Best Things to Do in Extremadura, Spain

Extremadura covers nearly 42,000 sq km in the southwest corner of Spain, bordering Portugal to the west. The name means “beyond the Duero” (the river forming an ancient frontier). The things to do in Extremadura span its Roman heritage (Mérida has one of the best-preserved Roman theater complexes in the world, plus an intact amphitheater, circus, temple, and aqueduct — more Roman infrastructure than almost anywhere outside Italy); its medieval architecture (Cáceres old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an extraordinary concentration of 15th-16th century Renaissance palaces and towers — it was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones); its Iberico ham culture (Jamon de Extremadura comes from acorn-fed black pigs that roam the dehesa, the oak savannah landscape unique to Extremadura and neighboring Portugal); and its wildlife (Monfrague National Park has one of Europe’s highest concentrations of black vultures and black storks, plus Spanish imperial eagles). Trujillo, the birthplace of Francisco Pizarro (the conqueror of the Inca Empire), has an exceptionally well-preserved medieval castle and plaza.

Best time to visit

March through June and September through November are the best months. Spring is especially beautiful — the dehesa oak meadows are green, wildflowers bloom across the plateau, and migrating storks (white and black) arrive from Africa. July and August are intensely hot (40-45°C is common); Extremadura is one of Europe’s hottest regions in summer. The National Cheese Fair in Trujillo (May) and the Mérida International Classical Theatre Festival (June-September, using the ancient Roman theatre) are major events.

Getting around

The main access points are Badajoz (with an airport and road/rail connections to Madrid and Lisbon) and Mérida (high-speed train connection from Madrid, 3.5 hours). Cáceres is 1.5 hours from Mérida by road. Trujillo is halfway between Mérida and Cáceres. A car is strongly recommended — Extremadura’s distances are large and public transport between towns is infrequent. Monfrague National Park is 25 km north of Plasencia.

What to eat

Extremaduran food is dominated by pork: jamon ibérico (the acorn-fed Iberico ham, considered the world’s finest cured ham), secreto ibérico (grilled belly cut), and pluma ibérica (shoulder cut). Migas (fried breadcrumbs with chorizo and peppers, the shepherds’ dish) is the regional staple. Caldereta de cordero (lamb stew) and gazpacho extremeño (a meat-based, thicker version of the Andalusian gazpacho) are the other signatures. For the jamon experience, driving through the dehesa and stopping at any village restaurant in Guijüelo or Montanchez is the most authentic approach.