Where can you sleep?
This region, and Extremadura in general, are not particularly tourist-driven, but are actually one of the cheapest destinations in Spain, which make it an ideal option if you're looking, for instance, for a weekend getaway.
Its historical centre, known as the Ciudad Vieja, is one of the most demanded areas to rent accommodation compared with the rest, but it compensates for the close proximity of the most impressive historical buildings, and charming towns and villages that you will have easy access to. Nevertheless, and considering that it is not one of the largest provinces in terms of its territory, staying for a few days in one of the villages and small towns around the area might be a better option for you.
Some of the places we usually recommend and that offer the most options for tourists are Alcántara, Valencia de Alcántara, Trujillo or Jarandilla de la Vera.
Any of these places will make for a great destination for you to discover the secrets of this region, apart from allowing you to enjoy the air of true traditionality that is transpired everywhere.
Any of these destinations will make for a great, and relaxing stay.
What to do in the area?
We recommend visiting the Valle del Jerte, a place with some great views of nature, specially during spring, the blooming season. We also recommend the monumental complex of Cáceres, home to some of Spain's many world heritage sites that make it a UNESCO protected province.
You cannot leave without making a visit to the Casco Viejo, the historical center where you will find the Concatedral de Santa María, or the churches of San Francisco and San Mateo amongst many others.There is also plenty of palaces for you to visit, the most famous of the being the Palacio de Los Golfines de Abajo, or the Palacio Episcopal, two visits that will make you feel like true royalty.
If you would like to enjoy of the leisure and entertainment option this city can offer, the Plaza Mayor is your best option if you want to have a drink, take into its architecture, and get to know the heart of this capital.
You will find its museums and theatre are some of the best options for a quiet day of leisure after a busy night of lively, urban exploration, or a safe option if you would prefer or a more intimate day under a dim, romantic, glow.
What typical foods are recommended?
If you're the kind of person who loves to eat and try the local gastronomy, you have come to the right place, where you will be able to enjoy of a region deeply rooted in its gastronomic tradition without limits.
Cáceres is a place where its mixture of cultures is reflected in its gastronomy, with some elements of Arabian and Sephardic cultures, due to the presence of both communities in this area for many centuries.
Another clear influence in the gastronomy of this region comes from its agricultural tradition, since exploiting and cultivating its fields has been the main economic activity of Cáceres.
Some of its more traditional and popular dishes are chanfaina (a meat-based stew), gazpacho cacereño (prepared according to the local recipe), migas, or caldereta, a mixed-vegetables and meat stew.
Another typical product from this region, widely used in Spain and D.O protected is the so famous pimentón de la Vera.
Amongst its daily products, recommend trying two of the regional cheeses with intense flavour and are loved everywhere in Spain: Torta del Casar, and Ibores cheese.
Where are the festivities?
Like all regions in Spanish, one of the highlights of its culture and tradition relies on the local festivities, usually one of the main attractions of tourism, and of those tourist whose curiosity is picked by the variety of local traditions particular to each area.
In the town of Torrejoncillo, the celebration of la Fiesta de la Encamisá is held by mid November, an event considered of National Tourist Interest.
To honour San Miguel, the patron saint of many towns like Navalmoral de la Mata, Ceclavín or Malpartida de Cáceres, there are many selected dates where the streets are filled with music, colours and tradition, to its inhabitants and visitors alike.
Another popular date to mark on your calendar is the Blossoming of the cherry trees in the Valle del Jerte, which takes place during spring and is gaining more followers with each passing year it is celebrated.
