Cáceres
Spain
Why Cáceres is a great destination
Cáceres is a crowd-light UNESCO city where medieval streets, cinematic backdrops and honest Extremaduran flavours deliver big experiences without the big‑city crush.
- Atmosphere: Lantern-lit lanes, honey-stone palaces and quiet plazas in the Ciudad Monumental set an unhurried pace—night strolls feel intimate, with space to breathe and a lived-in authenticity.
- Heritage: King’s Landing scenes meet real history across Roman, Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance layers—think Arco de la Estrella, Plaza de Santa María, San Jorge and palace façades, plus the Museo de Cáceres’ Almohad cistern.
- Nature nearby: Swap tour-bus crowds for sunrise walks among granite boulders and nesting storks at Los Barruecos (15 km), or trace ramparts at Trujillo Castle—easy day trips that feel epic, not hectic.
- Food & value: Savour Extremaduran staples—iberico pork cuts, torta del Casar, migas—in friendly tapas bars around Plaza Mayor; tours and entries are modestly priced, with the option to splurge at Michelin-starred Atrio.
Who should go to Cáceres?
Cáceres suits travellers who crave cinematic medieval streets, epic landscapes, and authentic Spanish culture. Fans of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon can roam the real-life King’s Landing in the UNESCO-listed Old Town and relive the Loot Train battle at Los Barruecos. It’s ideal for a short, walkable escape from Madrid with superb food and wine.
- History lovers: Wander the UNESCO-listed Ciudad Monumental’s Moorish walls, Gothic palaces, and Renaissance squares that feel frozen in time.
- Screen‑tour fans: Walk the real King’s Landing—from Arco de la Estrella to Plaza de Santa María—then add Los Barruecos and Trujillo Castle for the Loot Train and Casterly Rock.
- Scenery seekers: Capture surreal granite boulders, stork‑topped rocks, and mirror‑still water at Los Barruecos, best at sunrise or golden hour.
- Active travellers: Tackle cobbled climbs and ramparts in the Old Town, then hike easy trails around Los Barruecos for wide‑open views.
- Foodies: Feast on Extremaduran classics and fine dining (cast-favourite Atrio), pairing local wines with plazaside people‑watching.
- City‑breakers: Choose Cáceres as a compact, crowd‑light alternative to Dubrovnik, around 3 hours from Madrid by train or car—perfect for a 24–48‑hour escape.
Who should go to Cáceres?
Cáceres suits travellers who crave cinematic medieval streets, epic landscapes, and authentic Spanish culture. Fans of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon can roam the real-life King’s Landing in the UNESCO-listed Old Town and relive the Loot Train battle at Los Barruecos. It’s ideal for a short, walkable escape from Madrid with superb food and wine.
- History lovers: Wander the UNESCO-listed Ciudad Monumental’s Moorish walls, Gothic palaces, and Renaissance squares that feel frozen in time.
- Screen‑tour fans: Walk the real King’s Landing—from Arco de la Estrella to Plaza de Santa María—then add Los Barruecos and Trujillo Castle for the Loot Train and Casterly Rock.
- Scenery seekers: Capture surreal granite boulders, stork‑topped rocks, and mirror‑still water at Los Barruecos, best at sunrise or golden hour.
- Active travellers: Tackle cobbled climbs and ramparts in the Old Town, then hike easy trails around Los Barruecos for wide‑open views.
- Foodies: Feast on Extremaduran classics and fine dining (cast-favourite Atrio), pairing local wines with plazaside people‑watching.
- City‑breakers: Choose Cáceres as a compact, crowd‑light alternative to Dubrovnik, around 3 hours from Madrid by train or car—perfect for a 24–48‑hour escape.
Top things to do in Cáceres
Here are the unmissable Game of Thrones highlights of Cáceres, distilled for a perfect set‑jetting visit. Use this list to hit the exact spots that brought King’s Landing and Westeros to life.
- Walk the Ciudad Monumental through Plaza de Santa María, Arco de la Estrella and Cuesta de la Compañía, retracing Euron’s parade in “King’s Landing”.
- Explore Los Barruecos Natural Monument near Malpartida, the granite‑boulder landscape used for the epic “Loot Train Attack”.
- Visit Trujillo Castle’s battlements and courtyard, filmed as Casterly Rock and the approach to the Dragonpit.
- Take a peek at the Museo de Cáceres’ Almohad cistern (Palacio de las Veletas), glimpsed as the depths of Oldtown’s Citadel.
- Hike the adarves and ramparts, like the Adarve de la Estrella at dusk, for moody “King’s Landing” vistas without the crowds.
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Top things to do in Cáceres
Here are the unmissable Game of Thrones highlights of Cáceres, distilled for a perfect set‑jetting visit. Use this list to hit the exact spots that brought King’s Landing and Westeros to life.
- Walk the Ciudad Monumental through Plaza de Santa María, Arco de la Estrella and Cuesta de la Compañía, retracing Euron’s parade in “King’s Landing”.
- Explore Los Barruecos Natural Monument near Malpartida, the granite‑boulder landscape used for the epic “Loot Train Attack”.
- Visit Trujillo Castle’s battlements and courtyard, filmed as Casterly Rock and the approach to the Dragonpit.
- Take a peek at the Museo de Cáceres’ Almohad cistern (Palacio de las Veletas), glimpsed as the depths of Oldtown’s Citadel.
- Hike the adarves and ramparts, like the Adarve de la Estrella at dusk, for moody “King’s Landing” vistas without the crowds.
Experience Cáceres differently: Book authentic tours & activities with GetYourGuide
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3-day Cáceres itinerary
Day 1: Within the walls of ‘King’s Landing’ Cáceres’ old town is compact, walkable, and instantly cinematic. Start by stepping through the same gateways and squares that doubled as King’s Landing and let the medieval stone glow guide your orientation.
- Morning: Park in a modern car park outside the walls (try Obispo Galarza) and enter via Plaza Mayor and the Arco de la Estrella, following Euron’s parade route through Plaza de Santa María, Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo and the adarves along the walls. Wear grippy shoes for cobbles and inclines; in summer, begin early to beat the heat.
- Midday: Visit the Museo de Cáceres in the Palacio de las Veletas to see the Almohad cistern that featured on screen, then linger over lunch near Plaza de San Jorge with torta del Casar and Iberian pork. Note many museums close on Mondays; plan your culture stops accordingly.
- Afternoon: Walk the Cuesta de la Compañía and Plaza de San Jorge, then join a short Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon walking tour led by a local (many were extras). Bring scene screenshots to match camera angles and spot where digital set extensions like the Red Keep were added.
- Evening: Stay in the old town for a blue-hour wander when façades are up-lit and crowds thin; it’s the most “Westeros” moment of the day. Dine at a classic Extremaduran restaurant or, for a splurge, book well ahead at Atrio; late dinners suit the climate in summer.
Day 2: Los Barruecos and the wilds beyond the walls Trade stone for granite boulders and big skies: the loot‑train battlefield is just outside the city. This is a day for early light, open landscapes and a modern art surprise.
- Morning: Drive 15 km to Los Barruecos Natural Monument for sunrise over reservoirs and granite bolos; storks nest here in spring. Stick to marked paths, bring water and sun protection, and ask a local guide to point out the key camera positions from the battle.
- Midday: Drop into the Vostell Malpartida museum inside the park for an avant‑garde counterpoint, or picnic by the water (carry out all rubbish). In high summer, retreat to shade or air‑con for a long lunch back in Cáceres.
- Afternoon: Return to the old town to tour an interior you missed yesterday, such as the Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo or the Fundación Mercedes Calles y Carlos Ballestero. If you prefer vistas, walk another stretch of the adarves for soldier‑on‑the‑walls views.
- Evening: Do a relaxed tapas crawl around Plaza de Santa María and the surrounding alleys; share plates like criadillas de tierra (morels in season) and local cheeses. If you’re visiting in May during WOMAD, expect stages and crowds in the old town and book meals ahead.
Day 3: Trujillo’s ramparts and a farewell to the city of dragons A short road trip delivers fortress drama and sweeping Extremaduran horizons. Round off the afternoon back in Cáceres with final favourites and slow time in the plazas.
- Morning: Drive about 45 km to Trujillo and climb the castle ramparts used as Casterly Rock and the King’s Landing approach to the Dragonpit; there’s a small entry fee and strong winds on the walls at times. Arrive at opening to enjoy uncluttered views across the dehesa.
- Midday: Lunch on Trujillo’s Plaza Mayor beneath conquistador palaces, then browse local produce (look for pimentón de la Vera and honey). If it’s very hot, travel during siesta hours to avoid the fiercest sun.
- Afternoon: Back in Cáceres, tick off any last locations (Palacio de las Veletas courtyard, Torre de Bujaco area for establishing shots) or shop for crafts in the streets off Plaza Mayor. Coffee and a sweet tecula mecula make a fine mid‑afternoon pause.
- Evening: Finish with a golden‑hour loop from Plaza Mayor through Arco de la Estrella and up to Plaza de San Jorge for final photos. Celebrate with a leisurely dinner in the old town; in winter start earlier due to short daylight, while in shoulder seasons the best ambience is from about 8.30 pm.
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Food and drink in Cáceres
Cáceres blends hearty Extremaduran flavours with refined technique and produce from the dehesa. Think acorn‑fed ham, smoky paprika, and a cheese so creamy it’s served with a spoon. From Michelin-starred dining to humble tapas bars in stone‑lined lanes, the Old Town is made for grazing.
- Torta del Casar – oozy sheep’s‑milk cheese, gently warmed and spooned onto crusty bread, sometimes with a drizzle of local honey. Best shared in cosy cafés and wine bars inside the Old Town walls.
- Jamón ibérico de bellota – paper‑thin slices of acorn‑fed Ibérico ham from the dehesa, glossy and nutty; perfect with a glass of red. Order by the ración at lively tapas bars around Plaza Mayor.
- Migas extremeñas – rustic fried breadcrumbs with garlic, pork bits and smoky pimentón de la Vera, often topped with grapes or a fried egg. Comfort fare in traditional taverns on cool evenings.
- Ribera del Guadiana wines (and licor de bellota) – local reds and whites to match rich dishes; finish with sweet acorn liqueur. Sip in relaxed bars or at market counters between tastings.
Eat like a local: Discover Cáceres top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Food and drink in Cáceres
Cáceres blends hearty Extremaduran flavours with refined technique and produce from the dehesa. Think acorn‑fed ham, smoky paprika, and a cheese so creamy it’s served with a spoon. From Michelin-starred dining to humble tapas bars in stone‑lined lanes, the Old Town is made for grazing.
- Torta del Casar – oozy sheep’s‑milk cheese, gently warmed and spooned onto crusty bread, sometimes with a drizzle of local honey. Best shared in cosy cafés and wine bars inside the Old Town walls.
- Jamón ibérico de bellota – paper‑thin slices of acorn‑fed Ibérico ham from the dehesa, glossy and nutty; perfect with a glass of red. Order by the ración at lively tapas bars around Plaza Mayor.
- Migas extremeñas – rustic fried breadcrumbs with garlic, pork bits and smoky pimentón de la Vera, often topped with grapes or a fried egg. Comfort fare in traditional taverns on cool evenings.
- Ribera del Guadiana wines (and licor de bellota) – local reds and whites to match rich dishes; finish with sweet acorn liqueur. Sip in relaxed bars or at market counters between tastings.
Eat like a local: Discover Cáceres top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in Cáceres
Choosing where to stay in Cáceres is about matching the vibe to your plans. Each area offers a distinct feel, from storybook medieval lanes to modern convenience or nature on your doorstep. Use this quick guide to pick the right base.
- Ciudad Monumental (Old Town) — atmospheric medieval streets with Game of Thrones backdrops at your door; ideal for history lovers and night-time wanderers, but expect cobbles, slopes and limited vehicle access.
- Plaza Mayor & Surrounds — lively square with tapas bars and easy access into the walls and modern city; great for first‑timers and families who want lifts, nearby parking and a central base.
- Paseo de Cánovas (Modern Centre) — tree‑lined boulevard with shops, buses and reliable parking; suits value‑seekers and drivers wanting quieter nights and flat, stroller‑friendly pavements.
- Malpartida de Cáceres (Los Barruecos base) — village vibe 15–20 minutes by car, perfect for walkers, photographers and GoT fans heading to the battle site; tranquil evenings and a car is essential.
Find places to stay in Cáceres on Booking.com
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Where to stay in Cáceres
Choosing where to stay in Cáceres is about matching the vibe to your plans. Each area offers a distinct feel, from storybook medieval lanes to modern convenience or nature on your doorstep. Use this quick guide to pick the right base.
- Ciudad Monumental (Old Town) — atmospheric medieval streets with Game of Thrones backdrops at your door; ideal for history lovers and night-time wanderers, but expect cobbles, slopes and limited vehicle access.
- Plaza Mayor & Surrounds — lively square with tapas bars and easy access into the walls and modern city; great for first‑timers and families who want lifts, nearby parking and a central base.
- Paseo de Cánovas (Modern Centre) — tree‑lined boulevard with shops, buses and reliable parking; suits value‑seekers and drivers wanting quieter nights and flat, stroller‑friendly pavements.
- Malpartida de Cáceres (Los Barruecos base) — village vibe 15–20 minutes by car, perfect for walkers, photographers and GoT fans heading to the battle site; tranquil evenings and a car is essential.
Find places to stay in Cáceres on Booking.com
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Good to know before you go to Cáceres
Travelling to Cáceres is straightforward, with compact sights and simple logistics once you arrive. A few planning details—timing, footwear, and transport for nearby side trips—will help you make the most of its UNESCO-listed old town and surrounding landscapes.
- Affordability: Cáceres is good value by Spanish standards, with set lunch menus around €12–16, dinner in mid-range restaurants €20–35 per person, boutique hotels €70–120 per night and the Parador typically €140–220.
- Transport: The medieval old town is best explored on foot (largely pedestrianised with cobbles), while regional highlights like Trujillo (45 minutes) and Los Barruecos (15 km) are most convenient by rental car or guided minibus, with limited bus options and regular trains linking Cáceres to Madrid.
- Language: Spanish is the main language and while English is spoken in hotels, tour offices and some restaurants, you’ll find far fewer English speakers than in major cities so a few phrases help.
- Safety & comfort: The city is very safe for families and solo travellers, with the usual caution for petty theft in busy spots, summer heat frequently exceeding 40°C—plan early/late sightseeing, carry water and wear sturdy shoes for cobbles and slopes.
- Crowds: Expect peak visiting in spring (Apr–Jun) and autumn (Sep–Oct) and during events like WOMAD in May, very hot but less crowded midsummer days, and the quietest, most atmospheric streets in winter and at night.
Good to know before you go to Cáceres
Travelling to Cáceres is straightforward, with compact sights and simple logistics once you arrive. A few planning details—timing, footwear, and transport for nearby side trips—will help you make the most of its UNESCO-listed old town and surrounding landscapes.
- Affordability: Cáceres is good value by Spanish standards, with set lunch menus around €12–16, dinner in mid-range restaurants €20–35 per person, boutique hotels €70–120 per night and the Parador typically €140–220.
- Transport: The medieval old town is best explored on foot (largely pedestrianised with cobbles), while regional highlights like Trujillo (45 minutes) and Los Barruecos (15 km) are most convenient by rental car or guided minibus, with limited bus options and regular trains linking Cáceres to Madrid.
- Language: Spanish is the main language and while English is spoken in hotels, tour offices and some restaurants, you’ll find far fewer English speakers than in major cities so a few phrases help.
- Safety & comfort: The city is very safe for families and solo travellers, with the usual caution for petty theft in busy spots, summer heat frequently exceeding 40°C—plan early/late sightseeing, carry water and wear sturdy shoes for cobbles and slopes.
- Crowds: Expect peak visiting in spring (Apr–Jun) and autumn (Sep–Oct) and during events like WOMAD in May, very hot but less crowded midsummer days, and the quietest, most atmospheric streets in winter and at night.
Best time to go to Cáceres
In Cáceres, spring and autumn are the sweet spots for walking the Old Town and nearby landscapes, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful light. Midsummer is scorching and best tackled at dawn or dusk, while winter is cool, quiet and atmospheric with shorter days.
- Spring (Apr–Jun): Mild to warm, blooming countryside and great light; moderate crowds and a relaxed vibe (May festivals like WOMAD can swell numbers and close some areas).
- High Summer (Jul–Aug): Very hot (often 35–40°C+); fewer people out by day, buzzy evenings—plan early/late visits and stay hydrated.
- Autumn–Winter (Sep–Mar): Autumn is pleasantly warm with soft light and manageable crowds; winter is cool, uncrowded and evocative, but shorter daylight and some Monday closures.
Best time to go to Cáceres
In Cáceres, spring and autumn are the sweet spots for walking the Old Town and nearby landscapes, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful light. Midsummer is scorching and best tackled at dawn or dusk, while winter is cool, quiet and atmospheric with shorter days.
- Spring (Apr–Jun): Mild to warm, blooming countryside and great light; moderate crowds and a relaxed vibe (May festivals like WOMAD can swell numbers and close some areas).
- High Summer (Jul–Aug): Very hot (often 35–40°C+); fewer people out by day, buzzy evenings—plan early/late visits and stay hydrated.
- Autumn–Winter (Sep–Mar): Autumn is pleasantly warm with soft light and manageable crowds; winter is cool, uncrowded and evocative, but shorter daylight and some Monday closures.
Share Cáceres with friends and start planning your trip together.
How to get to Cáceres
By Air
- No airport in the city. Nearest options:
- Badajoz (BJZ) – about 90 km; 1–1¼ hrs by car. Limited flights (typically Madrid/Barcelona). Taxi or bus to Badajoz, then coach/train to Cáceres (overall 1½–2½ hrs onward).
- Madrid Barajas (MAD) – ~300 km; 3–3½ hrs by car. Fast onward links: Renfe trains from Madrid‑Chamartín or Avanza coaches from Estación Sur.
- Seville (SVQ) – ~260 km; 2½–3 hrs by car. Onward by coach (often via Mérida) or Renfe (usually with a change at Mérida; 4–5+ hrs).
- Lisbon (LIS) – ~310 km; 3½–4 hrs by car. Direct coaches (FlixBus/ALSA/Avanza) to Cáceres; rail is possible via Badajoz/Mérida but slower.
By Train
- Main station: Cáceres (Estación de Cáceres), ~1.5 km from the old town; taxis and local buses available.
- Madrid‑Chamartín to Cáceres: roughly 3h 20m–4h on Renfe (Intercity/Media Distancia). Several daily departures.
- Mérida to Cáceres: about 45–60 min; frequent regional services.
- Badajoz to Cáceres: about 1h 30m–2h; several daily services.
- Seville to Cáceres: typically 4–5½ hrs with a change at Mérida.
- Book via renfe.com; seat reservations recommended on long‑distance services.
By Bus
- Main terminal: Estación de Autobuses de Cáceres (Av. de la Hispanidad).
- Madrid (Estación Sur) – frequent Avanza coaches; 3½–4½ hrs via the A‑5.
- Lisbon (Oriente/Sete Rios) – direct coaches (FlixBus/ALSA/Avanza); ~4–5 hrs.
- Seville (Plaza de Armas/Prado de San Sebastián) – coaches, often via Mérida; ~4–5 hrs.
- Strong regional links: Mérida (~1 hr), Badajoz (~2 hrs), Trujillo (~45 min), Plasencia (~1–1½ hrs).
By Car
- From Madrid: A‑5 west to Trujillo, then A‑58 to Cáceres; ~3–3¼ hrs (≈300 km).
- From Seville: A‑66 (Ruta de la Plata) north towards Mérida/Cáceres; ~2¾–3 hrs (≈260 km).
- From Lisbon: A6 to Spain, then A‑5 to Trujillo and A‑58; ~3½–4 hrs (≈310 km; note the 1‑hour time change at the border).
- Parking: the old town is largely pedestrianised; use car parks outside the walls (e.g., Parking Obispo Galarza, Parking Primo de Rivera).
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