Badajoz Travel Guide
Discover the top places to visit, activities to do, food to try, and more in Badajoz, Spain. Plan your trip now with this comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to Badajoz
- List of Places to Visit in Badajoz
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Badajoz
- Best Things to Do in Badajoz: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Badajoz
- Food and Drink Scene of Badajoz
- Where to Stay in Badajoz: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Badajoz: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Badajoz
- Best Time to Visit Badajoz
- Do’s and Don’ts of Badajoz
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Badajoz: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Badajoz
- Where to Go Next from Badajoz: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip to Spain and looking for a lesser-known gem to explore, consider adding Badajoz to your list. The city, located in the central region of Extremadura, is an ideal destination for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and foodies. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top places to visit, best things to do, where to eat and stay, and more in Badajoz, Spain.
Introduction to Badajoz
Badajoz is a well-known city in the Spanish region of Extremadura. The city sits on the bank of the Guadiana River and is home to many historical sights that are worth exploring. While it may not be as well known as larger Spanish cities like Barcelona or Madrid, it offers its own unique charm and appeal. Visitors can enjoy a rich and diverse cultural heritage, a variety of outdoor activities, and delicious local cuisine.
List of Places to Visit in Badajoz
Badajoz is home to several culturally important and natural attractions that are worth exploring. Here are some of the top places to visit in the city.
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Badajoz Museum of Fine Arts
If you’re an art lover, the Badajoz Museum of Fine Arts is a must-visit. The museum houses an extensive collection of art pieces ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day. Admirers of Spanish artists such as Zurbaran will be particularly impressed by the museum’s collection.
Alcazaba Fortress
The Alcazaba Fortress is another must-visit tourist attraction in Badajoz. This Moorish fortress dates back to the 9th century and is regarded as one of the best-preserved Islamic fortresses in Spain. Visitors can enjoy an exceptional view of the city from the top of the fortress.
Badajoz Cathedral
Badajoz Cathedral is one of the most impressive Cathedrals in Extremadura. Constructed in the 13th century it is known for its fine Gothic architecture and beautiful interior.
Natural Attractions of Badajoz: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Cornalvo Natural Park
Located on the outskirts of Badajoz, the Cornalvo Natural Park features an impressive mountain range, various hiking trails, and breathtaking views. Visitors can also go swimming in the natural pool or enjoy kayaking along the park’s lake.
Rio Guadiana National Park
The Rio Guadiana National Park is another natural gem in Badajoz. The park offers hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and scenic views of the Guadiana River.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Badajoz
Badajoz is home to several hiking and biking trails that are perfect for those who love outdoor adventures. Here are some of the top routes that you should consider:
Paseo Fluvial Guadiana
This beautiful hiking trail follows the Guadiana River for approximately 8 kilometers, offering scenic views of the city and river.
Camino Natural Guadiana
The Camino Natural Guadiana is perfect for those seeking a longer hiking or biking adventure. A 50-mile trail that follows the course of the Guadiana River, this route offers a glimpse of the diverse natural landscapes of the region.
Best Things to Do in Badajoz: Activities and Tours
In addition to hiking and biking, there are several other activities and tours you can enjoy in Badajoz. Here are some of the best options:
Bullfighting in Plaza de Toros
Bullfighting is an undeniable part of Spanish culture. If you’re interested in watching this popular cultural event, head to the Plaza de Toros in Badajoz.
Wine Tasting at Bodegas
Extremadura is known for producing some of the most excellent wines in Spain. Wine enthusiasts should visit one of the bodegas in Badajoz to enjoy a wine tasting session. Many vineyards also give tours of the wine-making process.
Week-Long Itinerary for Badajoz
If you have the time and want to explore more than just the city center, consider spending a week in Badajoz. Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long stay:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore the city center and visit the Alcazaba Fortress |
| 2 | Visit the Cornalvo Natural Park |
| 3 | Explore Rio Guadiana National Park |
| 4 | Visit the Badajoz Museum of Fine Arts |
| 5 | Go wine tasting at a local bodega |
| 6 | Enjoy a bullfight at the Plaza de Toros |
| 7 | Relax and enjoy the city center’s atmospheric streets |
Food and Drink Scene of Badajoz
No holiday in Spain is complete without indulging in its unique and varied cuisine. Badajoz is known for its local cuisine that is a mix of flavors from different cultures. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
Gazpacho Extremeno
Gazpacho Extremeno is a cold soup made with tomatoes, garlic, peppers, bread, and others. Served chilled and garnished with diced ham and hardboiled egg, this is a perfect summer dish.
Migas
Migas is a popular Spanish dish made with bread crumbs, garlic, chorizo, bacon, and fried eggs. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in different versions, but all of them are delicious.
Local Beverages
Cava
Extremadura produces some of Spain’s finest Cavas. These sparkling wines are made in the champagne style and are perfect for celebrating special occasions.
Guadiana
Guadiana is a locally brewed beer that is made from locally sourced ingredients using a traditional brewing method. This beer is a perfect option to cool down on a hot summer day.
Where to Stay in Badajoz: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Badajoz offers a range of accommodation options to fit different budgets and preferences.
NH Gran Hotel Casino de Extremadura
NH Gran Hotel Casino de Extremadura is a five-star hotel located in the heart of Badajoz. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring the city center.
Hotel Mercure Rio Badajoz
Hotel Mercure Rio Badajoz is a four-star hotel that has a modern feel to it. It is located on the banks of the Guadiana River and offers a stunning view of the city.
Hostal de las Heras
The Hostal de las Heras offers budget-friendly accommodation that is clean, comfortable and located in the city center.
What to Buy in Badajoz: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Badajoz is known for its local products and souvenirs. Here are a few products to bring back home:
Paprika
Smoked paprika is a staple in Extremadura cuisine, and Badajoz is an excellent place to buy it. You’ll also find sweet and spicy paprika varieties, all of which make a perfect addition to your home dishes.
Chorizo
Badajoz is known for its excellent quality chorizo. Made from locally sourced pork, the sausages are seasoned differently depending on the region, leading to noticeably different tastes.
Local Culture and Customs of Badajoz
Badajoz has a unique culture that is influenced by its diverse history. When visiting the city, it is essential to respect local customs and practices. Here are some things you should know:
Best Time to Visit Badajoz
The best time to visit Badajoz is undoubtedly in the summer, from June to August when temperatures are warmer and the sun is shining. However, visitors may also enjoy visiting in the late spring and early fall when the temperatures are mild.
Do’s and Don’ts of Badajoz
Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Badajoz:
Do:
- Respect the local customs, traditions, and laws of the city.
- Try the local cuisine.
- Explore the mountains and natural parks outside the city.
Don’t:
- Don’t haggle too much when shopping in local markets.
- Don’t litter and try to keep the city clean.
Safety and Health
Badajoz is considered a safe city to visit. However, it’s recommended that visitors take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe and healthy in the city.
Safety in Badajoz
Like any other city, Badajoz has its share of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, so visitors should keep an eye on their belongings.
Health in Badajoz
Badajoz’s tap water is safe to drink, so you don’t need to worry about getting ill from consuming it. If you’re planning on traveling outside the city to the natural parks, take precautions against ticks, which can carry diseases such as Lyme disease.
Getting to Badajoz: Transportation Options and Logistics
Badajoz is connected to the rest of the country by different transport options. Here are some transportation options for getting to Badajoz:
Airports Near Badajoz
The Badajoz airport is well connected with Madrid and Barcelona. Visitors from other countries may have to connect through one of these airports first.
Bus Stations Near Badajoz
Badajoz bus station is connected well to all the major cities in Spain, and bus services are also affordable.
Other Options
If you’re coming from Lisbon, a train journey can be an excellent option, with several direct connections to Badajoz from the Portuguese capital.
How to Get Around in Badajoz
Public transport is a convenient option for getting around in Badajoz. The city has a well-connected bus network, and taxis are also readily available. If you want to explore outside the city center, renting a car can be a good option.
Where to Go Next from Badajoz: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Badajoz is well-connected with many nearby destinations that are worth visiting, including:
Caceres
Caceres is another historical city in Extremadura that is full of history and heritage. The city is only two hours away from Badajoz and can be easily reached by car or bus.
Merida
Merida is another popular tourist destination in the region known for its impressive Roman ruins. Visitors can explore the past by visiting its well-preserved Roman Theater, the amphitheater, the forum, and more.
Conclusion
Badajoz is a city that has a unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and delicious cuisine. With its friendly atmosphere and a wide range of activities for all ages and interests, it is the perfect destination for a memorable trip to Spain. We hope this comprehensive guide has given you all the information you need to plan your perfect trip to Badajoz.
