Camping in Extremadura

Whether visitors are travelling to Extremadura for camping by the lake or camping in the mountains, they will be surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Away from the tourist crowds, they can enjoy long hikes along the mountains, olive groves, valleys and rivers. For refreshment, take a dip in one of the natural swimming pools or a reservoir. Extremadura is also an Eldorado for history buffs who enjoy exploring historic towns with a Moorish and Roman past.

Special features of camping in Extremadura, Spain

There are numerous campsites in Extremadura, the majority of which are located in the northern province of Cáceres. The sites are usually well inspected every year. In addition to pitches for caravans and motorhomes, there is also the option of renting bungalows. The proximity to affordable shopping facilities, which is guaranteed by almost all campsites in Extremadura, is very pleasing.

The campsites are located close to impressive mountain landscapes, lakes and watercourses. They are ideal for hikers, cyclists, swimmers and nature lovers. You can even stay overnight in the large national parks such as Monfragüe.

Getting there

Holidaymakers who want to travel to Spain by car, motorhome or caravan can look forward to a comparatively new, well-developed and largely free motorway network in the destination country. Especially in Extremadura, you can expect little traffic. However, there may be delays when crossing France and northern Spain during the holiday season.

Travellers from the north and centre of Germany generally take the same route from the French city of Bordeaux via San Sebastián and Salamanca. The route via Liège, Paris and Poitiers is often used for the approximately 2000 kilometres from Düsseldorf to Extremadura. From Frankfurt via Saarbrücken and Paris the distance is around 2050 km and from Berlin it is around 2550 km. If you are travelling to Spain from southern Germany, you can expect to travel around 2300 km from Munich. There is a nice route via Zurich, Geneva, Barcelona, Zaragoza and Madrid.

Given the length of the route, you should definitely plan at least one overnight stop. An extended break is advisable after 1000 kilometres at the latest. Due to the location on French motorways, it is advisable to stay overnight at campsites away from the motorways.

Destinations in Extremadura, Spain

Extremadura is divided into the mountainous, green province of Cáceres in the north and the flat, dry Badajoz in the south. In addition to Mérida and Cáceres, various national parks and historic towns are also worth a visit.

Monfragüe National Park

The approximately 181 km² park is the best-preserved Mediterranean hilly landscape in the world. It is fed by various rivers and reservoirs and is home to numerous animal and plant species. At the entrance in Villareal de San Carlos, holidaymakers will find an interesting visitor centre with exhibitions and presentations. Several hiking trails into the biosphere reserve start from here.

Plasencia

Holidaymakers visiting the city in the province of Cáceres will marvel at the numerous remains of Moorish and Roman rule. Strolling through the historic centre, visitors pass the two cathedrals, see the medieval city walls and various palaces. A detour to the Ethnological Textile Museum and the hunting collection in the Mirabel Palace round off the excursion.

Badajoz

The capital of the region of the same name is a perfect destination for young and old alike. Firstly, it is worth climbing up to the Alcazaba. It offers a fantastic view of the entire city. Walking along the old fortress walls, visitors discover a beautiful garden. In the heart of the provincial capital, the Gothic-Romanesque cathedral and the new bullring are well worth a visit. Children will love a trip to the Aqua Badajoz water amusement park in the west of the centre.

Top 5 sights

• Cáceres: The Moorish city wall, Renaissance palaces, medieval fortress buildings and historical flair delight visitors.
• Mérida: Countless Roman sites such as the theatre, the triumphal arch, the Temple of Diana, the amphitheatre and the treasures of the National Museum of Roman Art are sure to amaze visitors.
• Plasencia: The city on the River Jerte has a cathedral and museum. The historic centre with its palaces and arcades is protected by an old city wall.
• Trujillo: This marvellous city with ancient palaces and churches was the birthplace of the conqueror of Peru.
• Monasterio de Yuste: Emperor Charles V spent the last months of his life in this beautiful 15th century monastery.

Activities and excursions

Camping in Extremadura promises an environment with mountains including picturesque valleys, lakes and wide, agriculturally utilised plains. Hiking trips, swimming excursions and tours to historical sites in the region provide entertainment.

Historical hiking in Extremadura

The campsites in Extremadura are surrounded by countless hiking opportunities. There are both challenging treks and easy beginner routes. If you want to discover the whitewashed villages of Extremadura, you should plan a hike in the Badajoz region. A 10.5-kilometre trail starts from the town of San Jorge de Alor and leads along the mountain landscape, olive groves and historic villages.

Water fun for everyone

Although Extremadura has no access to the sea, there are the two rivers Tagus and Guardiana as well as more than 40 reservoirs and around 70 natural swimming pools. There are a total of 2000 kilometres of beaches in the region. One particularly beautiful beach is Playa de Ornella, which has been awarded the blue flag for its cleanliness and quality.

Excursion to Guadelupe

The place of pilgrimage with its monastery is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Spanish-speaking world. Every year, tens of thousands of believers make their way to the village. The imposing building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also an excellent excursion destination for atheists interested in culture.

events

March - April

• Holy Week in Cáceres: The Holy Week processions and celebrations in the historic old town of Cáceres are both mysterious and fascinating. Elaborate statues of saints are carried through the streets in processions. The highlight is the Cristo Negro, a statue from the 14th century, which parades through the streets in absolute silence.
• Jerte cherry blossom festival: When the entire valley of Jerte shines in the white and pink colours of the cherry blossom, this event is celebrated with exhibitions, markets and folk festivals.

July - August

• Classical theatre festival: The Roman amphitheatre in the city of Mérida is the backdrop for this impressive spectacle. Plays of Greek-Latin origin are performed there in front of a large audience.

August

• Plasencia International Folk Festival: This renowned music festival has been held every year since 1996. Both Spanish and international folk bands perform their hits and latest compositions.

September

• Monesterio Ham Day: More than 10,000 people take part in this event every year. From 11 a.m., various programme items such as ham-cutting competitions and presentations on the production process are held. There are also delicious tastings at the numerous stands at the public outdoor pool and park in Monesterio.

Gastronomy

The numerous conquerors had a particular influence on the cuisine of Extremadura. They brought products such as peppers from the New World to their homeland. The typical dishes of the region are stews with meat from sheep, lamb, goat or pork. Since the introduction of paprika, dishes have been flavoured with the fiery spice. Extremadura is also known for its delicious ham and sausages.

Freshwater fish dishes are also often on the menu. From starters to desserts, high-quality olive oil from the region is often used in the preparation. Fruit varieties such as plums, cherries and figs are grown in the fertile Jerte Valley. These are used both for heavenly desserts and as an ingredient for fine liqueurs and spirits.

Best time to visit

Extremadura is characterised by two climatic regions. The mountainous north receives more rain, while the area south of the Tagus is very dry. Overall, the climate is Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and dry, hot summers. The thermometer rarely drops below freezing point, even in the coldest month of January it is usually above 4 degrees Celsius.

April and May as well as October and November are ideal for active holidaymakers who want to go hiking or cycling at around 20 degrees Celsius. Those who prefer to spend their days at the bathing spots in Extremadura can enjoy cooling off in the lakes and rivers at over 30 degrees Celsius in summer.