What to do in Aranjuez

Aranjuez occupies an exceptional river plain at the confluence of the Tajo and Jarama rivers, about 50 km south of Madrid. The rivers are the backbone of most activities: kayaking and canoeing follow the Tajo between riverside holm-oak and ash groves, and the calm stretches make this spot accessible to beginners. Mountain biking uses the riverside tracks and greenways along both Tajo banks, with flat terrain by the water and more demanding routes towards the inland plain. The National Stud Farm, with centuries of history breeding the Spanish horse, organises visits and horse-riding routes that make for a distinctive experience set among royal gardens and forests. Cycling is the most common way to explore Aranjuez: the historic gardens, Isla del Rey and the protected Tajo riverbanks form a nature-and-heritage circuit combining outdoor activity with cultural sightseeing.