Badajoz

Spring and autumn are the best seasons, with warm, sunny days. Summers are very hot and dry, with temperatures that can pass 40°C. Winters are mild, with some rain and cool nights.

Carnival (Carnaval), in February or March, is the main event, with parades, music groups and costumes. The San Juan fair in late June is also busy.

• Alcazaba de Badajoz is a large Moorish fortress on a hill above the river, with walls, towers and gardens.
• Catedral de San Juan Bautista is a fortress-like cathedral from the 13th century, with later Renaissance and Baroque features.
• Plaza Alta is an old arcaded square with colorful geometric patterns on its façades.
• The Espantaperros Tower is an octagonal Moorish tower, one of the symbols of the city.
• Puente Real and the Puente de Palmas cross the Guadiana, and the Palmas bridge has a monumental gate.
• Parque de Castelar is a pleasant park in the center.
• The Fine Arts Museum and the Carnival Museum cover local art and traditions.

• Walk along the Guadiana river at sunset, with views of the Alcazaba.
• Try tapas in the bars around Plaza Alta and the old town.
• Cross the border to Elvas for a day in Portugal.

• Mérida (about 60 km, 45 minutes by car): a UNESCO city of Roman ruins.
• Cáceres (about 90 km, 1 hour by car): a medieval walled town.
• Elvas, Portugal (about 15 km, 20 minutes by car): a fortified Portuguese town with a UNESCO listing.
• Olivenza (about 25 km): a border town with Portuguese-style architecture.

Other places nearby:

• Extremadura: Mérida and Cáceres.
• Andalusia: Seville.

• By air: Badajoz airport (BJZ) has very few flights. Lisbon (about 230 km) and Seville (about 210 km) are the main alternatives.
• By train: Train service in Extremadura is slow and infrequent, with connections to Mérida, Cáceres and Madrid. Book on Renfe.
• By bus: Coaches run to Madrid, Seville, Lisbon and nearby towns, and are often more practical than the train.

• On foot: The old town and the Alcazaba are compact. The center is flat, but the Alcazaba is a climb.
• Cycling: The city is mostly flat, and there are paths along the river.
• Public transport: City buses cover the main areas.

• Is a car worth it?: Helpful for day trips, since public transport in the region is limited. Not needed in the old town.
• Parking: Use a car park near the center.
• Restrictions: Parts of the old town are pedestrian only.

Extremaduran food is hearty and based on pork. Jamón ibérico is the top local product, and migas (fried breadcrumbs with chorizo and peppers) are common. Torta del Casar is a soft sheep's cheese that you eat with a spoon.

Local wines are made along the Guadiana valley, and tapas bars often serve a small dish with each drink.

Badajoz is a safe city. Summer heat is extreme, so avoid the middle of the day, drink water and wear sun protection. Winter nights can be cold.

Badajoz was founded under Moorish rule in the 9th century, and its fortress was rebuilt by the Almohads in the 12th century. Its position on the border with Portugal made it a fortress town for centuries.

It was the site of a famous siege during the Peninsular War in 1812. The city grew in the 20th century as the main urban center of Extremadura.

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