Extremadura
Discover the natural beauty and ancient history of this
little-visited corner of western Spain
Tucked away on central Spain's western border with Portugal, Extremadura is filled with lush vegetation, rich biodiversity, and towering cliffs. More popular with local tourists, this region is completely different to the Spain UK tourists are more familiar with and the perfect area to explore unspoilt landscapes and ancient cities dating back to the 9th century and beyond.
With nearly thirty UNESCO Heritage Sites and more than 30% of its territory declared as protected space, Extremadura is dotted with castles, Moorish architecture, and Spain's best Roman ruins. Whilst the area might still be flying under the radar of international tourists, it's charm has been a long time favourite of film and TV with well-known series Games of Thrones and House of the Dragon being filmed here.
An expedition here wouldn't be complete without sampling as much as this special corner of western Europe has to offer as possible!
What are the highlights?
- Explore pristine landscapes and their astonishing diversity, from the lush forests of Reserva Natrual Garganta do los Infiernos shaped by water over millennia to the rugged rocky terrain and towering cliffs of Parque Nacional de Monfragüe
- Discover Extremadura's wildlife such as deer and otters whilst magnificent birds of prey soar overhead. Black storks, Egyptian vultures, peregrine falcons, black vultures, and the rare Spanish imperial eagle are just some of the species seen here
- Take to the water and canoe along the River Alagon
- Uncover the Medieval wonders of Cáceres as you explore its winding cobbled streets, now recognisable to many as the streets of King's Landing (Game of Thrones Season 7)
- Step back in time in an abandoned ghost town and discover its tragic history
- Eat your way through the region known worldwide for ham, cheese, and cherries, amongst others - there are even annual cheese and cheery festivals!
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Day 1 - Arrival and Valle del Jerte
Fly to Madrid and transfer to Valle del Jerte, also known as the Valley of the Cherries. The valley is surrounded by peaks with stunning views and lush vegetation around every corner. Overnight in a local campsite.
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Day 2 - Reserva Natural Garganta de los Infiernos
Make the short journey to Reseva Natural Garganta de los Infiernos where you will spend the day exploring. This protected area has been shaped by water over millennia and is home to a huge variety of fauna and flora. Keep your eyes peeled for vultures, eagles, and peregrine falcons! Return to your campsite.
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Day 3 - Parque Nacional de Montfragüe and Cáceres
Travel south to Parque Nacional de Monfragüe, the first protected area in Extremadura and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The park is a sanctuary for birdlife and the landscape here is filled with towering cliffs and rugged rocky terrain, dotted with castles, and Roman bridges and walls. Spend a day exploring the park's trails, Castillo de Monfragüe, and ancient cave paintings before transferring to Cáceres. Also known as the "town of 1001 escutcheons", the town is surrounded by 12th century Moorish walls with cobbled streetscriss-crossing the Old Town. More recently, this historic city was used as a filming location for King's Landing in Games of Thrones Season 7 and it's easy to see why!
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Day 4 - Plasencia
Spend some time in the morning exploring the winding cobbled streets of Cáceres before transferring to Plasencia. This town is well-known in the region for water sports. Canoe down the River Alagon, with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape from a different perspective. Return to Plasencia to sample the local cuisine and spend the evening in a local hotel.
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Day 5 - Granadilla and departure
After breakfast, travel to the ghost town of Granadilla. This ancient 9th century walled town was abandoned when the government ordered the nearby Gabriel y Galán reservoir to be built and declared Granadilla a flood zone. Sadly, the town never flooded and has remained empty since 1964. Step back in time and explore the old streets, gardens, and castle with panoramic views of the reservoir from the top. Return to Madrid for your flight back to the UK.
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