cool.
- Bring water and a hat: there's a lot of walking between fountains, and you can't eat on the lawns.
- If you come by train, the last stretch to the palace is a 15 to 20-minute walk: do it early, or take a taxi.
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