Extremadura

Extremadura, which territory is divided in the provinces of Cáceres and Badajoz, is located in the southwest of Spain, has an extension of 41,634 km2 and a population of over a million inhabitants. The region borders with Castilla- León at north, Castilla La Mancha at east and Andalusia at south, sharing an extensive territory at the borderline with Portugal, our neighbouring country.

Medieval city of Trujillo (Cáceres).

Extremadura’s weather is typically Mediterranean and maybe for this reason the region includes a rich variety of natural areas, in many of which water has a key role. Although the region lacks of marine coast, it counts on an important number of kilometers of inner coast, since it is crossed by two important rivers of the Spanish fluvial geography: the Tajo in the north, and the Guadiana in the south.

Among the most important natural areas of Extremadura the National Park of Monfragüe stands out, in the province of Cáceres, and the Natural Park of Cornalvo, on the fertile valleys of the Guadiana River, in the province of Badajoz, where species of great fauna richness can be found. In fact, Extremadura is one of the most important ornithological destinies of Europe, habitat of great populations of birds of prey and steppe and aquatic birds.

Roman amphitheatre of Mérida (Badajoz)

The historical-artistic heritage is extraordinary, reflection of the passage of diverse civilisations and cultures through these territories. Thus, among other many places of interest, visitors can find the Monastery of Guadalupe (Cáceres) or the archaeological deposits of Mérida (Badajoz), old Emérita Augusta and current capital of the autonomous region, which has been proved international recognition through the declaration of Human Heritage by the UNESCO. Also the Jewish district from Hervás (Cáceres), the Monastery of Yuste (Cáceres) – declared European Heritage or the streets and squares with porticos from numerous localities are interesting, like, for example, the Garrovillas one in Cáceres, one of most beautiful of Europe for its civil and religious architecture of great beauty.
Also the streets of the old historic centre of Cáceres display an unbeatable historical panorama, with more than ten of towers and its walls from the Arab times. Medieval cobbled streets laid out of fortresses and renaissance palaces, compose the most beautiful illustrations of this city, declared Human Heritage. The squares, noble palaces, the Episcopal Palace, the Cathedral of Santamaría or the Palace of the Golfines de Abajo, are just samples of the impressive aspect of this route.

On the other hand, Badajoz is located close to the Guadiana river banks, at just six kilometres from Portugal. Visitors can walk around its old town centre, in which they will find walls also from the Arab period, interesting monuments and picturesque streets and arcades, mostly those placed next to the Alcazaba, around the Plaza de San José and the Plaza Alta. In the Plaza de España one can find the City Council and the Cathedral of Badajoz.

Natural surroundings of the Jerte Valley (Cáceres)

If the traveller prefers to discover the natural heritage, it is absolutely recommendable to visit the surrounding areas of Jerez de los Caballeros and Fregenal de la Sierra in Badajoz; the Sierra de Tentudía (Badajoz); the Valley of the Jerte, the Valley of the Ambroz, the Hurdes or the Sierra de Gata, these last ones located in the province of Cáceres, together with many other paradise places.
The North zone of Extremadura represents a real oasis of greenness, crossed by brooks, streams and waterfalls.

Without going any further, in the areas of La Serena and La Siberia (Badajoz), five big water reservoirs meet: the Serena, Zújar, García Sola, Orellana and the Natural Reserve of the Cíjara.
But the water offer does not end here and can be extended through an important spa network, like the ones of Alange (Badajoz) and Baños de Montemayor (Cáceres), which date from the Roman times. Visitors can rest and relax in other more recent spas, such as El Raposo and Valdefernando in the province of Badajoz, or Fuentes del Trampal and San Gregorio in the Cáceres province.

Consequently, the natural surroundings of Extremadura imply a rich gastronomy and varied gastronomy in its territory. Known in the whole world, the products derived from the Iberian pork are grown in the Extremadura’s pastures. The lamb and the kid are key dishes in many receipts, like the “caldereta”, roasts or stews, served in special occasions with paprika from the Comarca de La Vera region. Moreover Extremadura offers an excellent olive oil and a singular variety of cheeses, in which Tortas del Casar and La Serena stand out. Confectionery and desserts, like “perrunillas”, “piñonate” (both with pine nuts), “Yemas de San Pablo” or the so called “técula mécula”, typical from Olivenza, together with honey from the Hurdes or Las Villuercas and the excellent cherries of the Jerte Valley, put the sour cherry to the pie of the local kitchen, with real designation of origin.