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Overview

Introduction

One of the least known yet most fascinating regions of Spain, Extremadura is the size of the Netherlands but with a population of only one million. To the west is Portugal, to the south Andalucia, to the north Castilla y Leon, and to the east Castilla La Mancha.

The climate is generally Mediterranean, although to the north and west of the region it is more continental and the temperatures are slightly lower.  The winters tend to be mild with average temperatures of around 8°C but the summers are hot and average temperatures are around 28°C in July but sometimes rising to 40°C.  There can be snow in the mountains.

The landscape is one of rolling hills and vast plains of cereals and Dehesas, being enormous areas of cork oaks, holm oaks and olive trees with some sweet chestnuts.  Some of the oaks are centuries old.  This wild region is, of course, the home of the black pig which, for the final three months of its life - between October and December - is allowed to roam free and eat the holm oak acorns. The resultant ‘Jamon Iberico Puro Bellota’ is a unique and much sought after ham which can retail at over £1,500 for a leg in the UK but which is much more reasonably priced if purchased locally. The farming of black pigs is one of the main industries of the region which takes great pride in the production of these much sought after hams.

Roman remains are everywhere in the region and Mérida was the Roman capital of Lusitania which included the whole of Portugal and was one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire.  The Moors followed the Romans and used much of the Roman stone to construct their Alcasabas and mosques and were then followed by the Christian Kings in 1232.  The towns of Cáceres and Trujillo are two of the most fascinating medieval towns in Spain featuring the most beautifully preserved historical settlements. Many medieval inhabitants would hardly see a change in their surroundings.

Extremadura is a remote region, bordering Portugal, with areas of mountains, forests, steppes, lakes and nature reserves.  The Monfragüe National Park and the Cornalvo Natural Park are now prime environments for migratory birds with an enormous diversity of birds and one of the prime regions in Europe for birdwatchers.

Life has always been hard in Extremadura and for that reason, to escape poverty, saw the conquistadors set sail on their adventures to the New World. Hernan Cortes and Andres Tapia were born in Medellin, a small village but in Colombia the second largest city.  Francisco Pizarro and his three brothers, Alonso de Sotomayor and Francisco de Orellana were all born in Trujillo.
Hernando de Soto and Vasco Nunes de Balboa were both born in Jerez de los Caballeros near Badajoz.  Pedro de Valdivia was born in Villanueva de la Serena also near Badajoz and Pedro de Alvarado was born in Badajoz.  Ines Suarez, a female conquistador who conquered Chile along with Pedro de Valdivia, was born in Plasencia.  Many towns and cities in the new world are named after Extremaduran towns and villages like Merida, Valdivia, La Serena and Santiago, the capital of Chile in the new world.

There is much to see and do in Extremadura and combinations with Andalucia or with the Alentejo, Centro or Norte regions of Portugal would make fascinating visits.

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Activities in Extremadura

Alcantara Boat Trip

This sailing trip begins on the reservoir of Alcantara, located in the north west of Extremadura, near the border of Portugal and within the Tajo Natural Park - 25,000 hectares of park which spreads across Spain and Portugal. The park encompasses over 20 Portuguese and Spanish municipalities that house a wealth of natural, historic, artistic, cultural, and, above all, culinary wonders to be discovered. This is an impressive park which features a unique, endemic ecosystem where the Tajo River serves as the source for rocky mounts, green meadows and endless hills harbouring species such as the Black Stork and Golden Eagle. Sailing through the riverbed of the River Tagus, you will come across the Alagon River and its beautiful and wonderful landscape. From here you will continue on to the impressive Peña Cepeda rock where the Griffon vulture can be seen. Prior to departure there will be a chance to view the impressive Roman Bridge, which was built during the reign of Emperor Trajan, on the Roman road that connects the Silver route with Viseu in Portugal.

Price: £25 per adult and £19 per child (3-11yrs)

Notes

  • Available: May - Dec
  • Duration - 1½ hours
  • Meeting point at the river jetty on the Alcantara reservoir
  • Please note that the departure time and meeting point may vary depending on the time of year and will be confirmed at the time of booking
  • Transfers to and from the meeting point are not included
  • Recommended: Comfortable shoes, camera and binoculars

 

Birdwatching in the Monfragüe National Park

Following a route through different types of habitats within the Monfragüe National Park and its surroundings, you will see and learn about the birds of the park, from the largest and most attractive to the smaller ones that often go unnoticed but are just as interesting. The excursion ends with a visit to the reservoir area of Monfragüe where you will see waterfowl.

Price: £91 per person (based on a minimum of 2 people)

Notes

  • Available all year
  • Duration - 4 hours
  • Departure at 10:00 or 15:30
  • Meeting point at Villa Real de San Carlos (a village within the park) by the Tourist Information Point
  • Minimum of 2 participants required
  • Includes local guide (English speaking), telescope and binoculars
  • Transfers to and from the meeting point are not included
  • Please note that the departure time and meeting point may vary depending on the time of year and will be confirmed at the time of booking.

 

Birdwatching on the Cáceres Plains

Following a route through woodland areas, which attract numerous birds, you will discover species such as white storks, cattle egret, heron and black kite. A visit to the banks of the rivers that cross the plain is also included and is where you will be able to see birds such as Bonelli’s Eagle, Imperial Eagle, black stork and the colourful bee-eaters.

Price: £80 per person (based on a minimum of 2 people)

Notes

  • Available Mar-May
  • Duration - 4 hours
  • Departure at 09:30
  • Meeting point in the town of Trujillo (next to the bullring)
  • Minimum of 2 participants required
  • Includes local guide (English speaking), telescope and binoculars
  • Transfers to and from the meeting point are not included
  • Please note that the departure time and meeting point may vary depending on the time of year and will be confirmed at the time of booking.

 

Historic Cáceres Walking Tour

The old town of Cáceres boasts one of the most impressive artistic and monumental collections of buildings. One of the best preserved in Europe, this medieval walled city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. Walking around the majestic historic centre you will discover medieval walls, palaces, churches, squares and streets all still in good condition. Amongst its gems you will also find a Jewish Quarter, the remains of Roman settlements and the second largest water cistern in the world.

Price: £54 per person (private tour with English speaking guide based on 2 people)

Price: £18 per person (shared tour with English speaking guide)

Notes

  • Available: All year round
  • Duration - 2 hours
  • Meeting point at Plaza Mayor (the main square)
  • Departure at 11:00, 17:00 or 20:00 (summer only)
  • Please note that the departure time and meeting point may vary depending on the time of year and will be confirmed at the time of booking
  • Transfers to and from the meeting point are not included

 

Iberian Ham Tour

Learn all about the Iberian pig and how the Spanish produce such exquisite cured hams. Visit the breeding places on the Dehesa Extremena and learn about the four stages (breeding, growing, premontanera and montanera) of producing quality hams. A visit to the factory, at the end of your tour, is also included.

Price: £127 per person (private tour with English speaking guide based on 2 people)

Price: £52 per person (shared tour with English speaking guide - minimum of 6 participants)

Notes

  • Available: All year round
  • Duration - 3 hours
  • Meeting point – Malpartida de Plasencia (Client will need to drive to the Dehesa)
  • Departure at 09:00
  • Please note that the departure time and meeting point may vary depending on the time of year and will be confirmed at the time of booking
  • Minimum of 2 participants required

 

Trujillo Cultural Walking Tour

This guided walk visits the most outstanding monuments of Trujillo, a town steeped in history, where its castle, palaces, churches, towers, manor houses and convents speak of a glorious past. You will discover the evolution of Trujillo’s history, its people and its most beautiful spots. From the vantage point of Trujillo’s castle you will be able to capture the best shots, which during the evening tour are bathed by the light of the sunset.

Price: £54 per person (private tour with English speaking guide based on 2 people)

Notes

  • Available: All year round
  • Duration - 1½ hours
  • Meeting point at Calle Tiendas, No.3 (next to the Plaza Mayor – the main square)
  • Departure at 11:30, 17:00, 18:00 (summer only) and 20:00 (summer only)
  • Please note that the departure time and meeting point may vary depending on the time of year and will be confirmed at the time of booking
  • Transfers to and from the meeting point are not included
  • Audio guide in English (with map) rental available on request at a price of £12.00 per person

 

Wildlife Tour in the Monfragüe National Park

Travelling in a 6 seater 4x4, within the Monfragüe National Park, you will enter one of the best well-conserved Mediterranean forests in the world with a large variety of birds, deer and other animals and stop at the best viewpoints - the Tajo and the Tietar.

Price: £48 per person (shared tour with English speaking guide - minimum of 6 people)

Price: £108 per person (private tour with English speaking guide based on 2 people)

Notes

  • Available: All year round
  • Duration - 3½ hours
  • Departure at 10:00 (return at 16:00)
  • Meeting point in the town of Malpartida de Plasencia (San Gregorio Hermitage) or Monfragüe National Park
  • Minimum of 6 participants required
  • Includes local expert guide (English speaking), telescope and binoculars
  • Transfers to and from the meeting point are not included
  • Please note that the departure time and meeting point may vary depending on the time of year and will be confirmed at the time of booking

 

Sunvil can pre-book a variety of activities in Extremadura. Please note that any pre-booked activity with Sunvil must be requested 14 days or more before departure.

Useful information

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Noel Josephides
Noel Josephides
Best time to go
  • JAN
  • FEB
  • MAR
  • APR
  • MAY
  • JUN
  • JUL
  • AUG
  • SEP
  • OCT
  • NOV
  • DEC
Time Difference

GMT + 1 hour

Currency

Euro

Language

Spanish

Average flight times

2 hours 20 minutes

  • Average temperature

    Average rainfall

Talk to our Extremadura expert

Noel Josephides
Noel Josephides

Noel is Sunvil’s Chairman. Born in Cyprus in 1948, he joined John der Parthog at Sunvil in 1973. Before that and following university, he spent 3 years as a trainee buyer at C&A Modes and then worked for a large Cypriot builder and property developer for whom he set up a London Office buying electrical components for the Middle East and importing lemons from orchards in Cyprus. He still researches new destinations for Sunvil and is heavily involved in matters relating to the travel industry. He is a previous chairman of ABTA, a long standing director and previous chairman of The Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) and former chairman of The Travel Foundation - the travel industry’s sustainability charity.

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We promise that a member of our specialist reservation teams will reply personally to your holiday enquiry before 5.30pm if received before 12.00pm (Monday to Friday). Enquiries received after 12.00pm will be replied to within 24-hours (excluding Sundays).

If your enquiry is of an urgent nature, please telephone our dedicated reservation teams on the numbers listed below.

Our lines are open from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday and from 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday.

  • Greece: 020 8758 4758
  • Cyprus: 020 8758 4759
  • Portugal, the Azores, Spain, Italy, Sicily and Scandinavia: 020 8758 4722
  • Latin America: 020 8758 4774
  • Marketing: 020 8758 4731

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If your enquiry is of an urgent nature, please telephone our dedicated reservation teams on the numbers listed below.

Our lines are open from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday and from 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday.

  • Greece: 020 8758 4758
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