In the vicinity of Aranjuez is the confluence of the Jarama river with the Tajo, forming a small valley. The Tajo River flows through the city, bordering the palace and the royal gardens.
Before parking the car, you will pass the bridge of Barcas, a good place to take a photo with the Tajo river and the palace of Aranjuez in the background.
Parking in Aranjuez is relatively easy, as the city has no traffic congestion.
Once parked, the panoramic view from the Plaza de San Antonio is worth a few minutes of contemplation. It is rectangular and surrounded by buildings of great beauty such as the church of San Antonio de Padua, royal gardens and the arches of the façade of the Casa de Oficios y Caballero.

The palace served as the summer residence of the kings of Spain from the 16th century until the mid-19th century. During the different reigns, the palace was extended with different rooms, among which the porcelain cabinet with Chinese figures in relief and the hall of mirrors stand out.
The tour of the palace includes the museum of Falúas, the typical and beautiful boats used by the kings to sail on the Tajo River during their spare time.
Tickets can be purchased in advance on the official website of Patrimonio Nacional de España, and are also available at the ticket office until one hour before closing time.

The gardens that were part of the palace of Aranjuez are scattered in different areas and can be visited free of charge. Particularly in autumn is when they acquire their greatest charm due to the different colouring of the leaves of the trees.
Highlights include the Parterre garden (in front of the palace), the Garden of the Island (which is completely surrounded by the Tajo River), and the extensive Príncipe garden. In all cases, gardens have fountains, ponds, and even small animals such as ducks and swans.

Arriving in Chinchón, car parks are located in the area surrounding the historic centre. It is difficult to get a parking space inside the historic centre, as most of the parking spaces are for residents.

Located in the heart of the Plaza Mayor, this restaurant has a 14-course menu designed by the local chef for those who like top-notch service, although at a higher price.
The dishes on the menu include local specialities such as "sopa de ajo fino de Chinchón" with egg (a kind of soup), suckling lamb or "asadillo de pimiento rojo y queso viejo de Chinchón" (roast red pepper and old Chinchón cheese).

It is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Spain. Almost circular, it is surrounded by historic three-storey houses with their green-painted balconies and arcades.
The lower part of the houses is occupied by restaurants, bakeries, and official entities such as the Town Hall and the Tourist Office. In one of the bakeries, you should try the typical sweets of Chinchón, such as the so-called tetillas de monja (nun's tetillas) or bolas de fraile (friar's balls).
Depending on the time of year you visit, there are usually different events on the site.

In the upper part of the village, the Church viewpoint offers panoramic views of Chinchón's main point of interest, such as Plaza Mayor, the castle and the convent.
Next to this viewpoint is the famous clock tower, which the locals call the tower without a church. It used to be part of the old church before it was destroyed during the War of Independence, but when the new church was built a few metres away from the original site, this tower was left alone.

The castle of the Counts of Chinchón had its heyday during the 15th and 16th centuries, although it later suffered the onslaught of different wars that ravaged the region, producing a debacle in its structure.
Nowadays, only the outer walls and watchtowers remain standing, and the interior is inaccessible. In any case, it hasn't lost its attractiveness and being located in the high part of the town, it has views of the hills.

This car park in Alcalá de Henares is perfect as it is within walking distance of the historic centre.

House where Miguel de Cervantes, creator of the literary work Don Quixote de la Mancha, lived during his childhood. The museum recreates the different halls and rooms that a house had during the 17th century, with its original furniture.
In one of its rooms, different works by the writer are exhibited, providing an overview of his literary life. Admission is free.
In the street, on the façade of the house, is the Monument to Don Quixote and Sancho, where you can take a photo with two of the greatest exponents of his literary work.

The square is the central point of the city and where the locals gather. Surrounded by shops and restaurants, the monument to Miguel de Cervantes stands out.
Among the old buildings are the tower of Santa Maria and the chapel of the Oidor.

It is an emblematic university in Spain, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Among its facilities are the old colleges of the 16th and 17th centuries, its courtyards and the chapel with the mausoleum of Cardinal Cisneros Cardinal. Also, it is the enclosure where in April the Miguel de Cervantes Literature Prize is awarded.
There are tours available with professional guides, whose schedule depends on the time of year. To arrange a guided tour, please email the University's Information Centre.

It is an authentic mesón where its decoration seems to go back to the time when Miguel de Cervantes lived.
They mainly serve local dishes such as stews. Their specialities have names that refer to the great writer as the sanchito (toast on loaf bread with loin, bacon, lettuce, tomato, egg and sauces) or the spear of Don Quixote (skewered meat with sausage, sausage, bacon, ham, and mushroom).