Extramadura (Spain) has anyone been?

[boys3]

And if so can you share a bit about when, where etc?

Have to admit it’s not a region I’ve ever really thought about, or more honestly even known about.

But a hotel popped up in Cacares which looked enchanting - hotel and town. From that Merida and Badajoz similarly intriguing.

No direct flights but all on a direct train line from Madrid. Or a more tortuous train journey from Malaga or Seville.

Anyway if anyone has visited, plans to visit, or thought about going but chose not to I’d love to find out a bit more. If a trip is on the cards for me likely 2029.

I’ve been to Cáceres, but quite a long time ago now, maybe 12 years. I went when I lived in Madrid, I think we actually got a coach. I remember it as being a lovely trip, very relaxing as it was a nice town to wander around with lots of good food and wine to be enjoyed. Having said that, there are lots of other nice cities in Spain with a similar vibe that would be a bit easier to reach - for example Toledo or Segovia are close to Madrid

@KatRee thanks for the reply. I think you are right that Spain does have so much to offer, and that there are easier places to get to. I think my interest in Extramadura is more to it being a bit more remote and less touristy. Whether we will go remains to be seen but really appreciate your comments.

It definitely is a less touristy option if that’s what you are looking for, but still lots to offer.

Also, I went in December and we had beautiful crisp clear days. I think in summer it can get incredibly hot

Yeah don’t go in summer

This will be a spring or a mid/late September/ early October trip. DCs all grown up so no academic year constraints, and will certainly be avoiding the extreme temperature periods.😀

I love visiting the hard to access parts of European countries. England doesn't really have any more. Scotland has. Been a while since I travelled, but it's a safe bet they're still far more traditional, surprising and devoid of touristy shit.

When I did this in Spain and Portugal (different trips), I landed on some kind of religious festival everywhere. Amazing memories of learning folk dances, following icons along crowded mediaeval streets, special foods and killer drinks!

Also, views. If there's a local railway, funicular or river bus, take it 🏞

I've been. We visited Caceres (where we stayed), Trujillo, but missed Merida owing to weird bus timetables in those days (no buses on a Sunday). This was twenty years ago. The region does feel like it's behind the back of God, to coin a phrase. Very bleak in its looks, but stunning. We left for Salamanca by bus and the bus passes through "terra sin pan" that Bunuel filmed in the 1930s, and it was still really remote and old fashioned in feeling - lots of old ladies in black getting on the bus. Carlos V also retired to a remote monastery at Yuste in this area when when he'd finished conquering the world. I quite fancied hiking there...

I'd stay in Trujillo if I went again, maybe , as the town is more ruined and evocative. Caceres gets more visitors, but also lovely. Probably better for a few days.

I also fancied Estremoz over the Portuguese border....

I can recommend Nolasco restaurant in the corner of the old town in Caceres.
The old town is directly off Plaza Major and higher than the plaza and a great place for a wander.

We visited for a couple of nights on a road trip. Flew EasyJet to Madrid, hired a car , straight to Toledo after that Caceres, after that back up to Segovia, then back to Madrid , staying a couple of nights in each place.

Quite a parched landscape generally was my memory around Caceres, we also went west to Malpartida de Caceres to do some walking in the lake area south of the town. Look out for the stork nests on telegraph poles around Caceres.

Thanks for your post @Almakarlinsghost . I take it you’ve not been tempted back in the 20 years since you visited? 😀 From what I can see some of the public transport timetables, rail at least, look just as weird today - though that might just be a Renfe thing.

Too many places in the world to see! That's the only reason I haven't been back. It was nice to visit!
But the train from Madrid took about four hours and was a real old stinker - I don't know if they've replaced that one but I assume so! 😆

Spain is full of beautiful historic cities and towns, I genuinely think you can’t go wrong especially if you have found somewhere really lovely to stay.

I’m currently in northern Castellón province and have spent the day driving around some lovely small historic towns that I had never heard of before this morning. I’m getting the impression that the lesser visited places are making a big effort to welcome tourists - free parking, helpful tourist offices, and all the usual great food options.

I haven’t been to Extremadura, but have heard positive things. Go for it!