Where to Stay in Extremadura
Where to base yourself in Extremadura: cities, historic towns, rural houses, and paradores, with tips on when to book.
Extremadura is large, so where you stay shapes your trip. The main cities make good bases for day trips, while small towns and rural houses are better if you want nature and quiet. You can also see the quick guide to Extremadura for a short list of areas.
Cities
- Mérida: the best base for the south and center. It has the Roman monuments, plenty of hotels, and good road links. It is our first choice for a first visit.
- Cáceres: a lively university city with a beautiful old town, well placed for Trujillo and Monfragüe.
- Badajoz: the largest city in the region, on the Portuguese border. Less focused on tourism, but a good base for the west and for crossing into Portugal.
- Plasencia: in the north, close to the Jerte Valley and La Vera, and handy for the A-66 highway.
Historic towns and villages
- Trujillo: a small, historic town with a famous square. Good for a night or two, and close to Monfragüe.
- Guadalupe: a quiet village built around its Royal Monastery, with several small hotels.
- Zafra: a charming town on the Vía de la Plata, with two historic squares.
- Jarandilla de la Vera and the villages of the Jerte Valley: good for nature, hiking, and rural tourism.
Rural houses and paradores
- Casas rurales (rural houses) are common in La Vera, the Jerte Valley, the Sierra de Gata, and the Villuercas area. They are a good option for families and longer stays.
- Paradores are historic buildings converted into hotels by the state. Extremadura has several, including Guadalupe, Jarandilla de la Vera, Plasencia, Zafra, Trujillo, Mérida, and Cáceres.
When to book
Spring and autumn are the busiest seasons, and Easter, the Carnival of Badajoz, and the Classical Theater Festival of Mérida fill up early. In summer, weekends near reservoirs and natural pools are also popular. Book ahead if you are traveling in those periods.