Where to go on your first time in Extremadura

With many Spanish regions affected by mass tourism, an increasing number of international visitors are looking for less-travelled areas to explore. Extremadura is not quite there yet in terms of international tourism so travellers can expect a much more local and authentic experience.

In this article, I cover the main travel destinations and share some thoughts and ideas for you to consider when deciding where to go on your first time in Extremadura.

Your first time in Extremadura: where to go

Extremadura is a fairly large, very sparsely populated region with an underdeveloped railway infrastructure. Spending some time researching where to go is key to make the most of your trip. Below, you’ll find a list of what I personally think are the main destinations you should consider for your first trip to Extremadura.

Mérida

If there’s one place you should absolutely see on your first visit to Extremadura, it’s Mérida. Not only is it the top tourist destination but also the obvious choice for a short city break, and the place to prioritise when creating an itinerary.

Mérida 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. I’d recommend spending two full days to be able to see all the main sights without rushing. However, if you only have one day in the city, make sure to prioritise the theatre, the amphitheatre, the Roman Bridge, and the citadel (alcazaba).

Cáceres

The Old Town of Cáceres is a World Heritage Site and a Game of Thrones filming location boasting churches, convents, palaces-houses and other outstanding buildings of different historical periods and architectural styles. The city probably deserves more than a day’s visit, but you’ll be able to enjoy a well-rounded day out in Cáceres if you set off early. Don’t miss: the main square, the twelfth-century tower Torre de Bujaco, the views from the Iglesia Concatedral de Santa María’s bell tower, the old Jewish quarter and Helga de Alvear Contemporary Art Museum.

Cáceres is also a great food destination, with eateries ranging from old-school cafés, rustic taverns and tapas bars, to modern bistros, fashionable restaurants and even a three-Michelin-starred restaurant.

Monumento Natural Los Barruecos

Los Barruecos is a protected natural area in central Cáceres province featuring peculiar granitic formations, several artificial lakes, a large colony of white storks, walking routes, and an interesting contemporary art museum. Easily reachable from Cáceres in twenty five minutes by car, this is an easy, great day trip, whether you’re into nature, walking, birdwatching or art or into all of them!

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.

Trujillo

Despite its small size, Trujillo packs a punch as a day trip destination, with one of Spain’s most beautiful squares and an old town brimming with fine historical buildings. It is, in my opinion, an unmissable place on any first trip to Extremadura, particularly if you travel from or to Madrid.

Wander around its medieval streets, across city gates and amongst numerous impressive palaces. Visit Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor, climbing up the bell tower for what I think are the second best views of Trujillo and the best views of the castle. Aim to visit the castle (Castillo de Trujillo, a GoT filming location) just before sunset to enjoy the incredible views of the surrounding area in the evening light.

Parque Nacional de Monfragüe

Monfragüe National Park, 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.

Badajoz

Located by the Portuguese border, Extremadura’s largest city is often overlooked by travellers but worth including in your itinerary – particularly if you’re travelling to Extremadura from Lisbon by car. Badajoz is home to the largest Moorish citadel in Europe, Spain’s longest city walls, and one of mainland Spain’s most popular Carnival celebrations.

One full day in Badajoz should suffice to visit all the main places of interest, including its twelfth-century citadel (Alcazaba), the iconic square Plaza Alta, the Puerta de Palmas gate, Fort San Cristóbal, and the main square (Plaza de España). For a more relaxed visit including museums, allow one and a half days for your visit.

Guadalupe

Guadalupe is a large village located in southeastern Cáceres province, about 1h 10min by car from Trujillo. Its Royal Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site draws visitors from all over the world and displays a fascinating mix of Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical styles.

Apart from the monastery, Guadalupe also has some interesting examples of traditional civil architecture, charming, arcaded houses, fountains and amazing views to its scenic mountainous surroundings.

Planning your first trip to Extremadura

A mix-and-match itinerary combining at least three of the above-mentioned destinations will make a good first impression on first-timers in Extremadura. Choose your destinations carefully, considering where you’re travelling from, as well as your preferred transport method, and your time available.

Extremadura has a good road network and a road trip will give you the most flexibility to explore the region, allowing you to visit not only towns and cities but also natural areas not served by public transport.

If you’re travelling by train, your choice of destinations will be limited to Cáceres, Mérida and Badajoz (from Madrid).

If you’re travelling by coach, make sure you read my comprehensive guide to travelling Extremadura by coach.

First time in Extremadura: destinations on a map