Advice

Time for a little break to help you plan the rest of your visit and highlight a few must-see spots nearby. 4 kilometres north of the city, you’ll find the Roman dam and Lake Proserpina. Built around 130 AD during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, the dam supplied water to ancient Augusta Emerita : modern-day Merida. At 425 metres long and 21 metres high, it’s the largest Roman reservoir still standing today. If you're up for a bit of nature, head 10 kilometres north to Cornalvo Natural Park. It’s perfect for hiking, with scenic trails and the chance to spot local wildlife and plants. For something a little more relaxing, make your way to the thermal baths of Alange. Nestled at the base of Cerro de la Mesilla, these baths date back to the 2nd century AD. They’ve been beautifully restored after centuries of neglect, and today you can enjoy a full spa experience, surrounded by ancient Roman architecture. Another gem is the town of Zafra, less than 70 kilometres from Merida. Often called “Little Seville,” it’s a medieval treasure with narrow cobbled streets, elegant mansions, stunning churches, and peaceful convents, all watched over by a magnificent 15th-century Alcazar. If you’ve still got time to explore, consider visiting some of the region’s charming villages. Extremadura is the least populated region in Spain and perhaps the most authentic. It’s often skipped by the usual tourist crowds, which makes it a great place for peaceful and unique discoveries. Here’s a treat for Game of Thrones fans, parts of the series were filmed right here! The cities of Cáceres and Trujillo were used as backdrops, with Trujillo Castle standing in for Casterly Rock. You can even join themed guided tours that bring the magic of the show to life. Wine lovers should check out the Ribera del Guadiana Wine Route, just south of Merida. It’s a great way to explore the wine-making traditions of the Badajoz province, with plenty of tastings and vineyard tours along the way. So, there are plenty of options if you decide to stay a little longer in this incredible region.