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Destinations in Extremadura
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Extremadura was an important area back in Roman and Medieval time and therefore we can today find several very interesting historical towns in this region. But Extremadura has for several hundred years been a "forgotten" part of Spain. The progress of the 20th century which has made many unattractive towns around Europe, never came to Extremadura. Lately they have restored their old and historic towns and buildings and today Extremadura is one of Spain's big historical treasures. There are also numerous interesting accommodation alternatives. You don't have to stay at an anonymous modern department block when visiting Extremadura. Extremadura is still one of the poorest regions in Spain, but like in other places in Spain you will not feel uncomfortable as a tourist because of this. All Spain has taken a big step forward economically. A visit in Extremadura can easily be combined with visiting Alentejo in Portugal or Castilla or Andalucía in Spain. All these regions are just enchanting and you have to come back several times to see it all. But please don't visit Extremadura during the summer. The summers are extremely hot and uncomfortable. Spring and autumn are the best seasons. The winter is cold. There are not many tourist yet in Extremadura and that is just another of the assets of this region. Behind every destination name below, you'll find the name of the province in parenthesis.
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Alcantara is a small town with just 1700-1800 inhabitants, but well worth a visit. The Roman bridge from before year 0 is a contrast to the modern dam seen behind it. (See photo above). The Convent, Convento de San Benito should be visited as well and don't miss the towns interesting accommodation alternative. |
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►Ayuntamiento de Badajoz (choose "Monumentos" on the menu to the left)
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Badajoz is Extremadura's only real big town, but not among the regions more interesting places to visit. But some interesting buildings are of course to be found here as well. If you want to stay overnight in this area, choose the enchanting Portuguese town of Elvas instead (20 km outside Badajoz). |
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►Videos of Cácere: Video 1 Video 2 ►Paseo Virtual: Ciudad Antigua de Cáceres
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Cáceres is by no doubt "the jewel in the Crown" of Extremadura. The old town is a renaissance town from the 15th/16th century and not much has changes there since then! Few other towns can show you such an extensive example of this architecture. The Plaza Mayor, just outside the real old town is also very atmospheric. Cáceres do have several very good accommodation alternatives. But the Parador is the best one. Several old houses in the old town have been joined to create a very atmospheric and high standard hotel.
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►Plan de Dinamización Turística de Coria
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City walls, city gates, towers and a cathedral are what this town can offer. But here is no good accommodation alternative, so include Coria in a drive around the area. |
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►Real Monasterio de Santa Maria de Guadalupe
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There are many monasteries in Spin, but few can beat this one. The Monastery of Guadalupe was founded in 1340 and if you don't stay at the magnificent Parador (see photo above), it's possible to rent a room in the Monastery as well. If you are driving by, a good meal is at offer both in the Parador and in the Monastery. But Guadalupe is more than the Monastery. Here is tiny, step and windy streets, white atmospheric houses and beautiful nature all around. From your balcony at the Parador you can view it all. There are many Pilgrims and tourists in Guadalupe during the day, but in late evening the small town is quiet. A stop in Guadalupe is more or less compulsory when visiting Extremadura. |
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The Jewish Quarter (Barrio Judío) is the town's big attraction. The town with it's 4 000 inhabitants do have a good accommodation alternative as well. Hervás is located in the north of Extremadura, about 700 meters above sea level. This part of Extremadura is often called "Jardin de Extremadura" (the garden of Extremadura). And there are green hills to be found around the town. |
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Jarandilla de La Vera (Cáceres) **
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►Turespaña: Jarandilla de la Vera
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Jarandilla de La Vera is known because King Karl V built a palace here. The Palace is today a stately Parador. The valley of "La Vera" offers much nice scenery and is dotted with interesting accommodation alternatives. (See "Accommodation" to the left). |
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Jerez de los Caballeros (Badajoz) ***
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►Turespaña: Jerez de los Caballeros ►Ayuntamiento Jerez de los Caballeros
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Knights Templars and conquistadors are some key words in Jerez de los Caballeros. Like in many other towns of Extremadura, many people from Jerez de Los Caballeros went to America and some of them came home and erected palaces in their home towns. Vasco Núñez de Balboa, who discovered the Pacific sea was born here. The Knights Templars who stayed in the old castle had the misfortune of getting beheaded in 1312! Jerez de los Caballeros is a "white town" which remind us of Andalucía and Portugal. If you are driving by, please stop in Jerez, but stay over night in Zafra, 40 km away.
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Llerena is a beautiful white town with almost 6 000 inhabitants located on the plains. The buildings are well kept, even regarding the painting. |
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During Roman time, Mérida was the capital of Lusitania (most of Portugal, Extremadura and parts of Castilla y León). One of the best preserved Roman Amphitheatres on earth is to be found in Mérida. Other Roman sights, like Templo de Diana (The Diana temple) from before year 0, and an almost 800 meter long Roman bridge are also to be found here. Mérida, the capital of Extremadura, is a smaller town than Badajoz, but a much more interesting one! A couple of historical hotels will be just the right place to stay to get the historical feeling. (See "Accommodation" to the left).
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►Ayuntamiento de Plasencia: Turismo
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Plasencia is one of Extremadura's jewels. Here are plenty of historical monuments and a old monastery has been transformed into one of the most marvellous Paradors in Spain. |
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►Trujillo es color (photos)
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Trujillo is an interesting town with about 10 000 inhabitants. Plaza Mayor and the Moorish castle are the most interesting sights. There are many very good accommodation alternatives in this town. |
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►Zafra (many good photos)
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Zafra is a delightful town. Zafra is sometimes called "Little Sevilla". And like Santa Cruz in Sevilla, here are tiny streets and white houses all around. But to compare little Zafra with Sevilla doesn't really make any sense. To stay overnight at the marvellous Parador in Zafra is a very good choice. |