Following the European route along Extremadura we are able to discover the region completely and get amazed by their landscapes and people.
This is a Wonderful experience cycling holidays in Extremadura the lands of Conquistadors.
EuroVelo is a European long distance cycling network which aims to connect the European continent through 12 long routes, crossing Europe from one end to another passing through the main cities and tourist areas.
In Spain, the EuroVelo 1 (EV1) route runs from Irún until Ayamonte, on the border with Portugal. The stretch of this route in Extremadura runs along the old Vía de la Plata path, starting at the provincial border between Salamanca and Cáceres, known as Puerto de Béjar and ends at Monesterio. This route has been divided into five stages along its path in Extremadura.
STAGE 1. SALAMANCA-CÁCERES PROVINCIAL BORDER - GALISTEO
Puerto de Béjar is the start of the first section of this route in Extremadura which runs parallel to the Vía de la Plata and consists of 62'3 km. Following the old Roman road we will pass through Baños de Montemayor, where just before crossing the A-66, we may off the track visit the beautiful Jewish quarter of Hervás.
Continuing down through the Ambroz Valley, we will return to our route at Aldeanueva del Camino, a town through which we will visit the Cáparra-Tierras de Granadilla region, whose meadows will take us to the old Roman town of Cáparra. Explore its ruins, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Leaving this place behind we will arrive at cortijo de Ventaquemada, where we can take the alternative track to visit Plasencia, about 12 km from this point. If you choose this option, we will be able to end the stage at Plasencia or from there continue up to Galisteo, where we will be back on the Vía de la Plata path. If we follow the Vía path, after passing through the town of Carcaboso heading south, this first stage will end at Galisteo.
STAGE 2. GALISTEO - CÁCERES
From Galisteo, a town with medieval charm, following the bike trail of Vía de la Plata, we travel the 72 km that separate us from Cáceres, where the stage ends.
Visit its historic centre, full of stately homes and palaces, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco since 1986. Near to the capital of Cáceres, we may explore one of the most well known natural and cultural spaces in Extremadura, the Los Barruecos Natural Monument and the Vostell-Malpartida Museum.
STAGE 3. CÁCERES - MÉRIDA
A 75 km path leaves behind the Montánchez-Tamuja region and meadows of Extremadura that dot the landscape of this area in Extremadura, to enter into the vicinity of the Cornalvo Natural Park and thus reach Mérida.
The capital city of the autonomous region which marks the end of this stage, has one of the most important Roman sites of Europe, led by its imposing Theatre and Amphitheatre. Don't forget to visit the National Museum of Roman Art, which houses the most important collection of Roman art in Spain.
STAGE 4. MÉRIDA - ZAFRA
After leaving behind Mérida, the route continues through Tierra de Barros. A 63 km path to ride on our bike to reach the noble town of Zafra. The route continues till we reach near Santos de Maimona, where we will take the EX 101 bypass towards Zafra. Visit its historical site.
STAGE 5. ZAFRA - BADAJOZ-SEVILLE PROVINCIAL BORDER
This last stage which passes through the last few kilometres of the Vía de la Plata in its track in Extremadura, a 64 km path which starts at Zafra and ends at Monesterio, an area dotted with huge meadows where some of the best Iberian pigs of Extremadura are raised.
Extremadura is a gastronomical and natural paradise that is sure to surprise you. Because a host of recipes inherited from olden times have been passed down from generation to generation to our days, and now delight us with their exquisite flavours.
Upon hearing the word 'ibérico' the first thing that comes to mind is Iberian ham. And it is precisely in Extremadura where one of the best cured hams of the Iberian Peninsula is made, due to the large extension of dehesa, or pasture lands, in the region. The pigs, which have long, fine, muscular legs, are used to running several kilometres in search of acorns every day - a foodstuff which, along with the pasture, gives their meat that singular texture, flavour and fragrance. Like the rest of the cold meats: cured loin, black pudding, chorizo, spiced sausage, blood sausage...
In general, all of Extremadura's gastronomy is top quality. Because who could resist trying one of the region's stews or a dish of migas, chanfaina or zorongollo? Simply, yet very delicious cuisine.
And if we start talking about desserts... A portion of técula mécula, the recipe for which is guarded jealously by the bakery in Olivenza where it is made; arrope (grape concentrate),perrunillas (cookies), bollos de chicharrones (sweets made with pork crackling), hornazos(pies), sapillos or repápalos en leche (fritters)... Because something sweet always goes down well.
And sweet indeed are the region's fruits, starting with the cherries, of which Extremadura is the first producer in Spain and the holder of the "Cereza del Jerte" Denomination of Origin. But it is also an important producer of plums as the region ranks number one in Europe in terms of volume.
The cheeses are important, too, so much so that it is said that in the Middle Ages they were used as currency. The Tortas del Casar, the cheeses of La Serena and Los Ibores, all of which have Denomination of Origin, are famous. And you can also try some of the goat's cheeses from La Raya, a goat's cheese from Gata, from Las Hurdes, from Castiblanco or from La Vera...
And what could be better to wash down these delicacies with than a local wine, from the Ribera del Guadiana Denomination of Origin? Or a pitarra wine. And to finish up, let's drink a toast to your trip with a glass of cava from Almendralejo: to the gastronomy tour of Extremadura you are about to embark on... Welcome to a new world of flavour - of Iberian flavour.
Badajoz has a service of 11 urban bus routes and Cáceres 12 of them which will make you easier you trips around the city. Also, you can take buses on both bus stations that will take you to any town of the region and even the whole country.
