Cáceres

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Other places in Extremadura and nearby:

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

Quick practical facts for Spain at a glance: