Extremadura is a region in the south-western part of Spain. It’s bordered by Portugal and is considered to be part of both the Iberian and Mediterranean regions. It has a diverse landscape, with beautiful mountains and gentle plains. The capital city is Mérida and it has many old towns and villages. People from all over the world visit Extremadura for its natural beauty and history. In this article we will learn the best itinerary in Extremadura, Spain.
What to expect from Extremadura, Spain
Extremadura is a region rich in history and natural beauty. Its name means ‘extremity’, implying that it’s special because it’s different from other parts of Spain. It’s also popular among domestic tourists and travelers from around the world.
The major cities in Extremadura are Mérida, Cáceres, Badajoz, Plasencia and Trujillo. These cities are known for their architecture, festivals, gastronomy and climate. They have many historical sites and natural attractions. In the summer months – from May to September – thousands of people visit Extremadura to enjoy its natural beauty. Sizzling temperatures are not an issue when you’re surrounded by such breathtaking scenery. You can also visit in the off season winter when snow covers the higher elevations of the mountains and ice crystals form on the lakes and rivers.
There are many hotels in Extremadura to accommodate tourists’ needs. The accommodation at good value won’t be a problem at all. Each city also has a Tourist Office with information about local attractions and recommendations for local restaurants. You can reach all these offices by phone or email. Just let them know what help you’re looking for!
The best itinerary in Extremadura, Spain
Guadalupe
Guadalupe is a small town in Extremadura, Spain. It has an interesting history and culture that you can explore during your visit. The main attraction is the monastery. The Real Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe is a very impressive Monastery that preserves the Guadalupe Virgin image. That virgin was the patron of Spain and the monastery is in the UNESCO World Heritage Site List since 1993.
The Guadalupe area is known for its natural beauty and it’s the perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling or horseback riding. You can also visit the local markets where you’ll find traditional food, crafts and souvenirs.
Cáceres
Cáceres is the capital city of the province. It is known for its medieval buildings and monuments, as well as for its rich cultural heritage. Cáceres is in the UNESCO World Heritage Site List as “The City of Three Cultures”.
There are many things to do while visiting Cáceres. One can enjoy a walk through the medieval old town with its narrow streets and beautiful buildings. We recommend to check our full review with the best plans in Cáceres. There is also a lot to see in terms of museums, churches or historical sites. In addition to that one can enjoy gastronomy with typical local dishes such as cazón (a type of shark), rabo de toro (bull’s tail) or callos (tripe).
Trujillo
Trujillo is a town that has a rich history and culture. It is also the birthplace of the famous conquistador Francisco Pizarro, who conquered Peru. You can find both medieval and Renaissance style buildings in Trujillo. The most popular tourist attractions are the Plaza Mayor and the Arab castle. There are a lot of things to do in Trujillo for all different kinds of tourists. There are museums, parks, restaurants with traditional cuisine, and more!
Mérida
Mérida is a beautiful city. It is also the capital of the autonomous community of Extremadura. Mérida is one of the most important tourist destinations in Spain for its rich history and monuments. The city has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its Roman ruins, which are among the best preserved in Europe. The most popular tourist attractions in Mérida are its Alcazaba, Roman theater, and Temple of Diana.
Badajoz
Badajoz is one of the most beautiful cities in Extremadura. It is a perfect destination for those who want to enjoy the city’s architecture, gastronomy and natural landscapes.
Badajoz has been a very important city since Roman times. It was an important passage for trade between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coasts of Europe. The city has a rich history that can be seen in its buildings, monuments, parks and squares.
It is also worth mentioning that Badajoz is one of the most famous cities in Spain for its cuisine. You will find many restaurants serving typical dishes such as “cocido madrileño”, “gazpacho extremeño”, “ajocano” or “jamón”.
Olivenza
Olivenza is a small town in the province of Badajoz, Extremadura. It is located on the banks of the Guadiana River and it was part of Portugal in the past. As you will figure out in your visit the town’s architecture is quite Portuguese looking. The town is walkable and a delight to discover strolling along its white streets and by entering its impressive churches. There is a local minority non-recognized (neither by Portugal) movement which claims the territory to rejoin Portugal again.
Alburquerque
Albuquerque is located in the San Pedro Mountains foothills. The city’s historic center is home to a thriving cork oak industry. It was declared a cultural heritage by its landscape. Additionally, cork oak trees cover Albuquerque’s landscape and provide an important source of income for the city.
The Castle of Luna, which was built in the 13th to 15th centuries, stands out on the outskirts of Old Albuquerque. Another very important asset is Santa María del Mercado with its Mudejar style dating back to the 15th Century. In terms of civil architecture, the fountains of the Casa de la Audiencia, Casa de la Nieve (17th century) and Caño, built on the road to Badajoz, stand out, supported by the two columns that support the dome.
Monfragüe
Monfragüe National Park is a protected area in the province of Cáceres. It was created in 1988 and covers an area of 1.846 hectares. The park is a protected natural space in the list of UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. Monfragüe National Park is home to some 3,000 plant species including many endemic species such as the Spanish fir and the Monfrague oak tree which are only found here. The park also has more than 2 million trees with around 400 different types of oak trees alone. It is very famous for being an area where spotting vultures is very easy.
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