Extremadura Road Trip - Scrapbooking My Travels

Extremadura is a Spanish autonomous community with lots of hidden gems. Since public transportation is harder to come by, though, this gorgeous region of Spain is less often frequented by international tourists. However, if you have access to a car, Extremadura is an excellent place for a road trip!

I based my road trip in Badajoz. I stayed there for three nights, and each day I explored a bit more of the region, including day trips to nearby towns. And there really was a lot to see! I’m so glad I got the chance to explore some of Extremadura!

In this post, I’ve documented my highlights from my road trip in Extremadura.

1. Eating Técula-Mécula

Técula-Mécula is a delicious almond tart-like dessert that comes from extremeño town called Olivenza (formally part of Portugal, but part of Spain since the early 1800s). If you’re traveling to Extremadura, don’t miss out on this unique Spanish dessert.

2. Exploring Plasencia

Plasencia is a picturesque extremeño town tucked between some small mountains. There’s plenty of interesting architectural sites to explore in its historic center, and Plasencia has a great food scene, too.

On my trip to Plasencia, I started by visiting the town’s Municipal Tourism Office to grab a map and get a lay of the land. The clerk was very helpful and offered great suggestions, so I think paying a visit to the tourism office is a fantastic way to begin a visit to Plasencia. The clerk even informed me that the town had a tapas tour that weekend—something I never would have known if I hadn’t visited the tourism office.

After leaving Plasencia’s tourism office, I walked around the Catedral Nueva de Plasencia, which was practically next door.

New Cathedral of Plasencia — `Catedral Nueva de Plasencia`

After some exploring, I took advantage of the weekend tapas tour.

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To end my day in Plasencia, I walked around the city’s fortified wall and Roman aqueducts.

Roman Aqueducts Plasencia - Scrapbook — `Roman Aqueducts in Plasencia, Spain`

3. Exploring Mérida

Mérida is an extremeño town that used to be a major city in the Roman Empire. The archeological astounded me in their beauty, preservation, and number.

After purchasing my ticket to see Mérida’s historic sites (some tickets allow entry to just one site, but I selected the ticket that allowed entry to all sites), I explored the Amphitheater of Mérida, where gladiators fought.

Next, I continued through the site to the Roman Theatre of Mérida, where Romans performed plays.

After that, I strolled through the National Museum of Roman Art, which displays an awe-inspiring collection of Roman artifacts. That day, the museum happened to be free and open to the public.

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Then, I strolled down to the Temple of Diana.

Finally, I explored Plasencia’s Alcazaba, a Moorish fort built upon Roman ruins. From the top, there are incredible views of the Guadiana river and the Roman Bridge.

4. Exploring Badajoz

Badajoz is a lively extremeño city with a beautiful historic center and plenty of interesting architectural sites. I strolled around the Badajoz Alcazaba and watched the sunset from the top of the fort walls.

Later, I visited Rincón Nazarí, a bar with unique Moorish decor and a wonderful atmosphere. Then, I walked across the Puente de Palmas, the historic pedestrian bridge in Badajoz.

5. Eating churros at Pardaleras

I finished off my Extremadura road trip with a stop at the Churrería Pardaleras. When I arrived, the line wrapped all the way to the end of the block—and with good reason! The churros were delicious!