EXTREMADURA- WHAT TO DO AND SEE

A LITTLE HISTORY

Over the centuries Extremadura has played an important role in regional and world history. It was settled by ancient Celtic tribes, Romans, Visigoths and Moors. The powerful schism of the Christian re-conquest in the 13th century after 7 centuries of Moorish rule led to a rich medieval society with all the previous influences in evidence culminating in  the extraordinary Conquistador movement in the 15th and 16th centuries. A significant number of the most famous conquistadors were born and raised in Extremadura, they brought back their ill gotten riches from the new world and built palaces, churches, monastries all over the region. There is a fantastic historical heritage in Roman Merida, Conquistador Trujillo and Caceres and more recently in the many places where Napoleonic armies fought against British/Spanish/Portuguese armies in the Peninsular War of the early 19th century such as the fortified towns of Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz and just over the border in Portugal, Elvas.

NATURE -WALKING -BIRD WATCHING

Extremadura has always been remote and somewhat neglected, underdeveloped with little investment but the silver lining is the almost total lack of industrial development and the horrors of mass tourism which have ruined so many parts of Spain. Vast areas of Extremadura are preserved in pristine nature with abundant water sources, thriving agriculture and well preserved ancient towns. Fortunately with all these blessings wild life and flowers can flourish. Walking is a delight with well organized hiking trails lthrough stunning scenery. In spring the profusion of bird life and glorious wild flowers are really magical. Extremadura is renowned for its resident and migratory birdlife and is becoming increasingly popular with bird watchers.  

SPORT

For golfers there is an excellent 18-hole golf course near Cáceres (Norba Club - 40 kms) and a 9-hole course near Mérida (Don Tello - 63 kms).

Other activities in the area include horse riding at Centro Ecuestre El Romeral (45 kms) and a good karting track (Caceres Kart -15 kms).

Water sports are available on some of the large reservoirs in Extremadura  E.G. Proserpina near Mérida and Orellana, near Don Benito 

Useful links:
http://www.extremaduraguide.com
http://www.visit-western-spain.com
http://www.spain.info
http://www.walkingextremadura.com
http://www.cacereskart.com/
http://www.wikirutas.es/
http://www.romeral.es/
https://www.norbaclub.es/