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Travel + Leisure

This Often-overlooked Region in Spain Might Be the Country's Best-kept Secret—With Michelin-starred Restaurants, Stunning National Parks, and Charming Villages

The beautifully designed Atrio Cáceres hotels offers a nice blend of luxury and simplicity. Explore the impressive Mérida Roman Theater, one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in Europe. Versátil in Zarza de Granadilla is a Michelin-starred restaurant that has an innovative approach to using regional ingredients. A haven for bird-watchers and astronomy lovers, Monfragüe National Park is home to a vast vulture population. The Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive architecture and a foundation dating back to the 13th century. Often overlooked by its more popular neighboring regions in Spain, Extremadura offers a tranquil getaway that goes beyond the typical tourist trail. The provincial capital, Mérida, was once a major city of the Roman Empire. Today, it's home to the best-preserved ancient ruins in western Spain. Roughly 80 miles from Mérida lies the charming village of Guadalupe, known for its magnificent Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries. One of Extremadura's highlights is the historic town of Cáceres, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Roman, Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture blend seamlessly. While Cáceres remains unfamiliar to many tourists, its cinematic charm has made it a beloved backdrop for major productions like Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. Beyond city strolls, Extremadura doesn't disappoint nature lovers, either. It provides a paradise of protected landscapes, including Monfragüe National Park, which stands out as a premier destination for bird-watching and stargazing. The park shelters one of Europe's largest colonies of griffon vultures plus imperial eagles, and black storks. Visitors can also explore its scenic hiking trails along the Tagus River. Deeply rooted in farm-to-table traditions, Extremadura is home to quality artisanal cheeses, Iberian ham, robust stews, and regionally produced wines. Rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, Extremadura deserves a spot on everyone's travel list. Guest room in Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel. Small Luxury Hotels of The World Located in the heart of the Old Town, Atrio Cáceres has a rich heritage. Recognized for its Michelin-starred dining and curated art collection, it presents an excellent stay for travelers seeking sophistication in a historical setting. Set within a 14th-century estate, Hacienda Zorita is a luxurious wine hotel that blends outstanding hospitality and breathtaking views of the Tormes River. Guests can unwind with spa treatments, explore the beautiful vineyards, and dine at its award-winning restaurant. Originally built as a summer residence for the noble Golfín family, Hospes Palacio de Arenales & Spa is a restored 17th-century palace surrounded by centuries-old olive groves. The spa here features a variety of treatments using natural products, along with facilities such as a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, and steam room. Palacio Carvajal Girón is housed in a 16th-century palace in Plasencia's historic district. This boutique hotel has 28 elegantly decorated rooms, a fine-dining restaurant, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a terrace with spectacular views of the cathedral. Parador de Plasencia is one of Extremadura's most cherished heritage hotels. With stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and Renaissance cloister, Parador is a prime example of Gothic architecture. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions like the Jerte Valley and Monfragüe National Park. Roman ruins in Merida, in Roman history, Mérida is recognized for its well-preserved monuments like the theater, amphitheater, and aqueduct. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it gives visitors a rare chance to walk through ancient Roman streets and attend open-air performances in one of Spain's most popular historical sites. Cáceres's Old Town is a time capsule of medieval Spain, with labyrinthine alleys, Renaissance mansions, and stunning plazas. As a UNESCO-listed city, visitors can explore impressive landmarks like the Palace of Golfines de Abajo, the Bujaco Tower, and the Santa María Cathedral. Located in western Extremadura, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to one of Europe's largest populations of griffon vultures plus imperial eagles and black storks. Scenic hiking trails weave through quiet valleys, offering breathtaking views of wildlife in their natural habitat. By night, the park transforms into a stargazer's paradise due to its low levels of light pollution. Nestled in the mountains, this beautiful monastery is an architectural treasure. Dating back to the 13th century, it's best known for its revered statue of the Virgin. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it combines a tapestry of faith, history, and remarkable artistry that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. Every spring, more than a million cherry trees bloom in the Jerte Valley, exploding into a sea of white blossoms. Hikers, photographers, and nature lovers are drawn to this ephemeral natural spectacle. The valley's waterfalls, trails, and mountain views continue to enchant even during the off-season. Close-up of ham knife cutting a thin slice of Iberian ham in Spain. ojosLocated inside the Atrio Cáceres hotel, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant by manager José Polo and chef Toño Pérez is a temple of modern Extremaduran cuisine. With exceptional tasting menus, it ensures a standout dining experience, paired with an impressive wine cellar. Set in historic Trujillo, Casa Marcial is known for its seasonal menus and use of local produce. This charming spot is especially praised for its lamb dishes, wild mushrooms, and excellent wine list featuring Extremaduran labels. A recent highlight in Badajoz's food scene, Agallas is known for its innovative approach to tapas and traditional dishes. The open kitchen sets the stage for creations like slow-cooked lamb with locally foraged herbs. Awarded a Michelin star in 2022, Versátil doles out beautifully presented dishes inspired by Extremaduran flavors. Run by the Hernández brothers, the restaurant combines fine dining with a welcoming atmosphere in a small village setting. Located in the center of Extremadura's wine hot spot, El Alma del Genio offers a menu that focuses on locally sourced ingredients. Dishes like smoked duck breast and creamy rice with mushrooms are paired with regional wines, all served in artfully presented portions. Landscape of Extremadura, Spain. The best time to visit Extremadura is from spring to early summer (April to June), when the countryside is lush with wildflowers, the weather is pleasant, and the region's many festivals are in full motion. Temperatures are ideal for exploring historic places like Cáceres and Mérida without the intense heat. Event highlights include Holy Week in Mérida, known for its processions, and the famous Womad Festival in Cáceres, which celebrates world music, arts, and dance. Bird-watchers should visit Monfragüe National Park in the spring, when wildlife is most active. For hikers, autumn (September to early November) is a great time to visit for cooler weather and to witness the grape harvest. The easiest way to reach Extremadura from the U.S. is by flying into Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, then taking a connecting domestic flight or train. Direct flights to Badajoz, the region's only airport, are operated daily by Iberia. However, Cáceres is just a three-hour drive or train ride from Madrid. While driving from Madrid offers the flexibility to explore the beautiful surrounding countryside, flying into Badajoz is usually the faster option overall. The Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe in Cáceres of Extremadura, the birthplace of famous conquistador Francisco Pizarro, has a rich legacy tied to the era of Spanish exploration. Its history is reflected in the town's architecture, including the majestic Plaza Mayor square, which features a statue of Pizarro himself. Every spring, it hosts the National Cheese Festival, attracting foodies from all over the world. Enclosed within medieval walls and accessed through city gates, Plasencia invites strolling past historic buildings and bustling markets. It's also the ideal gateway for outdoor enthusiasts, with the nearby Jerte Valley offering gorgeous hikes, crystal-clear natural pools, and chestnut forests without the crowds. Badajoz, the largest city in Extremadura, sits on the banks of the Guadiana River near the Portuguese border. Its rich Moorish past has left behind landmarks like the Alcazaba, one of the largest Islamic fortresses in Spain. Cultural life thrives in Badajoz, especially during Carnival, when lively parades and street performances transform the city into one big celebration. A bridge leading into Alcántara in Extremadura. Public transportation is limited, so renting a car is recommended for getting around Extremadura's rural areas and smaller towns. Car rentals are available at the airport and in major cities, with straightforward online booking through services like Europcar or Hertz. Book your rental car early during festivals to avoid shortages, and always check rural road conditions if planning off-the-beaten-path adventures. Local bus services and ride-share apps operate in the biggest cities, but are less common in the villages of Extremadura.