Top-rated places to visit in Extremadura, Spain

4.5 Roman Theatre of Mérida (5.059 reviews)
- Excellent
Ancient Ruins • Theaters

If you are into Roman remains then this is the place. We have visited many sites in Europe and this is the best by far. I would say some aspects rival Rome and you can do it without the hordes of crowds and the burden of a big city. You should have no problem finding street parking near the river for about 3 e for 4 or so hours. Almost everything you want to see is easy walking from that location. All except the aqueduct which is somewhat separate but still inside the town. A lot of the sites are free but if you are going to see more than one of the sites that charge then buy the combo ticket. I would try to eat lunch away from the entrance to the Theatre complex. There are about 10 or so choices there but I would rate them as "tourist traps". Try to eat closer to the bridge. See more..
5.0 Old Town of Cáceres (3.057 reviews)
- Well worth a wander in the old town.
Historic Walking Areas

Well worth a visit. We took a taxi in from our hotel and it dropped us right in the old town square. We walked around the old part which is very picturesque. We then chose to sit in the square at a local bar and enjoy drinks, snacks and then coffee. A bit of people watching is very relaxing and a very pretty setting. Unbeknown to us it turned out to be a local regional holiday so there was music and dancing on a stage set up in the square later that evening. Everyone was very friendly and we loved our time here. See more..
4.5 Museo Nacional de Arte Romano (1.904 reviews)
- Nice collection of antiquities
History Museums

I’m guessing this museum might have been created, as a result of the findings from an archaeological dig. I think it is meant to be a display of whatever ancient Roman relics were found in this specific area. I, unfortunately, left feeling it was incomplete. However, My personal favorite exhibits were the craft implements and the oil lamps. Certain handy little helpful implements we might take for granted today are on display and were probably very important items in Roman times. Also, whenever I think of oil lamps, I think of a good size oil lamp hanging on a wall. These oil lamps, on display, were tiny little handheld “jobbers” the Romans probably had to carry around at night. See more..
4.5 Anfiteatro Romano de Merida (1.746 reviews)
- A Gold Mine in archeology!
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

This set of Ancient Roman remains is awe-inspiring! With so much of it intact, it’s difficult to believe it wasn’t uncovered until 1910. It was a magnificent job of, not only, finding this site, but also cleaning it up to the current status. While viewing the stage, I could almost try to envision one of Seneca’s tragedies or comedies being acted out. Not being an expert in acting, I think some of today’s techniques, like “an aside” actually come these Ancient Greek and Ancient Roman plays. It was a job well done and very much worth a visit by anyone! See more..
4.5 Templo de Diana (1.676 reviews)
- Temple dedicated to the memory of Augustus
Spent < 1 hour Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

I have a suggestion. If this historic monument is not really a temple to Diana, but rather a temple to Augustus, then let’s call it so? I don’t know exactly how it was done , but I’m always impressed by the details in the decorations/carvings at the top of the columns and the architrave. Based upon readings, I keep wanting to conclude Augustus was much loved by all the Romans. In this case, it was the retired military personnel building this temple in his memory or honor. See more..
4.5 Roman Bridge (1.369 reviews)
- Impressive engineering
Bridges

I’m impressed with the engineering abilities of the ancient romans and this bridge shows a good example. I can only guess at how I personally might have approached building it in 2 AD. I might have longitudinally blocked one half of the river, while sinking the rock based pylons in the temporarily dry river bed. Then, block the other longitudinal side, while sinking pylons in the other sides dry river bed. Finally, a large team of men would mount the prebuilt rock based arches. See more..
4.5 Plaza Mayor de Trujillo (1.334 reviews)
- Old Spain
Points of Interest & Landmarks

One of the authentic places of Old Spain can still be experienced in Extremadura from whence came the majority of explorers of the New World, America. Trujillo is a small town in the mountains apart from well trodden highways with a huge central square in its center. Francisco Pizarro, conquered of Peru, looms large on his horse. See more..
4.5 Real Monasterio De Santa Maria de Guadalupe (1.136 reviews)
- STUNNING LOCATION AND INTERIOR
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Tours are given at set times. It was only in Spanish so almost all of the detail was lost on me. Apparently 80% of visitors are Spanish. Pictures could only be taken outside. The guide gave his talk in an area and you were given adequate time to examine the area further. Some of the ceiling work was reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel. I liked in particular the Choir Book Room, used by 16th century choirs. In the Embroidery Museum, some of the vestments were jewel-encrusted. The blend of architectural styles over the centuries is striking, including the Mudejar cloister. The trip naturally ended in the gift shop. The first meeting of Queen Isabella and Christopher Columbus was held in the monastery. The first North American natives to reach European soil were baptized here. See more..
4.5 Monfrague National Park (996 reviews)
- Peaceful, colourful and fascinating birdlife
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

We actually visited in May 2010, but that doesn't pop up on the Tripadvisor form. After visting the southern cities in Andulusia, wonderful but crowded with tourists, we headed north in our camper and stopped for 4 days in this wonderful region. The first thing we did was climb the old castle tower and watch the amazing show of dozens of raptors swirling around in the evening air. There were a couple of professional photographers perched on the edge of the wall having a wonderful shoot! But, be careful, no health and safety barriers here! Another day, we took one of the circuit hikes suggested by the park guides and it was so beautiful with all the fields blanketed with spring flowers. Twice, we stopped at cool picnic spots where the streams splashed down into stone fountains. And we only met about 4 people on the whole walk. There are still magical spots to be found! See more..
4.0 Castillo de Trujillo (921 reviews)
- An easy day in Trujillo
Castles

Save yourself a lot of trouble and just park the car in the Plaza Mayor, walk past the statue of Pizarro and up the steps toward the castle. It's easy. In trying to drive directly to the castle two separate navigation systems had us drive up a narrow road and gave the command to "turn left" onto a paved pedestrian path (see photo) that led to closed gate. Thank goodness we parked the car instead and got walking directions from a kindly senora. The castle is immense and offers great views of the countryside. Trujillo has plenty of good restaurants around the nearby Plaza Mayor and grabbing lunch there after a tour of the castle can make a fine day even better. See more..
4.0 Alcazaba (898 reviews)
- Fortress with Roman, Visigoth and Moorish development.
Historic Sites

There is a limited amount to see with some information provided. You will want to mount the walls to see the Roman bridge. The entrance is just by the bridge, and the fee is included in the very reasonable Combined ticket for the key Roman sites. There was also damage in the Civil War when the Nationalists launched a major attack on the meagre Republican force there. See more..
4.5 Acueducto de los Milagros (757 reviews)
- Impressive engineering
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The internet says Archimedes broached the idea of slope, but the actual formulation didn’t occur until Descartes. Whatever the case, the ancient Roman engineers must have had an idea about the mathematical slope and must have had some kind of tool to help them in assuring an accurate slope in the construction of the aqueduct. (I. e. For every mile of length, the aqueduct would drop horizontally about 1 foot). Making the whole thing even more challenging and impressive was the building of the heights of the sidewalls of the top section (transporting the water) to correctly correspond with the slope. (I. e. Less slope would mean taller sidewalls (to avoid excessive spillage of water) and more slope with faster running water could mean shorter sidewalls of the top carrying water ditch section. In any case, it’s impressive engineering around the archaic time of Jesus. See more..
4.5 Barrio Judio de Hervas (746 reviews)
- Don't Pass by this Town!
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

We stopped here en route from Madrid to Caceres. This is a phenomenal city and barrio. The tourism office (http://www.turismodehervas.com/) offers a fabulous walking tour you can download to your phone in advance of your trip, and use to guide you throughout the neighborhood. Absolutely beautiful town. See more..
4.0 Monasterio de San Jeronimo de Yuste (722 reviews)
- Tranquil setting for a lovely historic morning visit.
Historic Sites • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Easy to find and worth a visit. Inexpensive to look around (€7 for an adult and €4 for over 65s with ID) we opted for the Tablet guided tour (one between two was sufficient) at an additional €3 with deposit of an ID. No photography in The Monisterio itself only outside spaces. Although restored, it still has a very authentic feel and we learnt a lot about this important abdication and subsequent retreat. Good shop and toilets but no cafe. Definitely worth a visit. Drive onto the impressive Gargantuan del Ollo for great photo opportunities or even a dip in the ice cold river. See more..
4.5 Plasencia (705 reviews)
- Big little city
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Great little city with a lot of history. They have an aqueduct from Roman times. Walk to restaurants, historical sites, shops and attractions. The palace can be seen inside and you can climb to the tower. Very nice people and restaurant staff. Truly enjoyed our stay. See more..
4.0 Roman Circus of Mérida (666 reviews)
- Very well recovered
Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

It just occurred to me, after visiting 2 ancient Roman Circuses, that our present day horse tracks were probably closely modeled after the Roman Circus. The distance around the circuses averaged about 1 mile and the Kentucky Derby is about 1 1/2 miles. This particular circus shows the extensive planning, in first digging a huge trench across the breadth to create a drainage system. Also, this particular circus recovered the ancient starting gate pylons. Supposedly, this one had 12 starting gates each measuring about 10 feet across. I think the starting gates for the Kentucky Derby are much more narrow than this, probably half the width. It’s a nice job of archaeological recovery! See more..
4.5 Arco de la Estrella (Star Arch) (616 reviews)
- Beautiful entryway
Historic Sites

Beautiful entrance to the "old City"". Just under the entryway, on the ground, is the symbol indicating that this was once the Jewish Quarter (see photo). Well preserved archway, buildings, and square. It's nice that it isn't listed with shops.. See more..
4.5 Garganta de los Infiernos (607 reviews)
- An amazing place
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Geologic Formations

Hiked up here in the summer months, it took about 45 minutes to get to the pools (Los Pilones). We went up at about 16h stayed until about 21h and it was just magical. The waters warm and crystal clear and the landscape stunning. Spring time is next, as we want to see the cherry blossom. See more..
4.5 Catedral de Plasencia (591 reviews)
- Unexpected
Churches & Cathedrals

In such a small town we didn't expect such a big and beautiful cathedral. Champion league. Lushly decorated organ and altar. Recommended See more..
4.5 Historic Centre of Trujillo (582 reviews)
- Fantastic place
Spent 1-2 hours Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

The historic centre of Trujillo is a great place with old palaces, and homes,I recommend to take a free walking tour. See more..
4.0 Casa del Mitreo (554 reviews)
- A highlight of Merida
Ancient Ruins

For us, viewing this large Roman villa from 25 AD was one of the best things we did in Merida. It isn't near most of the other attractions, but it is easily walkable from the center of town. It is very well signed in English. You view frescoes and wonderfully preserved mosaics, reception rooms, garden and patio areas, winter and summer (subterranean) bedrooms, and private cold, warm, and hot baths. This is well-worth going out of the way for, as it gives you an idea of life for the wealthy at that time. I'd recommend going to the adjacent Columbarios, an ancient graveyard. It was interesting how similar their death/burial beliefs were to ours and other cultures. See more..
4.5 Casa Museo Arabe de Caceres Yussuf al Burch (549 reviews)
- Pleasant surprise
Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 8:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

It is an original 12th century Arab house, belonging to an important family, it preserves the entire structure and is decorated to take the visitor back to the time, it contains numerous objects found in the excavations inside trunks full of weapons, brass objects and archaeological pieces As an added value to this treasure, it is founded on Roman remains, as well as a fountain of lions in the garden, capitals and arches of great architectural beauty, the house was rescued by José De la Torre who by chance doing reforms in the 50s in The family home, discovered the ancient vestiges, and by documenting himself about this culture, he became passionate and dreamed of sharing it with the world, with great effort he restored the house and the Iraqi ambassador inaugurated the museum in 1976; Since then the family of José de la Torre, (Yusuf Al Burch translated into Arabic and name of the museum) continue with the maintenance work to preserve this small historical treasure. See more..
4.5 Museo de Caceres (514 reviews)
- Fascinating
Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM History Museums

The museo has it all---an ancient Moorish? cistern, archaeological treasures, an El Greco or two, a Miro, tiny peaceful garden. See more..
4.5 La Alcazaba (493 reviews)
- Walk the battlements
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Free and open to all, you can walk the walls around the entire old fortified city as well as roam freely inside the walls. Lots of history and it is easy to imagine the horrors of trying to attack or defend the city during the various wars. Fabulous views around. Some of the earlier restoration work may not have been done very historically sympathetically, but even so, far far better than allowing it to fall into ruins. Well worth a visit! See more..
5.0 Birding Naturaleza (472 reviews)
- Wonderful experience - we like
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Walking Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We liked the whole tour. It was a fabulous 4 Hr experience. Jaime told us a lot of the history, the evolution and the recent developments of the animals un the park. In addition we were impressed of the explanations of the kork trees. Thank you very much. We totally can recommend it. See more..
4.0 Pro-Cathedral Church Of Santa María (386 reviews)
- intimate cathedral with amazing views
Churches & Cathedrals

Upon entry the cathedral didn't appear amazing however when wondering around it with an audio guide it really had some hidden gems. We thoroughly enjoyed climbing the tower to see the amazing views over the old town. Staff were very friendly and helpful. See more..
4.0 Basílica de Santa Eulalia (381 reviews)
- Layers of history: Roman, Visigoth, Christian, Muslim
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The excavations in the basilica's basement are worth the stop, but if you love the story of the virgin Santa Eulalia, as I do, this is a must-see. After the teenager was tortured and killed by the Roman governor in AD 304 for her faith, snow fell from the heavens to cover her naked body. Her remains were buried here and then moved north during times of Islamic rule. Super cool displays in the museum recreate the Roman village and church. When you are in the crypt, you can look up through open areas in the ceiling above to see the altar as Mass is going on. Shhhhhh! It was so awesome See more..
4.0 Plaza Alta (326 reviews)
- Visit the historic centre of Badajoz.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Plaza Alta de Badajoz. This location does exist already from the 17th century. On this location they also keep the market. In the 15th century almost all the houses on this “Plaza” were from Judes and Mores. Very nice location to spend some time, and from here you are walking still down street, and once you have passed the “Arch”, you will see the entrance to the “Alcazaba” of Badajoz. See more..
5.0 Meandro Melero (316 reviews)
- Beautiful, but not for the faint of heart.
Nature & Wildlife Areas

To get to this place you have to go up a very narrow road which then becomes a dirt road with lots of rocks, dropoffs and a road which might make flatlanders gasp. However, if you don't mind the drive, the view really is beautiful. See more..
4.5 Granadilla (316 reviews)
- Amazing place
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The village was founded around the nineth century by Arabs. The population was evicted from the village in XX century because the territory was threatened by a constant risk of flooding due to the construction of a reservoir of water near by. There have been carrying some restorations in this little beautiful village in an Island. Check open time in the web site. It is open from 10 to 13.30 in weekends See more..
4.0 Torre de Bujaco (289 reviews)
- great view
Wednesday: 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM Historic Sites

very interesting displays and the walk on the walls gives you a good, although not expansive, perspective. See more..
4.0 Arco de Trajano (285 reviews)
- Go out of your way to try then!
Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

We chose 4 tapas dishes. More than enough, really high quality and great service. Young energetic staff who were attentive but not smothering, courteous and smiley. And the service was speedy. Highly recommend a lunchtime (well, 2.00pm) visit. See more..
4.5 Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor (263 reviews)
- Visiting the historical center of Trujillo.
Churches & Cathedrals

Another interesting location on your walk can be the “Church of Santa María la Mayor” which is a Catholic religious temple who is also part of the historical centre. The church is built into the late Romanesque style, the construction of it started into the 13th century, after woods she was rebuilt and expanded in the 15th and 16th centuries but then into the Gothic style. Following the peoples believe and the history the church has been built on the same place where previously stood a Muslim mosque that was used until the thirteenth century. Anyhow once again a nice location into the historical centre. See more..
5.0 Puente de Alcantara (240 reviews)
- Worth a detaour
Architectural Buildings

We drove through Spain from and to different parts of Portugal and stopped in Alcantara, which was incredibly tourist free and so interesting. We had a very good value lunch and a walk around the town, and this bridge is well worth the detour. It is amazing to drive over a Roman bridge - and you may not be able to do so for very long as a new bridge is planned. See more..
4.5 Palace de los Golfines de Abajo (230 reviews)
- Manor house
Spent < 1 hour Art Museums

The Palace of the Golfines de Abajo in Caceres houses an interesting display of artistic patrimony from the Foundation Tatiana Pérez de Guzmán el Bueno. This house museum offers the possibility to know the evolution of nobility through the lineage of the Golfin family, who lived in this land since the 15th century. It is an ambiance museum, which recreates a house of the Caceres nobility and, by walking through, the visitor can learn more about diverse aspects of the daily life of its owners: their taste, fashion, beliefs and hobbies through the rich artistic assets and family documents collected across centuries, with works from the 14th to the 20th century. See more..
4.0 Puerta de Palmas (208 reviews)
- This time we were able to enter the tower
Points of Interest & Landmarks

I don't know how one finds out the schedule, but we were able to go inside on a Sunday afternoon. It is quite interesting and it tells you the history of the gate which made it more interesting than just seeing it from the outside. See more..
5.0 Museo de Historia de la Computación (205 reviews)
- Super interesting
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Really enjoyable experience. Kids were more than amazed. Not to be missed if you are traveling to Cáceres or nearby! See more..
4.5 Plaza Grande (189 reviews)
- Fun and pretty.
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

I think this place is lovely but do not miss its baby sister, Plaza Chica - just behind it, through a gap in the top right corner. See more..
4.5 Libreria La Puerta de Tannhauser (176 reviews)
- Amazing place
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

I visited the place yesterday late afternoon. The bookstore is cosy and friendly thanks both to the books on display and the music. I spent there about 90 minutes as I was amazed and highly surprised by the variety of books at disposal. If possible, go without any hurry. Staff is extremely helpful and friendly. Looking forward to going back. See more..
4.5 Casco Historico de Merida (175 reviews)
- One of the most historical cities for Roman structures in Spain
Neighborhoods

Merida must have one of the most original and restored Roman group of buildings in Spain I would think. See more..
4.5 Monumento Natural Los Barruecos (171 reviews)
- Stork Central
National Parks

Stunning area. A must see. Easy walk through beautiful unique landscape. Inspiring photographic opportunities. See more..
4.5 Plaza Chica (166 reviews)
- Tapa tasting
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

We stayed on this smaller Plaza until late, trying several tapas and wine, enjoying company of the local people. Nice relaxed atmosphere. See more..
4.0 Museo de la Moto y El Coche Clasico (158 reviews)
- Visiting the small village of Hervas.
Speciality Museums

To visit this (Small) but lovely maintained museum, please do not follow your Gps, it is better to follow the signs or to ask on a local, tis because the Gps will try to take you through even smaller villages, we use “Tom Tom” and we did not get there without asking a local. Well worth a visit, but check the opening times first. Long break for a nap at lunchtime, as it is usual in Spain. Here you will see a very strange mix of cars, motorcycles, carriages but anyhow it is well worth an hour or two of your time. It has a strange mixture, but it is good and it is not expensive. The exhibits are in several states of repair but it is a nice place to walk around. The ride until the location can look a bit scary for some people, but as long as you do not stop on the steep hill it is OK. See more..
4.5 Plaza Mayor de Caceres (140 reviews)
- Historians delight
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

A true historians delight. Such large areas of the city have been kept at their best medieval style. So many buildings, towers, churches and narrow streets, little plaza's, all with interesting and unique facts about them See more..
4.5 Consorcio Museo Etnografico Extremeno Gonzalez Santana (135 reviews)
- One of the best we have seen
Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

We were surprised to find this little gem in a tiny town. This is a must to see before you leave, the only downside is the language barrier on exhibits but then we are in another country. See more..
4.0 Ciudad romana de Cáparra (129 reviews)
- Roman history comes to life
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

The main attraction is the tower in the middle of the city. The excavations are still being done and, with a little imagination, you can almost get a feel for what life was like in this place 2000 years ago. It is free to visit and there are not many tourists, even in summer. Definitely worth a couple of hours of your time. See more..
4.5 Archaeological Museum of Badajoz (118 reviews)
- Spectacular exhibits
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums

Archaeological museum that presents the history of the province of Badajoz from the Lower Paleolithic to the XVIth cent. See more..
4.5 Teatro romano Medellin (113 reviews)
- Well worth the visit
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Really interesting visit, best done in the morning when they open around 10:30 so as to miss the midday heat as it’s quite a climb. The young ladies in the castle and the church were brilliant giving us the low down in English. Also there is a video giving an overview also in English. Entrance fee’s less than a cup of Uk coffee! Views are spectacular and if you enjoy historic monuments it’s a morning well spent. See more..
5.0 Cascadas de las Nogaledas (110 reviews)
- A Bracing Early Morning Walk
Spent 1-2 hours Waterfalls

We visited Navaconcejo in August so we knew to expect high temperatures and low water levels but wanted to see the falls nonetheless. In order to avoid the heat of the day, we set off at 7:00 AM by torchlight! That added to the excitement but It was soon light enough to dispense with the torches. There wasn’t a great volume of water but it was easy to imagine how spectacular the sights would’ve been earlier in the year. Including a few pauses and rests at viewing points, it took us about two hours to complete the whole trip. The path ascends quite steeply but isn’t technically challenging. Muy Bonito! See more..
4.5 Nuestra Senora del Ara Sanctuary (109 reviews)
- Totally Amazing
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

This is a wonder of rural Extremadura. This is the kind of thing you expect to see in Rome or Florence, but not in the middle of the dusty mountains of Extremadura. This chapel built in the late 1300s is a masterpiece done by several anonymous artists over the years, mostly from the 1400s to the 1600s with the entry way painted in the 1800s. Paintings not retouched, just cleaned to remove candle smoke. Likely built over the remains of a Roman Temple, though no excavations have been done, it is so worth driving out of the way to see. I almost hate to comment on it because I don't want more tourists to ruin its appeal. Yet, it seems a shame not to mention it for those who have a chance to see it. See more..