Conquistadores and birds of prey
Overwhelming and barely discovered. A trip to Extremadura takes you to the area where the conquerors of Latin America came from. Testimonies of conquistadors such as Francisco Pizarro and Hernan Cortes, the discoverers of Peru and Mexico, are still frequently present in the historic towns. You will find a glorious past in places like Mérida, Cáceres and Trujillo. An absolute must is the Monfragüe National Park, one of the most important bird of prey areas in Europe. For those interested in religious art and traditions, a visit to Guadalupe, Spain'smain pilgrimage site, should not be missed. Lovers of Spanish Iberico ham can get their money's worth, because the best hams come from Extremadura. Basically... a visit to the most authentic region of Spain is an absolute must!
Medieval monasteries
Salamanca is home to perhaps the most beautiful Plaza Mayor in the country. Surrounded by stately buildings with characteristic porticoes, the square, with its numerous terraces, offers the perfect place to see everyday life. The relatively small Salamanca, with its lively student population, has a lot to offer the traveller. Via the medieval Puerto de la Torre you will end up at the Catedral Vieja and Catedral Nuevo, two imposing basilicas. Just down the road are remarkably beautiful monasteries such as the Convento de San Esteban which has now been transformed into a luxurious home.