Aranjuez
About 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...
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.
Highlights
- • Kayaking and canoeing on the Tajo river through riverside ash and poplar groves
- • Mountain biking on the greenway network and riverside paths along the Tajo plain
- • Organised horse-riding routes from the National Stud Farm in Aranjuez
- • Hiking through the Sotos de Aranjuez, a protected riparian area along the Tajo
Best time to visit
Spring is the best time: the river runs well, the riparian vegetation is at its best and temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities.
Practical tips
In summer the Tajo can drop significantly in level; check with the kayak operator about river navigability before making the trip.