2026 Badajoz Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

Hidden gem on the Spain-Portugal border Drive 2 hours from Portugal into Badajoz, Spain 🇪🇸 In the last article, I explored the millennium-old cultural heritage of Évora This time, a 2-hour cross-border drive brings me to the small border town of Badajoz, Spain This is a strategic fortress at the crossroads of the Iberian Peninsula The 900-year-old Moorish Alcazaba castle stands at the city’s highest point Climb the Torre de Espantaperros to take in the entire city and the Guadiana River. At sunset, the red sandstone walls create an unforgettable atmosphere The Alta plaza with its red and white arches is perfect for photos A lively mix of Spanish and Portuguese languages fills the streets Street-side tapas bars hide authentic Iberian ham and charcoal-grilled lamb Half steeped in history, half alive with local charm My most special experience on this trip Was arriving on the night of the World Cup final Immersed in the citywide celebration of victory in this border town ⚽️

In Extremadura, Spain, time seems to slow down. Half of it is the grandeur of ancient Rome, and the other half is the rich romance of wine. Extremadura means "border" in Spanish. For centuries, it has been the boundary between Spain and Portugal. Here, there is none of Madrid’s hustle, none of Barcelona’s crowds—only millennia-old Roman heritage, hills covered with vineyards, and a terroir that captivates the palate. 🌅 Strolling through Mérida|Touching a Thousand Years of Rome Known as the "Little Rome of Spain," Mérida is a UNESCO World Heritage city where ancient Roman ruins from before Christ are everywhere. 1️⃣ Roman Theatre (Teatro Romano) A marvel built in 15 BC! It seats 6,000 people, with marble colonnades and intricately carved stages well preserved. Every year during the classical theater festival, this thousand-year-old stage comes alive again, as if transported back to Rome’s golden age. 2️⃣ Roman Amphitheatre (Anfiteatro Romano) Completed in 8 BC, it was once the arena for gladiator battles and beast fights. The oval sandy arena and ancient boxes still impress. Standing here, you can almost hear the echoes of cheers and shouts from a thousand years ago. 3️⃣ Roman Bridge (Puente Romano) Spanning the Guadiana River, it stretches 792 meters and is one of the longest surviving Roman bridges in the world. Walking across, the river flows gently beneath, and the breeze carries the weight and tenderness of history. 4️⃣ Roman Museum (Museo Romano) A world-class treasure trove of Roman artifacts, featuring arched designs and a glass roof that lets in natural light. The collection of sculptures, coins, and vessels are brilliant testaments to Roman civilization. 🍷 Sunset Tasting|An Invitation to Fine Wine 🍇 As Extremadura’s first DO (Denomination of Origin) wine region, the wines here embody the ultimate spirit of the land. ✅ Red wines mainly use Tempranillo and Garnacha, robust yet smooth, full of ripe fruit aromas and spices, with silky tannins. ✅ White wines are fresh and lively, blending peach and herbal notes with balanced acidity, like biting into fresh mountain fruit. ✅ Paired with local Iberian ham and cheese, each sip and bite bursts with the rich fragrance of the terroir. Experts say the wines here are a perfect fusion of extreme climate and free winemaking, with over 40 grape varieties creating endless possibilities. Every sip is a unique surprise.

#mytraveldiary Ayamonte in Andalucía is a delightful town that captures the essence of southern Spain with its relaxed riverside charm. Located along the Guadiana River, the town offers scenic walks along the waterfront where colorful boats bob gently and cafes invite you to pause and enjoy local flavors. Strolling through Ayamonte’s streets, visitors discover whitewashed houses, vibrant plazas, and quaint shops that reflect its Andalusian heritage. The town is also a gateway to beautiful nearby beaches, making it perfect for combining cultural exploration with seaside relaxation. Local markets, festivals, and lively tapas bars add warmth and character, giving travelers an authentic taste of everyday life in the region. With its mix of history, scenic beauty, and relaxed charm, Ayamonte provides a memorable and inviting Andalusian experience.

🏙Badajoz is a low-key city in southern Spain that is full of delicious food and fun. It is located in the Extremadura region and is a historic city near the Portuguese border. It combines Moorish culture, Spanish tradition, and Portuguese style, with magnificent historical sites and mouth-watering food. If you like long history, exotic architecture, and street food, Badajoz will definitely be a surprise on your travel list! Plaza Alta (图1-2) is very photogenic, with red and white arcades that are perfect for taking pictures. This square was once the commercial and social center of Badajoz and still retains a strong historical atmosphere. ✨ Travel tips: 📸 Best time to take photos: Before 10 am or after 5 pm to avoid strong sunlight. 🎭 Recommended experience: If you happen to be there during a local festival (such as Carnival or Easter), there will be open-air performances and markets in the square, which are very lively! Not far away is the Alcazaba de Badajoz, a Moorish castle built in the 12th century and declared a Spanish historical site in 1931. ⏳ Historical background: Built in the 12th century by the Moors, it was later recaptured and reinforced by Christians. In 1931, it was listed as a national historical site by the Spanish government. Standing on the city walls, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the Guadiana River and the whole city. 🎟 Highlights: ✅ Torre de Espantaperros: One of the symbols of Badajoz, similar in style to the Torre del Oro in Seville. ✅ Castle Garden: The ancient walls, arches, and lush gardens complement each other, and walking through them is like traveling back to the Moorish era. ✅ Sunset view: It is recommended to visit in the evening, standing on a high place overlooking the city, the sunset falls on the red brick walls, which is beautiful. Here you can also find a variety of fresh local ingredients, such as Iberian ham. Every year, the nearby town of Monesterio holds the Día del Jamón de Monesterio, during which many stalls are set up in the city for people to taste all kinds of ham and cured meat, as well as interesting ham cutting competitions. 🚗Badajoz is not very big, and after visiting it, you can go to the nearby medieval city of Mérida, which is less than an hour's drive away, making it a great place to visit together!

Traveling westward in Spain ~ Badajoz Province (region) Zafra, also known as Sevilla la Chica, is located in the heart of Lower Extremadura, in the Sierra de Castellar On the plain at the foot of rocky cliffs. The integration of the city began with the strategic relay station of "Via La Plata" in Roman Spain. The San Miguel Livestock Fair is an inherent feature of this time-honored commercial tradition. The town was governed by the Álcazar in the 15th century. It has a military appearance on the outside but is palace-like on the inside. The Renaissance cloister in the central courtyard is particularly eye-catching. It currently houses the Parador de Turismo. The surroundings of this medieval town have a unique structure, with narrow streets and an odd layout shaped like a turtle shell. A 15th-century stone wall completely surrounds it, and three of the original eight doors still stand. The large arched square is located in the very center of the town. Connected to it via the popular "Arquillo del Pan" you will find its smaller counterpart: Plaza Chica. But Zafra's monumental legacy is vast: the ornate collegiate church of La Candelaria, built in 1546 and containing three altarpieces, one by Zurbarán and the other by Churriguera; the parish church of San José ; Numerous monasteries, mainly built in the 16th century; in terms of civil architecture, there are a large number of Hidalgo manors from the 16th to 18th centuries and middle-class mansions from the 19th century. #2024TravelReview #SpainTravel #Extremadura

Spain, heading west ~ Badajoz Province (region) It is the most important square in Jerez de los Caballeros. Spacious and well-lit, it features a church and various buildings on one side, surrounded by whitewashed squares with an Andalusian flavor. Additionally, you can visit other monuments in the town, as well as restaurants, bars, and some small businesses where you can buy souvenirs and gifts. It is very attractive, just like the whole city, which is full of medieval history and Templar knights. Jerez de los Caballeros is not to be missed!

Westward in Spain ~ Badajoz Province (Region) This castle, built in the 13th century, is now part of the public promenade of Jerez de los Caballeros. It has been well preserved and maintained since the time of the Knights Templar, making it an intriguing place to visit. You can enter for free and freely wander through the castle, enjoying the beautiful surroundings of palm trees and buildings, with the best views of the town. From there, you can see everything around this beautiful town. You are welcome to explore, it is truly beautiful!

Westward in Spain ~ Badajoz Province (Region) A beautiful corner of Jerez de los Caballeros, just a few minutes from the city center. The gate, which holds significant historical importance, is in good condition despite obvious restorations. It is one of the main entrances to the walled city located here. Its history dates back to the 15th century. In front of it, we find the statue of Hernando de Soto.

We had an absolutely fantastic day basking in the sun and enjoying a delightful picnic at Maria Luisa Park with my love. Our time in Seville has been like a dream come true, and as we approach our last week here, we can't help but reminisce about the wonderful memories we've made. Seville has captured our hearts and these memories will surely linger for a long, long time.