Aranjuez, Spain

As it is impossible and madness to take our motorhome and bike into Madrid, we stayed in a campsite at Aranjuez, south of Madrid which was worth a visit in its own right.

Unesco World Heritage-listed, Aranjuez was founded as a royal retreat from the hustle and bustle of Madrid by Felipe II, inspired by the palace at Versailles. After visiting Madrid, we chose not to visit the interior of the palace and saved that for another time. We did however wander around the grounds and gardens and the rest of the town, which was wonderful with the large square and fountain surrounded by cobbled streets and gateway arches.

The central market sold everything you needed from meats, fish, vegetables and pastries. We restrained ourselves this time and instead headed to Casa Pablete, a local bar that has been going strong since 1946. Another tiny place inside with standing room only we had no idea what to order as everything was in Spanish. Luckily, a young couple next to us at the bar spoke English and helped us out. One of the things we have come to love about eating here is the tapas where you can try just a little of something and so we tried the mussels, croquettes, fried potatoes with a spicy sauce, Iberian ham roll, sausage roll and bacon roll. It sounds a lot but wasn't - really!

It was just as well that we walked around the town because the sat nav wanted to take us through there when we left and we knew that there was no way we were going to get around some of the corners in the centre!

NOTES
Camping International Aranjuez - quite a few permanent caravans and tents, obviously an escape from Madrid and noisy at weekend. Fab showers with underfloor heating. Fresh bread every day but shop now out of season so not always open. Lidl and Mercadona close but need transport.Read more