Guadalupe

Guadalupe is a historic town in the province of Cáceres, famous for the Real Monasterio de Santa María de Guadalupe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery houses the venerated statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a dark-skinned Madonna believed to have been found by a shepherd in the 14th century. Christopher Columbus named the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe after this monastery, and the Virgin of Guadalupe is the patron saint of Extremadura and much of the Hispanic world.

By Plane

The nearest airports are accessible by road. Car hire is recommended for the region.

By Train

Regional Renfe Media Distancia trains connect the main towns. AVE high-speed services serve Badajoz (for Extremadura) and Camp de Tarragona (for Catalunya).

By Car / Road

Guadalupe is in the Sierra de las Villuercas, about 1 hour east of Trujillo via the EX-102 and EX-118. The approach road is winding and scenic.

Historic centres are best explored on foot. For inter-town travel, a car or bus is recommended.

• Real Monasterio de Santa María de Guadalupe — a sprawling monastery complex combining Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. The cloisters, basilica, and the Camarín de la Virgen (the ornate chamber housing the statue) are breathtaking. €5.

• The Virgin of Guadalupe statue — a 12th-century cedarwood statue in the Camarín, one of the most venerated in Spain.

• Museo de Bordados y El Libro — museum of the monastery's rich collection of embroidered vestments and illuminated manuscripts.

• Town of Guadalupe — a well-preserved medieval town with arcaded streets and traditional timbered houses.

• Attend the annual pilgrimage (Romería) on September 6–8, when thousands of devotees walk from across Extremadura.

• Explore the Sierra de las Villuercas, a beautiful mountain range with hiking trails and spectacular viewpoints.

• Restaurante El Mirador — Extremaduran cuisine with a view of the monastery. Mid-range.
• Hospedería del Monasterio de Guadalupe — the monastery's own restaurant, serving traditional dishes. Mid-range.

Local wines and vermouth are the traditional choices.

Budget

Budget guesthouses and hostales offer private rooms from €30–45 per night.

Mid-range

Mid-range: Hospedería del Monasterio de Guadalupe — the monastery's hotel, doubles from €50–90.

Upscale

Paradores and luxury rural hotels offer doubles from €80–160 per night.

• Local craft products and artisanal foods
• Iberian ham and other cured meats
• Local wine and olive oil

• Mérida — spectacular Roman ruins and the National Museum of Roman Art
• Monfragüe National Park — one of Europe's best birdwatching destinations
• Salamanca — a beautiful university city, 2 hours north via the A-66