Trujillo Travel Guide

Explore the beautiful city of Trujillo with our ultimate travel guide featuring top attractions, hiking/biking routes, must-try dishes, safety tips, transportation options, and more!


Introduction to Trujillo

Nestled in the heart of Extremadura, in Central Spain, Trujillo is a small town that packs a punch when it comes to history and natural beauty. This charming city is surrounded by mountains and ancient walls that date back to the medieval era. Trujillo is known for its pristine streets, gothic churches, and iconic landmarks such as Plaza Mayor. It is a popular destination for tourists who come to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, hike its scenic trails, and indulge in delectable local cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Trujillo

Trujillo is home to many beautiful attractions, including museums, historical places, natural landscapes and much more.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The city boasts of numerous museums and historical places of significance, including:

  • Palacio de la Conquista: A magnificent 16th century palace featuring sculptures, paintings, and exquisite interiors.
  • Pizarro Palace: The birthplace of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, now a museum featuring his personal belongings and memorabilia.
  • Plaza Mayor: The city’s central square, where you can relax and enjoy the view of ancient architecture.
  • Iglesia de San Francisco: A beautiful gothic church with a stunning 16th-century cloister.
  • Castle of Trujillo: A fortress-like castle built in the 9th century that houses many mythological sculptures.

Natural Attractions of Trujillo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Trujillo also has many natural attractions that nature lovers will adore. Here are some natural landscapes to explore:

  • Sierra de Santa Cruz: A scenic mountain range that offers hiking trails, breathtaking views and the opportunity to spot local wildlife.
  • National Park of Monfrague: A natural park that has many hiking trails, bird watching, and panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
  • Villuercas-Ibores-Jara Geopark: A mysterious and unknown park where you can explore the stunning natural beauty and historical monuments of Ibores and Jara.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Trujillo

For outdoor enthusiasts, Trujillo has some of the most picturesque hiking and biking routes in Spain. Here are some of them:

  • The Sierra de Santa Cruz Trail: An intense trail offering some of the most magnificent views of the surrounding mountain range, and the city of Trujillo.
  • The Camino de Santiago Trail: This trail is a path across Spain from St. James’ burial place in Santiago. The trail offers some of the most incredible views along the way.
  • The Villuercas Trail: A challenging trail for expert hikers is an ideal place for those adrenaline junkies.

Best Things to Do in Trujillo: Activities and Tours

Trujillo has plenty to offer when it comes to activities and tours, including:

  • Food and Wine Tasting Tours: Trujillo is famous for its incredible cuisine. Sample some of the local delicacies like cured hams, cheeses, and wines and take a walking tour.
  • Hot Air Balloon Rides: Take in a breathtaking view of Trujillo’s ancient walls and beautiful landscapes from a hot air balloon.
  • Segway Tours: Tour the city on Segway and take in all of Trujillo’s grandeur.
  • Horseback Riding: Explore the surrounding mountains and Unesco heritage site on horseback.

Week-Long Itinerary for Trujillo

If you’re planning a week-long stay in Trujillo, here is a sample itinerary that will let you explore the city and nearby attractions:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Pizarro Palace and the Castle of Trujillo
Day 2 Take a walking tour of the city
Day 3-4 Go hiking on the Sierra de Santa Cruz trail and explore Monfrague National Park
Day 5 Experience hot-air ballooning over the city
Day 6-7 Venture out on horseback and explore nearby attractions: Cáceres or Madrid

Food and Drink Scene of Trujillo

Trujillo’s cuisine is known for its rich taste and flavours. It is famous for its cheese, wine, meat, and bread. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages to sample:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Migas Extremeñas: A typical breakfast dish coined as a peasant’s food. The base of migas is a mix of toasted breadcrumb with garlic, onions, paprika, and chorizo.
  • Queso de la Serena: Cheese made from merino sheep’s milk and renowned for its velvety texture and rich flavour.
  • Caldereta de Cordero: A hearty lamb stew that serves as an iconic local dish.

Local Beverages

  • Vino de Pitarra: A local wine that is unfiltered or commonly known as homemade wine
  • Cerveza Artesanal: Trujillo has several local craft beer breweries that are worth a tour. Try the Tierra de Fronteras brewery, one of the most famous local breweries in the province.

Where to Stay in Trujillo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Trujillo has many accommodations spread across the city that cater to all budgets. Here are some options:

  • Parador de Trujillo: This luxury hotel is housed in a 16th century palace and offers beautiful views of the city.
  • Hotel Izan Trujillo: If you’re looking for a mix of affordability and luxury, Hotel Izan Trujillo is an excellent option with great service.
  • Hostal Hueso: An excellent budget option located in the heart of Trujillo that offers comfortable accommodations and friendly service.

What to Buy in Trujillo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Trujillo boasts of many unique souvenirs and local products that are worth taking home, including:

  • Cheese: The region’s most famous cheese, Queso de la Serena, is a must-bring item home
  • Wines: Trujillo’s local wine Vino de Pitarra will add an exotic flavour to your collection
  • Handicrafts: Look for locally-made ceramics or blankets from nearby villages
  • Honey: The region is famous to produce honey, so you can purchase some of the best honey in Spain.

Local Culture and Customs of Trujillo

Trujillo has a rich cultural heritage that celebrates religious festivals and folklore. Also, traditions are deeply rooted in the daily life of people in Trujillo. One of the most famous festivals of Trujillo is the “Exodus” which takes place in October. During this festival, locals wear traditional attire, and several cultural events and parades take place.

Best Time to Visit Trujillo

The best time to visit Trujillo is from March to May or September to November, with mild weather and fewer travelers than peak season during the summer months. Springtime is ideal for hiking trails and enjoying outdoor activities while autumn offers cooler temperatures, harvest festivals and wine tasting events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Trujillo

Do:

  • Do try the local cuisine, especially cheese and cured meats.
  • Do dress in layers as the weather can be erratic in mountainous regions.
  • Do explore the surrounding mountains, national parks and nature reserves.

Don’t:

  • Don’t carry or display large amounts of cash or valuables in public areas.
  • Don’t enter restricted or unsafe areas.
  • Don’t underestimate the power of the Mediterranean sun, always wear sunscreen.

Safety and Health

Safety in Trujillo

Trujillo is a relatively safe town, but it’s always essential to be aware and abide by general safety precautions like being vigilant with personal belongings and avoiding unknown or secluded areas at night. If you plan on hiking or exploring Trujillo’s trails and mountains, make sure to bring a first-aid kit and an emergency whistle during the trip.

Health in Trujillo

Health is not an issue in Trujillo, and there are many health centres available in the town. It is also safe to drink tap water in the city, but it’s always better to drink bottled water for convenience.

Getting to Trujillo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Trujillo

  • The nearest international airport is Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, situated at a distance of around 300km from Trujillo. Most international airlines fly to Madrid.
  • Badajoz airport is the nearest regional airport located around 157 kilometres from Trujillo.

Bus Stations Near Trujillo

Trujillo has well-connected bus stations located in the heart of the town. The most prominent bus operators include Avanza and Alsa, which offer frequent services to other towns and cities of Spain.

Other Options

Cáceres is the nearest railway station to Trujillo, located around 40 km from Trujillo. The station offers services to major cities of Spain such as Madrid and Lisbon.

How to Get Around in Trujillo

Trujillo is a walkable city, and many tourists prefer to explore the town on foot, especially the narrow streets of the Old Town. You can also rent a bike to ride through the city’s beautiful scenic routes. Local buses are also available for longer distances or to neighbouring towns and cities.

Where to Go Next from Trujillo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Trujillo has many exciting towns and cities nearby that are worth exploring on day trips, including:

  • Mérida: A city, less than 2-hours from Trujillo, which houses many ancient Roman ruins and medieval architecture.
  • Cáceres: A UNESCO World Heritage site that has a well-preserved Old Town that dates back to the medieval era.
  • Toledo: a beautiful town located in the heart of Castilla La-Mancha, offers a historical tour of its heritage monuments and narrow streets prominently from the 13th century.

Conclusion

Trujillo is a hidden gem in Spain that has everything you’d want from a vacation destination. With its rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and endless activities to make your trip unforgettable. Whether you’re looking to relax or enjoy outdoor adventures, Trujillo has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and discover the charm, beauty and heritage of Trujillo in Central Spain.

''La Conquista'' Palace ''La Conquista'' Palace The Castle The Castle Plaza Mayor during Chiviri Plaza Mayor during Chiviri