Eight day trips from Trujillo

As one of Extremadura’s main travel destinations, Trujillo is the perfect base to explore the region as a first-timer. The city deserves, in my opinion, a full day to see all the main sights without rushing it. But once you’ve seen it all, it’s time to get out on day trips.

In this article, you’ll find eight ideas for day trips from Trujillo. I’ve divided my suggestions into half-day and full-day trips. To help you make the most of your day without spending too long on the road, I’ve only selected places you can reach by car within an hour.

Half-day trips from Trujillo

Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Santa Cruz de la Sierra is a small village under fifteen minutes away by car from Trujillo which offers a splendid walking route. Ruta del Risco Grande is a 6-kilometre linear walk starting at the southern end of the village (past the convent) and ending at the top of a hill (Pico de San Gregorio) at 844 metres high. Along the way, you’ll see several ponds and the remains of an old irrigation system, a cemetery and former village. It takes less than three hours in total to complete it. I’ve done it twice myself. Highly recommended for winter time. (Coordinates for the start point: Lat. 39.334398, Long. -5.846106)

Romangordo

If you’re into street art, the small village of Romangordo, located in the Monfragüe and surroundings area, is worth a visit. Over sixty street art works decorate walls and garage doors, depicting rural life through everyday scenes representing traditional trades, food, folklore, nature and even real local people. Other relevant places in Romangordo include an interpretation centre about a battle during the War of Independence which took place in 1812, and its main square and church.

Cabañas del Castillo

Situated in the Villuercas-Ibores-Jara area, Cabañas del Castillo is a good half-day trip option for a walk+castle combo. The route Cabañas del Castillo-Ortijuela (PR-CC-144) is a 5.4-km linear walking route largely following the Sierra del Alcornocal towards the Garganta de Santa Lucía water stream finishing at Sierra de la Ortijuela. This fairly short, easy walk offers a surprising variety of landscapes (shady cork tree area, wide open dehesa, green hills and craggy peaks, olive groves) and great chances to spot vultures near the Peña Buitrera area. The castle itself is in a semi-ruinous condition, but the incredible panoramic views from the viewing platform at the top are certainly worth the climb.

Montánchez

The views from Castillo de Montánchez, standing at over 700 metres over sea level, has earned the namesake village the nickname ‘balcony of Extremadura’. The castle comprises two enclosures – an inner residential one including a bailey, the keep and the former chapter house, and an outer one housing a pond and a small chapel. Don’t miss the views from the cemetery, which lies on the lower slopes of the hill, and those from the adjoining park. Montánchez is also known for its local Ibérico ham, so make sure you try it before you leave.

Full-day trips from Trujillo

Cáceres

Cáceres deserves more than a day’s visit, but you can enjoy a well-rounded day out, if you set off early from Trujillo. The Old Town of Cáceres is a World Heritage Site packed with grand historical buildings such as churches, convents and palaces-houses. The city is also a great food destination, with a great variety of places to eat ranging from cafés, taverns and tapas bars, to bistros and fashionable restaurants. Notable museums include Museo de Cáceres (housing a fantastic Moorish water cistern) Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo and Helga de Alvear Contemporary Art Museum.

Distance from Trujillo: 47km
Trujillo-Cáceres car journey duration: 37min

Parque Nacional de Monfragüe

Monfragüe National Park, also included in the UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserves list, is one of the best birdwatching areas in Europe and its International Birdwatching Fair (FIO, taking place in February every year) draws thousands of visitors from all over the world. Pack your binoculars, choose one of the three self-guided walking routes available (from 7.9-km to 16-km long) and get ready to spot Spanish Imperial eagles, Egyptian vultures, Griffon vultures and more. Don’t miss the Salto del Gitano viewpoint and walk up to the castle remains for great panoramic views of the surroundings.

Monumento Natural Los Barruecos

This natural area featuring large granitic rocks and two small reservoirs is home to one of Europe’s biggest colonies of white stork. You can choose one or more of the five walking routes available, depending on your preferences, where you’ll see be able to spot some tombs, shepherd huts, and several strange art pieces. Finish your visit at the quirky contemporary art Vostell Museum, located in a former wool-washing house (closed on Mondays). If you’re a Game of Thrones fans, you may like to know that the ‘Loot Train Attack’ battle scene was filmed here.

Mérida

Extremadura’s capital is a World Heritage City of Roman origins, with an Archaeological Ensemble comprising over twenty excellently preserved remains ranging from public buildings, to private architecture, religious buildings and engineering works. Seeing all the Roman architecture sights in Mérida can take two full days, so make sure you prioritise the theatre, the amphitheatre, the Roman Bridge, and the citadel (alcazaba). If time allows, head to the Roman Circus and stop by La Antigua neighbourhood on the way to see some amazing street art.

Day trips from Trujillo on a map