Plasencia

Plasencia is a beautiful Renaissance city in northern Extremadura, on the banks of the Jerte River at the foot of the Sierra de Gredos. It is the gateway to the Jerte Valley, the Monfragüe National Park, and the La Vera region. Its well-preserved old town is enclosed by medieval walls with five gates, and its Plaza Mayor is one of the largest and most elegant in Extremadura.

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

Via the A-66 motorway from Cáceres (45 minutes) or Salamanca (1 hour 15 minutes).

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

• Plaza Mayor — a vast arcaded square with the town hall and a 16th-century fountain.

• Catedral de Plasencia — a unique Gothic-Renaissance cathedral, unfinished, with a stunning Plateresque facade and museum. €4.

• Palacio de los Monroy — a Renaissance palace with a beautiful courtyard.

• Muralla and aqueduct — the medieval walls and the San Antón aqueduct, a two-tier arcaded structure.

• Walk the Parador de Plasencia, a converted 15th-century convent.

• Explore the Jewish Quarter, one of Plasencia's best-preserved historic areas.

• Visit the Jerte Valley (especially in cherry blossom season, March–April).

• Restaurante La Catedral (C. del Obispo Carrascalejo, 1) — traditional dishes including lamb and game. 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: Palacio de Sotofermoso — a restored palace in nearby Garganta la Olla, doubles from €55–90.

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