A journey through the most special corners of this unique Spanish province.

With a picturesque north that has little in common with the warm south, and an east coast bathed by the Mediterranean which differs greatly from the inland provinces, Spain is, above all, a nation of contrasts. Barcelona, Madrid, and even Valencia are the major cities that spread its fame across the world. The richness and variety of this small country, nevertheless, permeate every corner.

In the central-western part of the peninsula, along the border with Portugal, lies the autonomous community of Extremadura, a land where an impressive history melts into its small towns and stunning natural landscapes. As the granddaughter of an Extremaduran woman, my childhood was shaped by joyful summers in her pueblo, a small village in the province of Cáceres, where the August sun and endless afternoons of games seemed to last forever.

Growing up, however, has led me to revisit those same streets with new eyes: to notice the tranquility which infuses its most costumbrist scenes, the traditional Spanish spirit which still lingers there, and a cuisine rooted in tradition and local products. Below, I’ve listed all the destinations I visited during my latest trip to Cáceres, the province of eternal stories.

Cáceres

Sharing its name with the province, Cáceres is its capital, a monumental city whose winding alleys evoke legends of the past and the many cultures that have formed it. Its historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a living mural of the peoples who have inhabited it over the centuries, from prehistoric times to the Roman, Almohad, Christian, and Jewish civilizations.

It was with the arrival of the Muslims that Cáceres truly rose to prominence, leaving behind the great wall and the Palacio de las Veletas, the former fortress. After passing through the Arco de la Estrella, in the Plaza Mayor, time seems to transport visitors to the past, as the streets of the old town have remained virtually untouched over the centuries. Within, the beautiful church of Santa María la Mayor stands as the most important religious building in Cáceres, a prime example of late Gothic architecture.

Montánchez

Surrounded by beautiful holm oak and cork oak pastures, Montanchez is a charming town where visitors can experience the most intimate and authentic side of Extremadura’s culture. Along its narrow, cobblestone streets, centuries-old houses still stand, creating scenes that feel frozen in time. In the town square, several bars and taverns serve tapas that highlight the best of the local cuisine: chorizo patatero, torta del casar, Iberian ham, and more.

Montanchez, in fact, is one of the best places to taste this last delicacy. The town offers the Ham Route, a guided journey through vast dehesas where visitors learn about the raising of Iberian pigs and their acorn-based diet.

The best way to end the day is by climbing up to Montanchez Castle. Walking along ancient walls and towers – heritage of Muslims, Visigoths, and Christians – feels like stepping into history. Known as the “Balcony of Extremadura,” the building offers sweeping views over both provinces of the community.

Guadalupe

To visit Guadalupe is to discover the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe, the standout monument of this enclave and one of Extremadura’s most iconic symbols. Also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it holds deep historical and religious significance. According to legend, during the Muslim conquest, a group of clerics hid an image of the Virgin near the Guadalupe river, where it was later found by a shepherd. A hermitage was built in the area, around which the town eventually grew. Its profound religious legacy has made it the most important pilgrimage site on the Iberian Peninsula after the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Beyond its spiritual importance, Guadalupe is well worth visiting for the charm of its cobblestone streets. The Barrio de Abajo neighborhood, lined with flowerpots and narrow sidewalks, is perfect for exploring the area’s traditional architecture, its houses still supported by wooden arcades. Guadalupe is also an ideal place to begin exploring Extremadura’s culinary heritage and try its most distinctive cuisine: migas (breadcrumbs.) Take a seat at one of the terraces surrounding the Plaza de Santa María de Guadalupe and order this humble yet flavorful dish made with stale bread, olive oil, chorizo, and bacon.

Valle del Jerte

In the north of the province can be found the Jerte Valley, a region known for its beautiful mountainous landscape, traversed by the Jerte river. A visit is especially recommended during the second half of March, when the Cherry Blossom Festival is celebrated and the valley’s one and a half million cherry trees bloom almost in unison.

The snow-white valley is a must-see and can be explored via its various scenic routes that pass by waterfalls, viewpoints, and charming villages. Tornavacas, Jerte, and Cabezuela del Valle are some of its main towns, where you can admire traditional Jerte architecture.

For those visiting in summer, the high temperatures make the valley’s natural pools an ideal way to cool off. The Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve features numerous waterfalls and cascades, along with the area’s distinctive, undulating rock formations. It is a natural wonder which offers hours of relaxation in a spectacular setting.

Monumento Natural Los Barruecos

Located in the heart of the Cáceres peneplain, just a few kilometers from the capital, Los Barruecos is the perfect destination for those who enjoy long walks through nature. In this surreal landscape, rocks take the place of trees, forming massive granite outcrops sculpted by natural forces over millions of years. The result is a collection of large, rounded rock formations known as bolos, whose smooth curves create a stunning visual spectacle.

Four historic reservoirs enhance the landscape’s beauty and support a rich biodiversity. Among its most iconic inhabitants is the white stork, which nests here year after year. For fans of Game of Thrones, a visit to Barrueco de Arriba is a must, as it served as the backdrop for the epic battle between the Lannister armies and the Dothraki hordes. It’s a short but magical route through a setting as cinematic as it is natural.

Aitana Esteban Rando

Aitana, born and raised in Spain, loves exploring new places and different cultures while staying true to her roots. She's on a mission to visit every spot that stole her heart in books and movies. Fluent in Spanish and English, she's now learning Arabic. For her, speaking different languages is the key to understand the world's beautiful diversity.