Tren de la Fresa (Strawberry Train) to Aranjuez

Every year in Spring this classic rail excursion sets out from Madrid. The Strawberry Train follows the old Madrid to Aranjuez rail route (the second railway to be built in Spain) every Saturday and Sunday until mid-October (excepting the months of July and August). The excursions run from late April until the first week in July and then again from mid-September to mid-October.

The train departs from the Atocha train station AVE platform at 10.05 in the morning and arrives in Aranjuez at 11.00h. The return journey departs from Aranjuez at 18.13h, arriving again at Atocha at 19.02h.

Tickets may be bought from the Atocha ticket offices; Adults - 20.50 euros, Children from 2 to 12 years old - 13.25 euros. More information from tel. (+34) 902 22 88 22.

The ticket includes a guided visit to Aranjuez's beautiful gardens and palace, and all passengers receive a plate of Aranjuez's famous delicious strawberries en route.

Aranjuez was once a spring and autumn retreat for the Spanish royal family, the palaces and gardens remaining as luxuriant evidence of this significant past. From May to September, the palaces open every day except Tuesday from 10 to 13.00h and then again from 15.30 to 18.30h. The Royal Palace dates from Queen Isabel II's time - the 18th century.

The gardens are open every day throughout the year. Just outside the Royal Palace you can find the Jardín de la Isla (Garden of the Island) and its many fountains. Across the road is the Jardín del Principe (Prince's Garden), whose riverside walks make it the more interesting of the two gardens.

Aranjuez's other great claim to fame are the fruit and vegetables grown here, facilitated by the favourable micro-climate this region enjoys. Giant strawberries, asparagus and tomatoes from Aranjuez are renowned for excellent quality and taste throughout Spain. You may find several small stalls along Aranjuez's roads selling these goods. Another way of sampling the local produce is by visiting one of the local restaurants. La Rana Verde, Casa Pablo and El Faisán are to be recommended, although perhaps not for everybody's budget.