Cáceres

City · Extremadura, 🇪🇸 Spain

Cáceres is a city in Extremadura, in western Spain. Its walled old town, the Ciudad Monumental, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with medieval towers, palaces and churches built of golden stone.

The city is quiet and well preserved, and it is often used as a film location. It suits one day, and it is a base for Trujillo, Mérida and the nature of Extremadura.

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When to visit

Spring and autumn are the best seasons, with warm, sunny days. July and August are very hot, with temperatures often above 35 °C. Winters are cool, with some frost.

The Womad music festival in May and the Easter processions are highlights.

Best time to visit: April, May, September, October

Select a month

Typical weather in January

Poor

12° (feels like 8°) · extremes -3°–16°
2° at night
9 rainy days
14 sunny days
5 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 2 · low

Typical weather in February

Fair

14° (feels like 10°) · extremes -3°–18°
3° at night
7 rainy days
15 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 3 · moderate

Typical weather in March

Good

17° (feels like 13°) · extremes 0°–22°
5° at night
9 rainy days
15 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 4 · moderate

Typical weather in April

Great

20° (feels like 17°) · extremes 3°–26°
8° at night
9 rainy days
16 sunny days
9 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 6 · high

Typical weather in May

Great

24° (feels like 22°) · extremes 6°–33°
11° at night
7 rainy days
20 sunny days
11 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in June

Good

31° (feels like 29°) · extremes 10°–39°
16° at night
3 rainy days
23 sunny days
12 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 8 · very high

Up to 6 days above 35°

Typical weather in July

Poor

36° (feels like 33°) · extremes 14°–41°
19° at night
1 rainy day
29 sunny days
13 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 9 · very high

Up to 18 days above 35°

Typical weather in August

Poor

35° (feels like 33°) · extremes 15°–41°
19° at night
1 rainy day
28 sunny days
12 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 8 · very high

Up to 17 days above 35°

Typical weather in September

Great

30° (feels like 27°) · extremes 11°–36°
16° at night
5 rainy days
21 sunny days
9 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Calm winds
UV index 6 · high

Typical weather in October

Great

23° (feels like 21°) · extremes 7°–31°
12° at night
9 rainy days
16 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 4 · moderate

Typical weather in November

Good

16° (feels like 13°) · extremes 0°–21°
6° at night
9 rainy days
13 sunny days
6 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 2 · low

Typical weather in December

Fair

13° (feels like 9°) · extremes -2°–16°
3° at night
9 rainy days
12 sunny days
5 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 1 · low

Climate data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2) · 1996–2025

Top sights

The Ciudad Monumental is the old walled town, with palaces, towers and churches in narrow streets. It is best seen on foot in the morning or at dusk.
Torre de Bujaco is a tower in the Moorish wall, and one of the best-known landmarks.
Murallas y Arco del Cristo are parts of the old city walls, with a gate that leads into the old town.
Museo de Cáceres is in a Renaissance palace and shows finds from the region, including Roman and Moorish objects.
Plaza Mayor is the main square just outside the walls, with cafés.
The Concatedral de Santa María is the main church, in the old town.
The Torre de las Cigüeñas is a tower with a nest of storks on top.

Featured Lists

Javier Losa / CC BY 2.0

Cáceres Essentials

Cáceres’ old town is defined by its exceptionally preserved architecture, ranging from Roman walls and Moorish fortifications to Gothic and Renaissance palaces. This collection highlights the city's monumental core, including the 12th-century Bujaco Tower and the iconic Arco de la Estrella. Beyond the medieval center, the list includes the Vostell Malpartida Museum, housed in an 18th-century wool-washing station, and the Helga de Alvear Museum, which showcases a significant collection of international contemporary art.

11 places

Zarateman / cc-by-sa-3.0

Historic Landmarks

Cáceres is a UNESCO World Heritage site defined by its exceptionally preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. This selection highlights the city's defensive history, from the 12th-century Moorish Bujaco Tower to the unique 15th-century Torre de los Púlpitos. The list includes noble residences like the Palacio de los Golfines de Arriba and the Palacio de Carvajal, alongside iconic gateways such as the Baroque Arco de la Estrella. These landmarks reflect the blend of Roman, Islamic, and Christian influences that shaped the city's fortified center.

11 places

Hizn Qazrix / CC BY-SA 4.0

Hidden Gems

Beyond the medieval walls of Cáceres lie ancient archaeological sites and spiritual landmarks. The Cave of Maltravieso contains Paleolithic hand stencils dating back 66,000 years, while the nearby Santa Ana and El Conejar caves offer insights into early human occupation of the Calerizo karst system. On the surrounding hills, the 18th-century Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Montaña provides panoramic views, while the quiet green corridors of Parque del Marco and Parque de Maltravieso preserve the city's agricultural and prehistoric heritage.

7 places

Ferran Fernandez / CC BY-SA 3.0 es

Historic Churches & Sanctuaries

Cáceres’ religious landscape reflects centuries of architectural evolution, from medieval Gothic foundations to ornate Baroque facades. This collection includes the Co-cathedral of Santa María, known for its carved cedar altarpiece, and the Jesuit Church of San Francisco Javier with its prominent white towers. Beyond the city walls, the Santuario de la Montaña offers views over the Extremaduran landscape, while smaller hermitages like San Antonio occupy historically significant sites such as the former Jewish quarter.

9 places

Rpmayor / pd

Museums & Culture

This collection highlights the cultural heritage of Cáceres, spanning from the Paleolithic era to the present day. It features the prehistoric Cave of Maltravieso, known for ancient stenciled hand paintings, and the Cueva de Santa Ana, a Middle Pleistocene archaeological site. The city's history is preserved in the Museo de Cáceres, which houses an 11th-century Almohad cistern. Contemporary art is represented by the Helga de Alvear Museum’s vast collection and the Museo Vostell Malpartida, located in a former 18th-century wool washing station.

5 places

What to experience

Walk the old town at dusk, when the stone walls glow and the crowds are thin.
Watch the storks nest on the towers and church roofs in spring.

Tours & Activities

Cáceres — Map

Day trips

Trujillo (about 45 km, 40 minutes by car): a hill town with a castle and a grand plaza.
Mérida (about 70 km, 1 hour by car): a city with Roman theater and bridge.
Monfragüe (about 80 km, 1 hour by car): a national park known for birds, including vultures.
Salamanca (about 200 km, 2 hours by car): a university city with a golden old town.

Where to explore

Other places in Extremadura and nearby:

Historic towns: Trujillo and Mérida.
Nature: Monfragüe.
University city: Salamanca.

Getting there

By air: The nearest airports are in Badajoz (limited service), Seville and Madrid. Most visitors come by train, bus or car.
By train: Trains run from Madrid, Mérida and Badajoz. Book on Renfe.
By bus: Coaches run to Madrid, Seville, Mérida and Salamanca.

Getting around

On foot: The old town is compact and cobbled, and it is best seen on foot. The new town is a short walk away.
Cycling: The streets of the old town are steep and uneven, so cycling is not practical.

Driving

Is a car worth it?: Not for the old town, but yes for day trips.
Parking: Use the car parks near Plaza Mayor or the Plaza de San Juan.
Restrictions: Cars are not allowed in most of the old town.

Food & drink

Extremadura is known for Iberian ham, cured sausages and strong cheeses such as Torta del Casar, a soft sheep's milk cheese. Try migas, caldereta de cordero (lamb stew) and cochinillo. Local desserts include perrunillas, small butter cookies.

Breakfast

Churros Churros con ChocolateFried dough sticks served with a thick, dark hot chocolate for dipping — a classic Spanish breakfast or late-night snack.

Lunch

Paella ValencianaA saffron-scented rice dish cooked in a wide, shallow pan. The traditional Valencian version uses chicken, rabbit, and green beans — best eaten at midday.

GazpachoA cold, blended soup of raw tomatoes, cucumber, pepper, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, originally from Andalusia. Served as a drink or a starter, especially in summer.

Dinner

Pulpo a la GallegaBoiled octopus sliced onto a wooden board and dressed with olive oil, coarse salt, and smoked paprika — a signature dish of Galicia.

Snacks & street food

Jamón IbéricoDry-cured ham from acorn-fed Iberian pigs, sliced paper-thin and eaten on its own or with bread. The finest grade, jamón ibérico de bellota, is one of Spain's most prized products.

Tortilla EspañolaA thick potato and egg omelette, served warm or at room temperature, found in virtually every bar in Spain. Often eaten as a tapa or a quick meal.

Patatas BravasFried potato chunks served with a spicy tomato sauce or aioli — one of the most common tapas across the country.

PintxosSmall snacks anchored to slices of bread with a toothpick, the Basque Country's answer to tapas. Found in bar counters across San Sebastián and Bilbao, often with elaborate toppings.

CroquetasCrispy breaded cylinders with a creamy béchamel filling, typically made with jamón, bacalà (salt cod), or mushrooms.

Drinks

Rioja Wine Vino de RiojaSpain's best-known wine region produces full-bodied reds from Tempranillo grapes, aged in oak. The crianza, reserva, and gran reserva labels indicate increasing age and complexity.

Safety & health

Cáceres is a safe city. Summer heat is extreme, so visit in the early morning or evening, carry water and wear sun protection. The old town's cobbles are uneven, so wear sturdy shoes.

History

Cáceres was founded by the Romans in 25 BC. The Moors built the walls and towers in the 12th century, and Christian forces took the city in 1229.

In the 15th and 16th centuries noble families built fortified palaces in the old town. After the discovery of America, some families made fortunes there and built grander homes.