Things to See and Do in Extremadura

For a region which is predominantly rural, Extremadura has an extraordinarily rich historical heritage with settlements dating back to the Tartessus and beyond and, in Mérida, the former capital of Lusitania, arguably Spain's richest Roman remains. In Trujillo, Cáceres and Guadalupe you can trace the humble beginnings of the New World Conquistadores as well as the effect of the riches they brought back,. Wherever you go you'll find medieval villages and ancient settlements, largely untouched by the passage of time.
Hitherto considered something of a gastronomic backwater, the province is at last seeing recognition for the wonderful raw materials it produces; delicious Jamón Ibérico (cured ham), wonderful cheeses like Torta de Casar, tomatoes to die for and some truly superb wines, and, for the time being, all at rock-bottom prices - make the most of it while it lasts!

A gem of a town, walled and studded with thirty-two towers, is the “Cradle of the Conquistadors” and home to Francisco Pizarro, who conquered Peru in one of the most audacious campaigns ever undertaken in history - 183 men against an Empire! and to many other Trujillanos who participated in founding twenty new nations and gave their hometown name to numerous New World cities. More intimate and down to earth than its twin sister Cáceres, its strikingly fine Plaza Mayor, dominated by an equestrian statue of Pizarro brandishing a formidable sword, but no scabbard, will immediately bring home to you the enormity of the feat. Opposite the statue stands the grandiose Palacio de La Conquista with the Pizarro coat of arms portraying Pizarro and his Inca princess and his Indian servants in chains.

The last city on the route of the Vía de la Plata, founded in 23 BC, the former capital of Lusitania, contains more Roman remains than any other city in Spain - from engineering works to domestic villas, to places of worship, of entertainment and culture, the sights will arouse anyone’s interest. The highlights are the elaborate and beautiful Teatro Romano, one of the best preserved anywhere in the Roman empire and stage to a magnificent theatre festival held in July and August and the huge Anfiteatro where Roman gladiators battled fierce wild beasts. And not to be missed is the exciting Museo Nacional de Arte Romano which will explain it all.

The Virgin of Guadalupe, a small, dark statue with Byzantine features, said to have been carved by St. Luke, was discovered by a shepherd here in Guadalupe in the thirteenth century, but had to wait until 1340 for a proper shrine in the monastery founded expressly to house her. Today she is the symbol of Hispanic unity, binding the New World to Spain. Columbus himself came here to honour a vow and named an island after her and since then pilgrims have flocked here. Residing in the Camarín in the monastery, adorned in the richest of robes and surrounded by flags of the American nations, she is dramatically revealed to the visitor by a monk who solemnly revolves the statue into view. On the 8th of September there is a great fiesta in her honour. Virgin apart, the monastery also houses eight magnificent Zurbarán paintings still hanging in the room that was designed for them in the seventeenth century.

A fantastic diversity of rivers, woods, scrubland and pasture attracting an incredible range of fauna and flora – a must for walkers, ornithologists (best in May and June) and botanists (best in March and April). There are over two hundred species of animals, including the very rare Spanish lynx, and the bird population with black storks, all kinds of eagles and vultures and the eagle owl, the largest in Europe, is stunning.

Known for its fine location on the Río Jerte, it is a pleasing city (the name in fact means pleasure) with an arcaded Plaza Mayor, a lovely Old Quarter with numerous palatial homes and a striking Plateresque cathedral (really two cathedrals of different periods joined). Plenty of popular tapas bars too and a colourful Tuesday market which has taken place since medieval times. From there venture to Cuacos and the other picturesque villages of the Valle de la Vera famous for their red peppers and the paprika “pimentón de la Vera” made from them.

This is where in 1555, Emperor Charles V, Europe’s most powerful ruler, but by then, gout ridden, chose to spend his last days accompanied by his cat, parrot and 100 servants. Despite his gout and the remoteness of the monastery, he had fine foods delivered to him from all corners of the Iberian Peninsula. His apartments have been maintained as they were in 1558.

In the northernmost corner of Extremadura, lie what once was the poorest and most remote area in the whole of Spain, captured in the thirties by Luis Buñuel in his film “Tierra sin Pan"- Land without Bread. Thankfully there is bread now and much has been done to bring it in line with the rest of Spain, but it is still very remote in feel and great for exploring either by car, on foot or by horse, mule or donkey. The prettiest route is along the Río Malvellido in the Altas Hurdes, taking in picuresque villages with their typical slate-roofed houses like Fragosa, Nuñomoral, La Huetre and El Gasco with a huge waterfall beneath the Miacera gorge. Bordering Las Hurdes to the west is the equally remote and beautiful Sierra de Gata where in some of the villages the old people still speak “la fala”, a romance language being a mix of Galician and Portuguese. City dwellers from all parts of Spain, looking for peace and tranquillity, have in recent years settled here and the result is some surprisingly good , little restaurants making the best of the delicious local produce with innovative touches.

The delightful little town of Hervás, situated in the north of the province of Cäceres in Extremadura, nestles in the beautiful Valle de Ambroz. Hervás, dating back to the 7th century, has one of the best preserved "Aljamas" (Jewish quarters) in Spain, a ruined Templar castle, a 13th century church, the 17th century convent of Los Padres Trinitarios which is now our hotel "Hospedería Valle de Ambroz" and a Baroque palace, now the Pérez Comendador art museum. There is also an impressive Classic car and motorbike museum and a wonderful park "El jardín histórico" with over sixty different species of trees and shrubs. To add to the list, there's an arts cinema cum theatre, a sports centre, supermarkets and shops, a leather factory and furniture workshops where the local chestnut wood is used. There are a good range of restaurants and bars, some serving dishes from ancient Jewish recipes, others with a great selection of tapas and raciones. Occasional musical events featuring jazz, salsa and classical take place at these. Hervás is a lively and friendly place and fiestas figure largely on the calendar, the main ones being San Anton on the 17th January, Semana Santa, the main fiestas in mid-August and Fiestas del Cristo de la Saud in mid-September. And in the Autumn at the weekends in October and November the "Festival Otoño Mágico en el Valle de Ambroz" where all sorts of events take place.

A plate of jamón anywhere in Spain can be a delight, but where does the best, sweetest jamón in the world come from? You’ve got it! Extremadura! Explore the lovely, gently rolling dehesas (pasturelands) of the Campiña Sur in the south of Extremadura and you will see the unique black Iberian pigs happily roaming wild and feasting on acorns which are their sole food source. The king of hams comes from Montánchez near Trujillo, but a day to remember is the jamón fiesta at the beginning of September in the village of Monasterio, south of Zafra, when jamón becomes a sacred word. And to savour jamón at its best you need wine and Extremadura has that too! – the red, white and rosé wines of D.O. Ribera de Guadiana are becoming internationally known and at such reasonable prices you will see why. But don’t miss out on “Habla” – a high expression, designer wine, produced in an ultra-modern winery near Trujillo on land that was cultivated by the Greeks 2500 years ago. Taste it and you will start to speak!

An abandoned, yet completely walled village with a turreted castle and a pretty square, set in a wonderfully scenic spot encircled by the Gabriel y Galán reservoir.

San Pedro de Alcántara at El Palancar is often described as the world’s smallest monastery, and it certainly lives up to its reputation. Founded by the saint himself in the sixteenth century, the monastery was built with remarkable simplicity. Its tiny cells, narrow corridors and modest chapel reflect the extreme austerity and humility that shaped his way of life.

Just north of Hervás you’ll find its renowned spa and the remains of the Roman baths, as well as the excellent basket-ware workshops and the interpretation centre of the ancient Ruta de la Plata.

From Hervás, take the Puerto de Honduras – a spectacular mountain drive that brings you over to the Valle del Jerte, where the cherry blossom in spring transforms the valley into an unforgettable “second snowfall”. Continue along this route to visit the Monastery of Yuste, where the gout-ridden Emperor Charles V retired to spend his final days, and then head on to the beautiful Valle de la Vera, famous for its red peppers, from which the celebrated pimentón de la Vera (smoked paprika) is made.

The Reservoir of Gabriel y Galán is a peaceful spot, ideal for anyone who enjoys being close to the water. It’s a great place for sailing and swimming, with calm stretches that are perfect for a refreshing dip on warm days. If you’d rather keep your feet on dry land, the lakeshore offers lovely paths for a gentle stroll, where you can take in the wide-open views and the surrounding hills.

With Monte Pinajarro rising proudly behind it, this is a place blessed with its own gentle micro-climate, offering mild temperatures throughout the year. Set in an area of remarkable natural beauty, it is surrounded by chestnut, oak and pine forests, cherry orchards, the River Ambroz and countless gorges and streams - including the impressive 17-kilometre Garganta de los Infiernos.

The excellent jamón iberico and other cured pork products, wild mushrooms, lamb and goat stews, roasted meats including suckling pig, cherries and chestnuts and delicious pastries and cakes.

With its magnificent and imposing half-mile long second century Roman bridge over the Rio Tajo.

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The Alcántara Reservoir is a striking body of water located in the heart of Extremadura, formed by the damming of the Tagus River. Its calm, reflective waters stretch for miles, framed by gently rolling hills and wooded slopes, creating a peaceful and scenic environment. The reservoir is not only a source of water and hydroelectric power but also a popular spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from fishing and boating to walking or cycling along the quiet paths that wind around its shores. The surrounding area is dotted with small villages and historic sites, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The town is a real treasure for history lovers. Its perfectly preserved walls surround the historic centre, giving a sense of stepping back in time. At its heart stands a fifteenth-century castle, a striking reminder of the town’s medieval past. Nearby, the Gothic cathedral impresses with its elegant architecture and intricate details, while the Roman bridge offers a glimpse into the engineering skills of ancient times.

Where in the Asunción church there are beautifully restored altar paintings by C16th Extremeño mystic painter Luis de Morales "The Divine", one of the least known of the Spanish masters. You might also want to pick up some locally made pottery there.

The place to buy a "Torta de Casar" - a locally made, but nationally recognised semi-soft sheep's milk cheese, similar to Camembert.

Near Malpartida de Cáceres.
A surprising combination of art, architecture and environment in this out-of-the-way location, Museo Vostell is the permanent collection of the German avant-garde artist Wolf Vostell. Love it or hate it you won’t be left indifferent! If you’re more of a nature lover the Monument Natural de los Barruecos and the lake and rock formations right beside the museum will perhaps be more to your taste.

A hilltop small village, halfway between Cáceres and Mérida, with a nice castle and some stunning views over the dehesa – but you don’t go there for the views, you go there for the jamón. The town’s position in the small sierra is perfect for the curing of serrano ham. Buy from the local shops and bag yourself a bargain!
PS - The best views are from the cemetery.

The "belle" of lower Extremadura, with its Alcazar, C16th century Colegiata with nine paintings by Zurbarán in the retablo and the delightful squares of La Plaza Grande and La Plaza Chica. Don't miss out on the bodegas there, especially Bodega Medina which is a museum as well with its own little bull ring.

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Town of conquistadors and discoverers, the "city of towers". Visit its Castle of the Templars, built over the Moorish alcazaba, its convents, palaces and Mudejar style churches and out of town the Dolmen del Toriñuelo. There is a wonderful procession here in Semana Santa.

Birthplace of Zurbarán and home to the Zurbarán museum. Also well known for handmade leather boots and pottery!

In the Sierra de Tentudía, the "jamón" village, this is the place to buy your "pata negra" - the very best of Iberian ham! La Venta de Culebrín is supposed to have the best. The village celebrates an incredible "Día de Jamón" fiesta in the first week in September. While there don't miss the C13th century Monasterio de Tentudía.

Into the beautiful, gently rolling area of the "dehesas" - the grazing grounds for the black Iberian pig (producing the best jamón in the world) - here they roam freely eating acorns which give that jamón the extra special taste.

Llerena, situated in the south east corner of Extremadura in the Campiña Sur region of the province of Badajoz, is an immediately friendly and pleasing town with a rich monumental patrimony, the legacy of its glorious past. It makes a great base for exploring this part of Extremadura, the town having most facilities and a good number of bars and restaurants and its fair share of colourful fiestas. Home to the Moors, then the Grand Masters of the Order of Saint James of the Sword, and the Order of the Inquisition, the convents, churches and palaces in its old quarter are a mixture of Gothic, Mudejar and Baroque styles. A partly walled town of noble homes with a somewhat Portuguese look, its main attraction is the intensely white Plaza Mayor dominated by the C14th church of Nuestra Señora de la Granada - topped by two levels of graceful and airy arcades and finished with a brick Baroque bell tower. It all looks particularly stunning when illuminated at night. Amongst the monuments not to be missed are the Episcopal Palace with its magnificent Mudejar interior, the C16th Palacio de Los Zapatas and the Convent and Church of Santa Clara where there is a beautiful wooden statue of San Jerónimo by the great sculptor Juan Martínez Montañés. The nuns at the convent make delicious cakes and pastries, their forte being "corazónes" - nuns' hearts. Almost around every corner you will find some building of interest, including our hotel, built in the C19th and known as El Palacio de Doña Mariana. Llerena has been home to many illustrious figures, the most well-known being one of Spain's greatest painters, Zurbarán - he was brought up here and stayed for fifteen years. There is a statue of him and a fountain designed by him in the Plaza Mayor and his original workshop was housed in the now Restaurante Zurbarán in the same square. Also on the list of the famous is Garcia López de Cárdenas, discoverer of the Grand Canyon!

Declared a natural monument, in the beautiful Sierra de La Jayona with its olive groves. Near Fuente de Arco, La Mina, of great ecological and geological interest, is a disused iron mine dating back to Roman times, now open to the public.

The capital of the wine growing area "Tierra de Barros" – visit the bodegas, sample and buy the internationally known excellent wines of La Ribera de Guadiana.

Enter one of Spain's most beautiful squares in the small town of Garrovillas and you might think you were walking back into the fifteenth century - sturdy granite pillars and the walls of the whitewashed houses, the oldest going back to the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, tilt this way and that. You might even think you had had a glass too many, but the town was designed this way for the natural slope of the land. The square is the place to be, particularly atmospheric on Wednesday market day when stalls fill the plaza and country folk come in to sell their wares. It also becomes the town's bullring when the fiestas are on in mid-August. Garrovillas de Alconétar, in the western part of Extremadura near the dramatic reservoir of Alcántara, is remote in feel and takes you back to a simpler life. Local treasures include the fifteenth century Casa-Palacio de los Condes de Alba now a hotel, La Hospedería de Puente de Alconétar, which stands in one corner of the square, the fifteenth century Iglesia de San Pedro and the Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Consolación which houses the oldest organ in the Iberian Peninsula. Nuns still reside at El Convento de Nuestra Señora de Salud and produce all kinds of delicious pastries and cakes. Near the reservoir itself are the ruins of the Roman bridge El Puente de Alconétar and the convent of San Antonio de Padua. There are excellently marked walking routes in the area and Garrovillas is well placed for visiting other towns and villages of historical and cultural interest in the region. The town itself has most facilities including some shops and small supermarkets, a few bars and two restaurants serving simple, regional food.