Merida and surrounding area
Mérida is the best base for exploring Extremadura. Around the city you'll find Roman reservoirs, a megalithic dolmen, and the vineyards of Tierra de Barros.
Mérida is a World Heritage City and the best base for exploring Extremadura. It preserves the most important set of Roman ruins in Spain: the Roman Theater, Amphitheater, Circus, Trajan’s Arch, aqueducts, and Roman houses.
If you want the full list of monuments, see our quick guide to Mérida. If you have a little more time, the area around the city is worth a day or two.
Cornalvo Natural Park
A few kilometers from Mérida, the Roman dam of Cornalvo sits in a typical dehesa of holm oaks and cork oaks. It is a good place for hiking, nature, and birdwatching.
More information about Cornalvo Natural Park
Proserpina Dam
About 3 km from the city, this reservoir is also Roman in origin and was remodeled in later periods. It is a pleasant place for a walk, and in summer it is a popular swimming spot.
Lácara Dolmen
On the road between Aljucén and La Nava de Santiago, about 20 km from Mérida, the Lácara Dolmen is one of the most important prehistoric tombs of its kind in western Europe.
Alange
About 20 km southeast of Mérida, the village of Alange has Roman thermal baths, a medieval castle, and a reservoir. The baths have been used since Roman times and are still open as a spa.
Almendralejo and Tierra de Barros
South of Mérida, the town of Almendralejo is the center of the Tierra de Barros wine region (Ribera del Guadiana). Several wineries offer tastings and tours.