Western Spain travel guide

This short guide to Extremadura, a vast region in western Spain just 2 hours from Madrid. Incredible ancient monuments, many nature reserves, a low population and rural traditions... Extremadura is a place to get lost.

Extremadura is a large, rural region in western Spain, right on the border with Portugal. It is easy to reach from Madrid, Seville, and Lisbon, and it rewards slow travel: historic cities, Roman ruins, bird reserves, and quiet villages.

Extremadura location map

Start here

If this is your first trip, begin with the two main cities:

From there, use the rest of this guide to see what fits your interests, and the routes and guides section for more ideas.

For practical planning, start with our guides to how to get to Extremadura, the best time to visit, itineraries, where to stay, and travel tips.

History

Since the first settlers arrived in this land, thousands of years ago, this region has always been highly valued: located in a strategic area, with a mild climate and perfect land for farming and livestock.

Many cultures and civilizations have lived in this land: prehistoric civilizations, pre-Roman cultures, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs, Christians…

In Extremadura you’ll find numerous remains and prehistoric sites, including dolmens, pre-Roman defensive enclosures, and structures from the Tartessan culture (linked to the Phoenicians)…

Throughout Extremadura you’ll also encounter various monuments from ancient Rome. Extremadura was part of the Roman provinces of Lusitania and Baetica.

Especially in Mérida, Augusta Emerita, the capital of Roman Lusitania, preserves one of the most significant Roman heritages in Europe.

Then, the arrival of the Muslims and their nearly eight centuries of presence left a very important architectural legacy.

During the 13th century, these lands were reconquered by Christian forces, including military orders such as the Order of Santiago and the Knights Templar.

Numerous castles, churches, and defensive monuments from this medieval and Renaissance period can be found. Cities like Cáceres or Trujillo, for instance, boast highly significant medieval architectural heritage worth visiting.

These locations serve as the backdrop for numerous films and series set in the medieval era.

Nature

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Extremadura experienced limited industrialization and maintained a low population density. These factors have helped preserve the region’s original nature and traditional farming lands, particularly the expansive wood pastures known as “dehesas.”

Extremadura, located in Western Europe, boasts the highest percentage of Important Bird Areas (known as ZEPA in Spain - Special Protection Areas for birds), making it a perfect destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Vultures flying over the Monfrague castle

The region comprises two provinces: Cáceres in the north and Badajoz in the south, each with its unique culture, traditions, history, monuments, and gastronomy.

You can explore the various regional zones to discover the richness and diversity that define Extremadura.

Climate

Winter in this region is mild, thanks to its Mediterranean influence and its proximity to the Atlantic coast of Portugal.

While the northern areas of Cáceres and the mountain ranges around Guadalupe (to the east) may experience lower temperatures, the overall winter average exceeds 8ºC.

Summers, on the other hand, bring hot and dry conditions, with temperatures occasionally soaring to 40ºC, particularly in Badajoz, in the south of Extremadura.

The landscape in many parts of Extremadura changes radically between seasons, shifting from lush green steppes in the cooler months to dry, ochre-toned landscapes with the arrival of summer.

Each season has its own charm.

Spring and autumn are typically times when nature reaches its full splendor, and the weather is more pleasant for hiking or visiting the many natural parks and tourist routes.

So, where to go…

There are so many options…

Extremadura map

Culture / history

If you like culture and history, you could visit the World Heritage Triangle (World Heritage Cities of Extremadura):

  • The city of Cáceres and its impressive Medieval Town
  • The charming town of Guadalupe and the Monastery of Guadalupe
  • Mérida, the ancient Augusta Emerita, where you can travel back in time to explore the Roman culture

Merida Roman Theater

Other places you must visit on your cultural trip:

  • Explore the city of Trujillo. The old town of Trujillo boasts medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the impressive Arab castle and beautiful medieval churches.
  • Visit the city of Plasencia, where you can admire two cathedrals, known as the Old and the New Cathedral.
  • Discover the Roman Bridge of Alcántara.
  • Explore the city of Badajoz, featuring an impressive Arab fortress (Alcazaba de Badajoz), the Cathedral, and its beautiful modern surroundings.
  • If you’re interested in Templar Knights, don’t miss Jerez de los Caballeros in the southwest of Badajoz province.

Nature and birding

Storks and stones in Barruecos

If you like nature, birding or hiking, take a look at some of these beautiful places in Western Spain:

Landscapes and relax

There are so many places to enjoy nature and relax.

Almost every little town in Extremadura has its own charm and a slow-paced lifestyle.

Here are some well-known areas with beautiful landscapes:

   

Where to stay…

If you are looking for nature and relax, you can find beautiful places to stay in every season in the north of Cáceres province:

If you want to visit everything, or prefer to stay in a city, you could choose Plasencia, Cáceres or Mérida, since all of them are located on the A66 highway that connects Extremadura from north to south.

So you can plan your daily trips from these cities to any other place in Extremadura: