One of the few places in Spain that feels nearly untouched by tourism, Extremadura is a remote region that draws those looking for genuine peace and quiet. It boasts no beaches or flashy resorts, but you will find rambling fields, winding country roads, and sleepy villages where you can buy locally cured hams and regional wines.
Read our mini guide to Extremadura
M?rida, the region's capital, is a good place to start off your visit. This busy southern city was once the capital of Roman Spain, and its Roman monuments are among the best-preserved in Spain. In central Extremadura, C?ceres is another lively city crowned with an historic centre. The stone streets and buildings have changed little since the 1400s; it looks so authentic that it's even been used as a film set! Due east is yet another historic town perfect for strolling: Trujillo. The hometown of famed Spanish explorer and conquistador Francisco Pizarro, reminders of the hero await at every turn.
To explore Extremadra's natural beauty, head to the greener and hillier north. The Rio Ti?tar runs through here, creating pretty valleys like La Vera, the Valle del Jerte and the Valle del Ambroz. Visit towns like Cuacos de Yuste, known for its leaning houses, and Jarandilla de la Vera, home to a couple of important historical monuments. The Sierras, especially the lush Sierra de Gata in the northwest, are unbeatable places for hiking or taking driving tours. Here be sure to visit the town of Coria, with its perfect Roman walls and pretty cathedral.
The largest northern town is Plasencia, which makes a great base for exploring the sierras and the nearby Parque Natural Monfrag?e.
Our Finca is on the slopes of the stunning Sierra de Montanchez, Extremadura. The one bedroom barn is a really spacious independent house on the finca in its own grounds with own entrance and lovely swimming pool. There is also a 3 bedroom cortijo which can be rented separately. Beautiful views, interesting activities. more info...
Finca al-manzil is an extensive finca on the slopes of the stunning Sierra de Montanchez. The cortijo is the farmhouse on the finca, situated to take advantage of the beautiful views of the peaks and the olive groves. A really spacious and versatile house, comfortable and well furnished with everything you could want for a great holiday. more info...
Extremadura lives up to its name with an extreme climate. Summers are long, dry and hot, while winters are very cold by Spanish standards. The best time to visit is Spring and early summer, when regional festivals show off Extremadura's culture.
There are no major airports in Extremadura, but you can drive to northern towns like Palencia in just 3 hours from Madrid. (There are countless direct flights to Madrid from the UK; flying time is approximately 2 hours). You can also get here by train from Madrid and other Spanish cities.
The region's towns are well-connected by bus and train, making public transportation a good option. To explore the park and more remote areas, you'll need your own transportation.
Extremadura is excellent bird-watching country, especially around the Parque Natural Monfrag?e in northern Extremadura, where large groups of vultures, raptors, storks and eagles live and hunt.
Walkers will enjoy hiking through the park; there are several easy trails that lead to lookouts, while harder routes meander the park's innards. Here in the north there are endless other possibilities for walking too. Many trails follow historical routes, like the ancient shepherds' trail (the PR-40) that sets out from Casares de las Hurdes. Several trails meander through areas like La Vera and the Valle del Ambroz (both lush green valleys), while the hikes through the Sierras (the Sierra de Gredos and Sierra de Gata) offer more of a challenge.
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