Extremadura

Thursday 15 February 2024

Extremadura - ever heard of it? No, neither had we. 

Los Pilanos waterfall - Jerte Valley

It’s a region in Western Spain on the border with Portugal and was chosen as one of ABTA’s top 10 ‘Destinations to Watch for 2024’. 

We’ve spent 5 days travelling around the region which is fairly remote and definitely off the beaten track as far as foreign tourism is concerned. 

Montanchez

The recent rain has swelled the rivers, waterfalls, lakes and reservoirs. A number of protected National Parks including Monfragüe and Reserva Natural Garganta de Los Infiernos, which we visited, are to be found in the area. The countryside has lush rolling green hills, miles of dry stone walls, livestock roaming free and whole valleys ready to burst into colour with the blossom of the cherry trees. The lively medieval towns with their cobbled streets have been awash with colour from the Carnaval festivities and there is a wealth of history, dating back to the Roman era, in this region. All in all a very diverse mix! 

Trujillo - seen from its castle

Aqueduct at Merida

Medieval city of Cáceres

Roman bridge at Alcántara

Vulture at Monfragüe National Park

Cherry tree terraces - Jerte Valley

Also mentioned on their global ‘Top 10 Destinations to Watch for 2024’ list, rubbing shoulders with Aruba, Mauritius and Zambia (and the only UK destination), was little old Shropshire. 

BBC News picked up on this and wrote a small feature on Ironbridge, Church Stretton, Ludlow and  Shrewsbury. We might be a little biased but have to agree with ABTA that Shropshire, and Extremadura, are very special areas.