Zafra and Bodion river region
A region between Tierra de Barros and the Sierra Morena, crossed by the Vía de la Plata. Its main town, Zafra, is known for its old squares and its historic livestock fair.
The name Vía de la Plata comes from the Roman name Via Delapidata, meaning paved road. It was the old Roman route connecting the north and south of Hispania, and today it is a popular walking and cycling route.
The region lies between Tierra de Barros and the Sierra Morena, and its towns were important in the Middle Ages.
Zafra
Zafra is the main town of the region, known as Sevilla la Chica (little Seville). Its old center has two squares, the Plaza Grande and the Plaza Chica, and the Palace of the Dukes of Feria, a defensive castle that was later turned into a palace.
Nearby, the Colegiata de la Candelaria and the Convento de Santa Clara are worth a visit, and the narrow streets around the squares are full of mansions and small shops.
The town is also famous for its livestock fair, one of the oldest in Spain, held in late September and early October.
Feria town from the castle
Around Zafra
- Feria: a small town built on a hill under the protection of its castle. You can visit the castle and climb the main tower for wide views.
- Burguillos del Cerro: a hilltop town with a castle of Templar origin.
- Medina de las Torres and Puebla de Sancho Pérez: quiet villages on the Vía de la Plata.
- The Vía de la Plata passes through the area, with quiet tracks through dehesas and farmland.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are the best seasons. Zafra’s livestock fair, one of the oldest in Spain, fills the town in late September and early October, so book ahead if you visit then.
How to get there
Zafra is on the A-66 highway, about 1 hour from Badajoz and 1 hour 30 minutes from Seville. It has a train station on the Vía de la Plata line, and the nearest airports are Badajoz (BJZ) and Seville (SVQ).
What to eat
The region shares the flavors of Tierra de Barros next door: cured ham, sheep cheese, migas, and wines from the Ribera del Guadiana.
Getting around
A car is the easiest way to reach Feria, Burguillos del Cerro, and the surrounding villages. Zafra is on the A-66 and has a train station, with good links to Badajoz, Seville, and Mérida.