Connecting Madrid to the Spanish-Portuguese border near Badajoz, the A-5 is one of the main roads going through Extremadura, and allows you to visit some of the most popular travel destinations in the region.
In this article, aimed at travellers road tripping Extremadura, I suggest the three main places along the A-5 road through Extremadura worth stopping for half a day, a full day or even an overnight stay, as well as a selection of diversion ideas that you can fit into your trip, depending on your interests and time available.
Autovía del Suroeste is the A-5 motorway running from the Spanish capital, southwest-bound, into Portugal. Despite changing its name over the border, the same road will take you eventually all the way to Lisbon.
Places to stop along the A-5 road through Extremadura
Trujillo
The historical town of Trujillo, located in the Miajadas-Trujillo area, is one of Extremadura’s unmissable destinations. It features one of Spain’s most beautiful squares and an old town full of fine historical buildings, including several churches and palaces.
Don’t miss: Castillo de Trujillo (a GoT filming location), the views from the bell tower of Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor, the city gates, and the Parador.
Getting there: (if driving west) get off at exit 253 towards Trujillo; (if driving east) get off either at exit 259 towards Trujillo (sur) or exit 253 towards Trujillo.
Quick diversion idea:
The so-called Templo Los Mármoles is a Roman temple originally located in Talavera la Vieja, formerly the Roman city of Augustóbriga and now under the waters of the Valdecañas reservoir. Twice relocated, you can now visit the temple by the reservoir off the EX-118 road (to the north of Bohonal de Ibor), a 9-minute drive away from exit 178 on the A-5 road.
Quick diversion idea:
Romangordo is a small village in the Monfragüe and surroundings area, a 5-minute drive away from exit 210 on the A-5 road. Stop here to see the over sixty street art works that decorate walls and garage doors, depicting rural life through everyday scenes representing traditional trades, food, folklore, nature and even real local people
Medellín (diversion)
Medellín is a small town located in the Vegas Altas del Guadiana area, a 21-minute drive from exit 310 on the A-5 road. Its historical ensemble including a medieval castle and a magnificent Roman Theatre is worth the slightly longer diversion and spending at least half a day exploring.
Don’t miss: Castillo de Medellín, Teatro Romano, the medieval bridge, the main square, and the views (and food) from Restaurante Quinto Cecilio.
Getting there: (if driving west) get off at exit 310 onto the EX-206 (Santa Amalia-bound) and follow the signs for Teatro Romano de Medellín (or Medellín); (if driving east) you can get off either at exit 310 or slightly earlier at exit 316 onto N-430 road (Ciudad Real-bound) and follow the signs for Teatro Romano de Medellín you’ll start seeing in Santa Amalia.
Mérida
Mérida is Extremadura’s capital and the region’s most important travel destination. A World Heritage City of Roman origins, Mérida is worth stopping for an overnight stay to be able to take in all the sights, which include a theatre, an amphitheatre, several aqueducts, and a bridge.
Don’t miss: the Roman Templo de Diana, the Roman Art Museum (Museo Nacional de Arte Romano), and the Moorish citadel (Alcazaba).
Getting there: (if driving west) get off at exit 338 and follow the signs for Mérida; (if driving east) get off at exit 342 and follow the signs for centro urbano.
Quick diversion idea:
Alange is a village located in the Sierra Grande-Tierra de Barros area, 19 minutes by car from exit 345 on the A-5 road. The main highlights are some spa facilities including thermal baths dating back to Roman times and the remains of a Moorish castle (Castillo de Alange) set stop a rocky hill affording great views over the town and the nearby reservoir.
Quick diversion idea:
Dolmen de Lácara is a megalithic passage tomb located to the east of Aljucén, about 16 minutes by car from exit 336, north of Mérida. A long corridor with low ceilings led to the main chamber, which is said to have been more than 4 m high and about 5 m in diameter. It’s an interesting, very quick, diversion for those interested in history and heritage.
Badajoz
Located by the Portuguese border, Badajoz is Extremadura’s largest city, with a walkable city centre worth stopping for a day. Badajoz is home to the largest Moorish citadel in Europe and Spain’s longest city walls. and one of mainland Spain’s most popular Carnival celebrations.
Don’t miss: its twelfth-century citadel (Alcazaba), the iconic square Plaza Alta, the Puerta de Palmas gate and the main square (Plaza de España).
Getting there: (if driving west) get off at exit 395 onto BA-20 towards Badajoz; (if driving east) get off at exit 407 towards Badajoz.
Diversion idea:
Olivenza is a town about 32 minutes south of Badajoz, with a centuries-long history under Portuguese sovereignty still visible today in its military, religious and civil architecture. Don’t miss: Castillo de Olivenza, the ethnographic museum, the Santa María del Castillo church, the medieval walls and gates, the Manueline-style portal at the town hall, and local sweet delicacy técula mécula.
Map of places to stop along the A-5 road through Extremadura
Find all the places mentioned in this article on the map below.
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Irene Corchado Resmella
Hi! I’m Irene (/ee-REH-neh/). Long since settled in the UK, I explore my Spanish home region of Extremadura with an inquisitive mind, a sharp eye, and the duality that comes with being both a local and a visitor. Then I write about it here to help you discover this beautiful yet overlooked part of Spain. If you have any questions after reading this article, submit a comment below! Read more about me.
