Cáceres

The basics

Located not far from the border with Portugal, Cáceres is often a highlight of multi-day tours departing from Lisbon or Madrid that also include stops in Seville, Toledo, Cordoba, Fatima, and other famous towns in Spain and Portugal. Join a quick two-day jaunt from Madrid to take in Cáceres and Seville, or opt for a longer trip of up to 16 days to explore headliners in three countries on two continents: Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

Cáceres also lies on a pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, a journey that passes through landscapes dotted with whitewashed villages famous for producing delicious Iberico hams.

Things to know before you go

• Be sure to bring your camera to capture the charming jumble of architecture from the Romans to the Renaissance.
• The old town is small enough to explore on foot, so be sure to wear comfortable footwear to stroll the narrow cobbled streets lined with historic palaces, townhouses, arches, and churches.
• Thanks to its vibrant university population, the town is surprisingly lively after dark and a fun spot to take in local nightlife.
• Some of the streets may be difficult to navigate by wheelchair due to the daytime crowds and cobblestone paving.

How to get there

Cáceres lies in Extremadura in western Spain and is best accessed by car along the E803 from Seville or the E90/ E803 from Lisbon. Skip the hassle of navigating Extremadura’s rural roads by joining a tour that includes transportation.

When to get there

Like most destinations in southern Spain, Cáceres can be uncomfortably hot during the summer months when the narrow streets get clogged with tourists. Visit during the cooler and quieter spring and fall months to enjoy the town at your leisure. Cáceres hosts the world-famous WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) festival each year in May, when musicians and performers from across the globe hold concerts and workshops.

Exploring Cáceres’ Ciudad Monumental

Travelers exploring Cáceres' old town should start from Plaza Mayor, the city’s social and cultural center. From here, the labyrinthine streets, turreted walls, and cobbled squares rise uphill in a jumble of Roman archways, Mudejar towers, gargoyle-smothered Gothic churches, and Renaissance palaces.

A stroll around the silent streets uncovers high townhouses embellished with coats of arms, tiny courtyards crammed with greenery, a minuscule Jewish quarter, and several thoughtfully presented historical museums.