Don Benito, Villanueva de la Serena, and the Guadiana River
The fertile plain of the Guadiana River, in eastern Badajoz province, with historic Medellín and the birthplace of Hernán Cortés.
The Vegas Altas del Guadiana is a fertile plain in the valley of the Guadiana River, in eastern Badajoz province. Don Benito and Villanueva de la Serena are its main cities.
Many cultures have settled here because of the rich land and the strategic location. In the Middle Ages, the Order of Alcántara and the Order of Santiago controlled the area, and their castles and churches are still standing.
Medellín
Medellín is the best example of the history of this land. In just a few streets you’ll find a Roman theater, an impressive castle built over an Arab fortress, three churches from different periods, and a bridge over the Guadiana.
Medellín is also the birthplace of Hernán Cortés (1485), the conquistador who led the conquest of Mexico.
Views of Medellin from the castle
Festivals
Villanueva de la Serena holds a street theater festival every year, a lively event with performances around the town.
The Vegas Altas
The surrounding Vegas Altas del Guadiana is one of the most fertile farming areas in Spain. Fields of rice, corn, tomatoes, and fruit stretch along the river, and the rice is grown under the Arroz de Extremadura label.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Summers are very hot, and the flooded rice fields attract water birds. Winters are mild.
How to get there
Don Benito and Villanueva de la Serena sit between the A-5 and A-66 highways, about 1 hour from Mérida and 2 hours from Badajoz. Both towns have train stations on the Mérida–Madrid line, and the nearest airport is Badajoz (BJZ).
What to eat
Rice is the local specialty and is served in many ways. You’ll also find roast lamb, migas, and sheep cheese from the surrounding area.
The two cities
Don Benito and Villanueva de la Serena are among the largest towns in Extremadura. Both have a traditional main square, a weekly market, and plenty of bars and restaurants, so they make an easy base for the area.
Getting around
The two towns are only a few minutes apart, and a car makes it easy to reach Medellín and the river. Buses and trains connect the area with Mérida and Badajoz.
Where to stay…