Curious about what you can do in the Extremadura region? Here’s my ultimate Extremadura road trip itinerary, which includes some of the biggest gems in the area.

  • This post contains affiliate links from which I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). For more info, please read my disclosure. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Top things to do in Extremadura Region

My trip to Extremadura

Extremadura was the last Spanish region I needed to visit to officially say that, after 15+ years as an expat in Spain, I’ve been to every province and major city across the country – so this felt like a personal milestone. From now on, my road trips in Spain will always be about revisiting places, even though one could easily spend a lifetime exploring hidden villages and lesser-known museums across the country. This is why I love traveling in Spain: the diversity of landscapes and abundance of hidden gems make it a fascinating destination for repeat visits. In this post, I’ll share my honest impressions of my recent Extremadura road trip, along with some of the most unique things to do in the region. While I spent 4 days in Extremadura, you can easily turn this itinerary into a 7-day trip by spending more time in each place I mention. In fact, doing so would be more comfortable and even necessary to fully explore each stop.

Where is Extremadura

Extremadura is located in the western part of Spain, bordering Portugal. It is made up of two provinces, Caceres in the north and Badajoz in the south. The region lies to the west of Madrid and is bordered by the regions of Castile-Leon to the north, Castile-La Mancha to the east, and Andalusia to the south. Extremadura is known for its rural landscapes, historic towns, and rich cultural heritage, with cities like Mérida and Cáceres offering impressive Roman and medieval sites. The main city of the region is Merida.

What is special about Extremadura

Some of the most iconic Spanish landmarks can be found in Extremadura, such as the impressive Old Town of Cáceres, which is so unique that it’s surprising it remains one of the most underrated places in Spain. The Guadalupe Monastery frequently appears on lists of top Spanish religious sites, and the cherry blossoms of the Valle del Jerte are among the most famous flower displays in the country. However, the region’s main tourist attraction is MErida, known for its historical sites, including some of the most iconic Roman ruins in Spain, particularly one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in Europe. Flamenco lovers can start searching for local performances, as Extremadura has its own flamenco style – flamenco extremeño. No wonder the region has recently become one of the most iconic filming locations for HBO’s House of the Dragon in Spain.

Moreover, the region of Extremadura was once home to many explorers of the New World, such as Hernán Cortés, Francisco Pizarro, and Vasco Núñez de Balboa. Additionally, Extremadura is renowned for its jamón and cheese.

What food is Extremadura known for

Fans of Spanish food might already know that Extremadura produces some of the best hams and cheeses in Spain: Jamón Ibérico (with Denominación de Origen Dehesa de Extremadura) and Torta del Casar (a popular local creamy cheese). Famous local delicacies also include pimentón de la Vera, migas, gazpacho extremeño, chanfaina, zorongollo, and cojondongo. If you have a sweet tooth, keep in mind that Extremadura has the largest number of hives and beekeepers in Spain, so consider bringing home some local honey as a food souvenir from Spain.

cheese extremadura spain
Las Maya Barcarrota Restaurant

How to get to Extremadura

The local airports in Extremadura, located in Cáceres and Badajoz, offer limited flight options, primarily regional or domestic routes. The nearest international airports with more frequent connections are Seville’s San Pablo Airport, Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, and Lisbon Airport in Portugal. Once in Madrid, Seville, or Lisbon, I recommend renting a car, as it is the best way to explore Extremadura, although you can also reach the region by train or bus from most major Spanish cities.

Best time to visit Extremadura

The best time to visit Extremadura is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). These seasons offer pleasant weather, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the summer months. Summer in Extremadura (July and August) can be very hot, especially in inland areas, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F)

Also, try to avoid public holidays in Spain, as Extremadura is a popular getaway for large groups of retired Spaniards. My road trip through Extremadura, took place during a long weekend in October, coinciding with the national holiday of Día de la Hispanidad on October 12. The region was crowded with buses full of retired Spaniards. In general, the cost of living and prices in Extremadura are lower than in most of Spain’s coastal destinations, which likely contributes to its popularity as a budget-friendly option for the seniors.

Extremadura Road Trip: Top things to do in Extremadura

Day 1: Merida and Medellin

Is Merida worth visiting?

I highly recommend visiting Merida to all history lovers, as this city was one of the highlights of my Extremadura road trip. Merida transports visitors back to the times of the Roman Empire in Spain. Back then, this region was called Lusitania, and its capital city was Augusta Emerita. Although Merida has enough fascinating landmarks to keep history enthusiasts busy for several days, we chose to focus on a few main sights. This was partly because I had originally planned to visit the nearby small town of Medellín as well. If you have more than one day in Mérida, it’s even better to explore the city at a slower pace. During our visit, we managed to see only the top Spanish national landmarks in the region, including the Roman Theatre of Mérida and the National Museum of Roman Art. On our way to lunch, we also made stops at the Temple of Diana, the Pórtico del Foro, and Plaza de España.

templo diana merida extremadura road trip
The Temple of Diana in Merida

The Roman Theatre of Merida

The Roman Theatre of Mérida was one of the highlights of the whole trip for me. It was constructed in 16 BC under the orders of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, a general of Emperor Augustus. The theatre was designed to accommodate 6,000 spectators and was remodeled several times, with the last renovation occurring between 330 and 340 AD. If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss Mérida’s Classical Theatre Festival (or Festival Internacional de Teatro Clásico de Mérida). Our tickets to the Roman ruins also included access to the Roman Amphitheatre, located right next to the Roman Theatre. This amphitheatre was built in 8 BC for gladiator games and wild animal hunts, with a seating capacity of approximately 16,000 spectators.

merida roman theatre extremadura spain
The Roman Theatre of Merida

The National Museum of Roman Art

While I had anticipated the magnificence of the Roman Theatre before setting off on this Extremadura road trip, the National Museum of Roman Art truly took me by surprise. Since my visit to Murcia and the impressive Roman ruins of Cartagena, I had somehow convinced myself that it would be hard to find a higher concentration of unique Roman artifacts and artworks elsewhere. Well, I was wrong. The National Museum of Roman Art is the place. I loved everything about this museum – the extensive collection of ancient and unique objects, the thoughtful interior design, and the free entrance (which makes it accessible to everyone). Remember how I was blown away by the Roman mosaics in Paphos during my trip to Cyprus? Well, the massive mosaic panels set on the walls of the National Museum of Roman Art take it to the next level – absolutely unbelievable.

Roman Empire Museum Merida Spain
The National Museum of Roman Art in Merida

Merida City Center

After visiting the museum, we explored the city center of Mérida and made stops to admire the Temple of Diana, the Pórtico del Foro, and the central Plaza de España. Our lunch at one of the top-rated restaurants, however, was far from perfect. Despite having made a reservation in advance, we waited 40 minutes to be seated, and the service was incredibly slow. During the wait, we tried calling nearby restaurants to switch, but everywhere was fully booked. So, I’ll say the dining experience was the least enjoyable part of our Extremadura road trip – not because of the food, but because of the poor service across the region. It was either a reflection of the restaurant industry in Extremadura or simply our bad luck.

merida city center spain
Merida City Center

Medellin

Just a 30-minute drive from Mérida, you’ll find the charming small town of Medellín, home to its very own Roman Theatre. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Extremadura – walking along the ancient walkways and Roman stones at sunset. Unlike the very touristy Mérida, in Medellín we encountered only a few travelers, allowing us to almost enjoy the place to ourselves. I absolutely loved this small town, even though I admit that before this road trip through Extremadura, I had never heard of it (I could have sworn the only “Medellín” existed in Colombia).

medellin roman theatre spain
The Roman Theatre of Medellin

Day 2: Frenegal de la Sierra, Jerez de Los Caballeros, Badajoz

The second day of our Extremadura road trip was meant to be entirely dedicated to the region of Badajoz. First thing in the morning, we headed to the beautiful small town of Fregenal de la Sierra. On the way, we made a quick stop at El Capricho de Cotrina, a peculiar local building created by Francisco González Gragera for his daughter Cotrina. Locals often joke that it’s the Gaudí of Extremadura. Although the place was closed, we were still able to enjoy the vibrant, fairytale-like architecture for a few minutes from behind the fence.

capricho de cotrina extremadura
El Capricho de Cotrina

Frenegal de la Sierra

The small town of Fregenal de la Sierra is part of the Route of the White Villages of Extremadura (Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos de Extremadura in Spanish). If you’ve previously visited Southern Spain, you might be familiar with whitewashed towns like Mojácar or Setenil de las Bodegas. Well, Extremadura has its very own list of secret Spanish towns, including Fregenal de la Sierra, Zafra, Ducado, Olivenza, Fuente del Maestre, Llerena, and Jerez de los Caballeros. The most interesting and unique feature of Fregenal de la Sierra is its 12th-century Templar Castle, which houses a bullring built in 1781. While wandering through the old town, we also spotted several stunning “patios” (courtyards), which you can check out on my IG Highlight for Extremadura.

frenegal de la sierra bullring spain
A bullring inside the Templar Castle in Frenegal de la Sierra

Jerez de los Caballeros

Next, we drove to another beautiful village in Extremadura – Jerez de los Caballeros. I had my eye on it ever since I got a new coffee table book on Spanish villages. This small town has a rich cultural history, having been inhabited by the Romans, Phoenicians, Arabs, and Visigoths. You can stop at El Dolmen de Toriñuelo, considered on of Spain’s historical mysteries. Since our schedule for the day was quite packed, we only had time to stroll around the center of Jerez de los Caballeros to admire the stunning Torres de Jerez de los Caballeros towers, the impressive façade of Iglesia de San Bartolomé, the walls of the Templar Castle, and the museum-house of the Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa (as I am obsessed with Spanish house-museums). One place that really caught my attention along the way was the La Ermita Bar-Restaurante, a church-turned-bar dating back to the 17th century. Unfortunately, they had an event that day, so we couldn’t stop for a coffee, but it would have been quite an unusual experience.

jerez de los caballeros extremadura
Iglesia de San Bartolome in Jerez de los Caballeros

Badajoz

On the way to Badajoz, we made a stop for lunch at a local restaurant, Las Maya Barcarrota. I wish I could say it was “a quick stop on the road,” but that wasn’t the case for us during this entire Extremadura road trip. At least the food was excellent, and we had the chance to try local cheese and jam plates. The staff also apologized for the slow service, though it was still better than what we experienced in most Extremadura restaurants. As much as I enjoy sharing local Spanish bars and restaurants with you, this is the only place I could slightly recommend based on my personal experience.

Upon arriving in Badajoz, we headed to its central square, Plaza Alta, to admire the unique architecture, then walked to a few local sights, including La Alcazaba, Plaza de España, and Puerta de Palmas. While wandering around the city, I had a strange feeling – it seemed almost empty. Perhaps this was due to the holiday weekend. I also remembered reading in a Spanish newspaper that Extremadura had lost nearly 50,000 inhabitants in the past decade. The main issues facing the region have always been low economic growth and high unemployment, making it the poorest region in Spain. However, I didn’t notice this decline anywhere except in Badajoz.

Nevertheless, the end of our second day in Extremadura was incredibly beautiful. We witnessed one of the most stunning sunsets while walking across the Puente de Palmas, a beautiful bridge in Badajoz. Built between 1460 and 1511, it offers a magical view over the Guadiana River.

sunset over old bridge badajoz spain
Sunset in Badajoz

Day 3: Caceres and Trujillo

Visiting the city of Cáceres and one of the most beautiful small towns in Spain, Trujillo, are among the most unique things to do in Extremadura. Both were recently featured in HBO’s TV show House of the Dragon, so this is likely to boost international tourism to the area in the near future.

Caceres

The Old Town of Cáceres (declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is one of the most beautiful architectural gems in all of Spain. It became my second favorite part of this Extremadura road trip, after the Roman heritage of Mérida. Since we visited the city early in the morning, before the tourists arrived, I had a magical feeling of time-traveling back to the Middle Ages. You should start your walking tour at Plaza Mayor and walk through the 15th-century arch, Arco de la Estrella.

Keep your eyes open as you explore – you’ll notice marks on the walls indicating filming locations for House of the Dragon. Don’t miss Cuesta de Adana, Callejón de la Monja, Casa de los Solís, Casa de los Becerra, Palacio de los Golfines, Cuesta de la Compañía, and Plaza de San Mateo. The local Museum of Cáceres is home to the famous sculpture Genio Andrógeno, dating back to the first century. Another iconic site is the Torre de Bujaco, a stunning 12th-century tower offering spectacular views of the city. As Cáceres is full of delicatessen shops, we stocked up on unique food gifts for the family, including local jamón and Torta de Cazar.

caceres extremadyra spain travel
The Old Town of Caceres

Trujillo

Our next stop for the day was Trujillo, one of the most beautiful small towns in Spain. Unfortunately, we weren’t lucky with the weather, as it didn’t stop raining even for a moment. However, the central square, Plaza de Trujillo, still looked stunning, as did the Alcazaba. Don’t miss the gorgeous facade of the Palacio de los Marqueses de la Conquista, the Puerta de Santiago arch (which was once part of the ancient medieval walls), the ruins of the Convento de San Francisco, the Real Puerta del Triunfo (where Christian troops solemnly entered the city after the Reconquista – you can learn more via my list of Spanish documentaries), and La Alberca (an ancient water reservoir from the 12th century). While strolling through the magical medieval streets of Trujillo, I stumbled upon a beautiful handmade embroidery shop, Artesania Bordado con Fieltro (here’s their FB page), where I bought some stunning handmade pieces.

artesania trujillo espana
Artesanía Bordado con Fieltro is a great place to shop for handmade Spanish souvenirs

Day 4: Monasterio de Guadalupe

During our last day in Extremadura, we only had the morning for sightseeing, as we were planning to drive back home to Valencia later in the day, with a stop in the ceramic city of Talavera de la Reina. Therefore, I had to choose between two famous Spanish monasteries of Extremadura to include in our itinerary: Monasterio de Guadalupe and Monasterio de Yuste. A quick confession – I’m not entirely sure if I made the right choice in the end. Since Monasterio de Guadalupe is slightly more famous in Spain, we decided to visit it first and leave Monasterio de Yuste for our next road trip around Madrid.

While visiting Monasterio de Guadalupe is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Extremadura, I honestly had mixed feelings about the visit. The architecture and artwork inside the monastery were beautiful, but the strict no-pictures policy and the guided tours-only rule felt a bit too much. After that, I expected the place to be a second Vatican. However, it wasn’t. At least it was October, and my shoulders were covered, otherwise, I was half-expecting them to ask me to cover up to be allowed inside (like it happened in Savona). Don’t get me wrong, I respect the rules of religious sites, but I just don’t understand when so much hype is created around a place, only for the landmark to feel more touristy and commercial than spiritual once you’re inside. The number of souvenirs in their shop probably surpasses the entire Extremadura region. If the goal is not to be welcoming to all visitors and help people feel at peace while being closer to God, but rather to focus on making money, then why complicate the visitor experience so much? At Guadalupe Monastery, you enter with a guide and a large group, unable to explore at your own pace. Some rooms are so small they can’t even accommodate the whole group. Additionally, the monastery is extremely popular with large groups of retired Spaniards. The numerous souvenir shops and buses parked around the site took away much of the magic for me. So, I doubt I’d make time for another visit. However, you should still consider visiting this landmark at least once.

guadalupe place to visit in extremadura
The Guadalupe Monastery

Is Extremadura worth visiting?

I definitely recommend visiting Extremadura for those who have already explored the most popular spots on a beginner’s Spain bucket list. While it may not have the dramatic natural beauty of the Pyrenees or the pleasant climate of the Costa Blanca, places like Cáceres, Trujillo, and the small towns we visited were absolutely worth the trip. Additionally, the Roman ruins of Mérida are among the most impressive on the Iberian Peninsula, alongside those in Cartagena and Tarragona. The National Museum of Roman Art in Mérida is a must-see for history enthusiasts.

Cáceres exceeded my expectations so much that I added it to my list of Top Underrated Spanish Cities. It’s no surprise that Cáceres served as a filming location for HBO’s House of the Dragon. Extremadura is a perfect fit for my blog series Undiscovered Spain, as it remains largely untouched by mass international tourism. While the level of service in restaurants and accommodations may not be as high as in more popular Spanish regions, the region’s authenticity and charm make it an unforgettable destination.

medellin extremadura road trip spain
Medellin

More places to visit in Extremadura

As I try to do with most of my Spain guides, let me share more great places to visit in Extremadura. Four days for an Extremadura road trip is obviously not enough to see everything, but with my itinerary, you can definitely get a first glimpse of the region and form your own impression, while exploring its main tourist sights. More things to do in Extremadura:

  • Meandro del Melero and Pilones del Jerte ( some of the otherworldly beautiful Spanish landscapes)
  • Los Baruecos ( one of the GOT Filming Locations in Spain)
  • Monfrague National Park (popular for birdwatching in Spain)
  • Monasterio de Yuste (one of the top Spanish Monasteries)
  • more beautiful villages of Extremadura: Hervas, Granadilla, Plasencia, Zafra, Olivenza, Coria
  • if you are looking for flower blossoms in Spain, don´t miss – Valle del Jerte and its cherry trees
  • for the fans of Medieval Fairs in Spain, check Mercado Medieval (in Plasencia/ around October), Mercado Medieval ( in Caceres/around November) Mercado Morisco (in Cañamero/around April/May), Mercado Medieval (in Tornavacas/ around December), Festival Medieval (in Portesuelo/around April)
  • Foodies in Spain can set their eyes on a few local Gastronomic Events – Fiesta de la Tenca, Fiesta de la Chanfaina de Fuente de Cantos, Día del Jamón de Monesterio, Matanza Didactica y Feria de Embutido de Llerena, Jornadas Transfronterizas del Gurumelo

Map of top things to do in Extremadura

Pin it:

Extremadura road trip spain travel

For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

at lifestyle crossroads travel blog resources
  • Accommodation: For short stays, I usually book via Agoda, Booking, and Hotellook
  • Tours&excursions: My favorites for guided tours are GetYourGuide and Viator
  • Museums&attractions: Get mobile tickets for attractions via Tiqets (use ATC5 code for a 5% discount via this link)
  • Semi-private & private tours: LivTours is my favorite place for unique & crafted experiences in Europe
  • For Foodies: Eatwith is a unique platform for finding culinary experiences with locals around the world
  • Audio guides: Book audio excursions & tours in 35+ countries via WeGoTrip
  • Flights: Find the best deals with Skyscanner, WayAway, and Kiwi
  • Driving in a new country? – Check out Tripiamo guides (do not miss Tripiamo Driving in Spain Guide)
  • Train&bus tickets: Currently, I book via Trainline, Busbud, and Omio
  • Car rental: To find the best deals, I use Rental Cars and Discover Cars
  • Top E-Sim: GigSky helps me to avoid roaming fees and provides connectivity everywhere (even on a cruise ship)
  • Internet Security on the road: Connect safely to public Wi-Fi and bypass censorship with NordVPN
  • Transfers: For individual transfer services, I like GetTransfer and Kiwitaxi
  • Suitcases&Luggage: Discover where to store your luggage on the go with Radical Storage
  • Travel Insurance: Find the best trip insurance plans via VisitorsCoverage and EKTA
  • Compensation for delayed/canceled flights: Check out AirHelp and Compensair
  • Renting Bikes: To find motorcycles, scooters, quads, and bicycles, I use BikesBooking
  • Package Tours: Head to CheapOair and Expedia
  • For Bloggers: To monetize my blog, I work with Travelpayouts and Stay22