Badajoz, one of the most beautiful cities in Extremadura

Badajoz is one of the most beautiful cities in Extremadura. It’s the perfect destination for those who want to enjoy the city’s architecture, food and attractions. As a tourist destination, few people wonder what there is to see in the capital, Badajoz, as it is often overshadowed by the most popular attractions in cities such as Merida, Cáceres and Trujillo. Nonetheless, Extremadura’s largest city has more than enough local attractions to keep you busy for a day or a weekend.

What is Badajoz about?

Badajoz has been a very important city since Roman times. It is an important trade route between the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of Europe. The city has a rich history that you can see in its buildings, monuments, parks and squares.

As a tourist, you can enjoy the lovely bars and restaurants and catch up with a wonderful local vibe. Very much free of tourism mindset. It is also worth mentioning that Badajoz is one of the most famous gastronomic cities in Spain. You will find many restaurants serving typical dishes such as Gazpacho Extremeño, Ajocano or just its Jamón. Nobody would bother you and you will feel in an authentic local atmosphere!

The best tings to do in Badajoz

La Alcazaba

This is the largest Arab fort in Europe. It was built by the Almohads in the 12th century, although some believe it dates back to the city’s origins in the 9th century. Badajoz is located on the Guadiana River, on the border with Portugal. For four centuries, Badajoz has been a strategic Muslim stronghold.

Architecturally, it is a walled oval enclosure adapted to the shape of the hill on which it stands, and has defensive structures typical of the period, including massive ramparts, defensive towers (albarranas) and other details.

La Torre de Espantaperros

The Espantaperros Tower is one of the symbols of the city of Badajoz and a good example of the architecture of the Torre del Oro in Seville. Inside the fortress is the 16th-century Palace of the Counts of the Rock, now converted into the Archaeological Museum of the Province of Badajoz.

Plaza Alta

In this magnificent square is where the markets were held in the Middle Ages under its arches. To this day, it has been rehabilitated to preserve its historical past well. It is next to the Muslim Alcazaba and is considered one of the most special and beautiful in Spain. In the square, the Arab market is also held at the end of September during the founding festival of the city of Badajoz, Almossassa Batalyaws.

Giraldilla of Badajoz

The famous Burj Al Arab next to Seville Cathedral has its own almost identically scaled replica in Badajoz. Built in 1935, the factory was the headquarters of a well-known trading company called Almacenes La Giralda, owned by Don Manuel Cancho Moreno. His sons ran the business until it was sold to Telefónica, a company that restored the building. It is currently an important monument in the capital Badajoz.

Cathedral of Badajoz

The Cathedral of San Juan Bautista or Santa Iglesia of Badajoz is an impressive religious building built between the 13th and 16th centuries. The building is dominated by Gothic and Romanesque, with three corridors and twelve interior chapels worth seeing as well as rich interior decoration.

Puerta de Palmas

It is the most representative monument of the city of Badajoz. It consists of a doorway overlooking Puente de Palmas, flanked by two massive saw-toothed cylindrical towers, ringed at the top and bottom by decorative rope.

Puente de Palmas

It is a bridge that heralds the Puerta de Palmas and connects the city with the neighborhoods of San Fernando and Santa Isabel on the right bank of the river. Built in the 16th century, it spans the Guadiana River with 32 arches, 582 meters long and 13 meters high.

Where to eat in the place

In and around Plaza España, there are several bars and restaurants where you can eat good ham (remember, this is where the best ham is produced). Or I just recommend having an aperitif on one of the terraces. Another place where you can grab a snack or drink is San Francisco Boulevard, a lively area next to the Lopez de Ayala Theater.

Where to stay in Badajoz

Since Badajoz is not a famous tourist destination the acommodations are very much worth and good value for your many. The prices are reasonable and the quality is high since the model business is based on the clients return more than once.

Hotel Badajoz Center

We have stayed in this hotel and it has fullfilled our expectations. The rooms are confortable and the facilities good. Its location is excellent and calm. This a convenient hotel close to the public transport and the commercial center of the city.

How to get to Badajoz

Avión

By plane, through the Badajoz Airport, the only one in the region, located 14 kilometers from the Badajoz capital. From there, regular flights are available to Madrid and Barcelona, ​​as well as to other cities. The airport has a shopping area, car rental offices, free 24-hour public parking and a taxi rank.

Car

By road you have more options. And it is that Extremadura has an extensive and dense network of highly efficient roads. The territory has two major communication routes: the Southwest highway and the Ruta de la Plata highway. The Southwest highway (former highway of Extremadura) runs through the region from east to west and connects Madrid and Lisbon, passing through Navalmoral de la Mata, Trujillo, Miajadas and Mérida until reaching Badajoz.

By train

Badajoz train station offers you connections with the provinces of Cáceres, Toledo and Ciudad Real, as well as with other towns in the province of Badajoz. It also connects with Portugal, the Community of Madrid and the cities of Castellón, Albacete, Barcelona, ​​Valencia and Tarragona.

Enjoy our discounts in Badajoz

Dear Traveller! Thank you for reading the latest article from Besides the Obvious. Please do not hesitate to subscribe to our newsletter, if you don’t want to miss our next travel story.