Best Day Trips from Badajoz
Badajoz sits right on the Portuguese border, which makes it a brilliant base for exploring. Within two hours, you can wander Roman ruins, cross into Portugal and spot vultures in a national park. Even better, many of the best day trips from Badajoz are easy by train or car. Here are seven favourites to get you started.
Mérida: Step Into Roman Spain
First up is Mérida, just 60 kilometres east of Badajoz. Once the Roman city of Emerita Augusta, it now holds some of Spain’s best ancient ruins. Start at the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre, where crowds once watched plays and gladiator fights. Next, visit the National Museum of Roman Art, a striking brick building full of mosaics. Then stroll across the Roman Bridge, one of the longest ancient bridges still standing. Along the way, stop at the Temple of Diana, which sits right in the middle of the modern town. Finally, explore the Moorish Alcazaba beside the river for a glimpse of the city’s later history.
Buy your monument ticket in advance to skip the queues. You can do this on the official Mérida monuments website. Trains from Badajoz take around an hour, so leaving the car at home is easy. Check Train Schedules & Buy Tickets on Omio. If you prefer to drive, the trip takes about 45 minutes. If you are already in Spain, get directions. Fancy more ancient history? Read our guide to the best Roman towns in Spain.
Elvas: A Portuguese Fortress in 20 Minutes
Crossing into Portugal is wonderfully simple. Elvas lies only 15 kilometres from Badajoz, so you can arrive in about 20 minutes. Its star-shaped fortifications earned UNESCO World Heritage status, and they are remarkably well preserved. Walk along the walls first. Then admire the enormous Amoreira Aqueduct, which strides across the countryside on towering arches. If you still have energy, climb up to the hilltop Fort of Santa Luzia. The views back towards Spain are superb, and the cobbled lanes below are lovely for a slow lunch.
Before you leave, try the town’s famous sugar plums, known as ameixas d’Elvas. You can check opening times on the Elvas town hall website. Remember that Portugal is one hour behind Spain, so you gain an extra hour of daylight. Driving is the simplest way to get there. Already in Spain? Get directions.
Olivenza: Spain With a Portuguese Twist
Next, head to Olivenza, about 25 minutes south of Badajoz. Portugal ruled this town until 1801, and the influence still shows. For example, the Church of Santa MarÃa Magdalena has twisted stone columns in the Manueline style. Then climb the castle keep, which houses the Museo Etnográfico González Santana. Finally, walk out to the ruined Ajuda Bridge on the edge of town.
Olivenza is small, so a half-day visit works well. Pair it with Elvas for a full day. The Olivenza town hall website lists current opening hours. Public transport is limited here, so a car makes life easier. If you need one, you can book it online. Hire a car with Discovercars. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Zafra: Little Seville in the Countryside
Zafra lies about an hour south-east of Badajoz. Locals call it “Sevilla la Chica”, or Little Seville, thanks to its whitewashed streets and wrought-iron balconies. Begin in the Plaza Grande and the neighbouring Plaza Chica. These two arcaded squares are perfect for a morning coffee, and the small streets around them are full of character. You can also browse the local shops for Iberian ham and regional cheeses. After that, peek inside the Alcázar of the Dukes of Feria, which is now the Parador de Zafra.
Extremadura is famous for its Iberian ham, so save room for lunch. Our Extremadura food itinerary has plenty of ideas. Roads in this area are quiet and easy to drive. Already in Spain? Get directions.
Cáceres: A Medieval Old Town Frozen in Time
Cáceres is about 90 kilometres north-east of Badajoz, and it feels like a film set. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with golden stone towers and noble mansions. Wander into the Plaza Mayor first. Then climb the Torre de Bujaco for rooftop views. Next, step inside the Co-Cathedral of Santa MarÃa, where the altarpiece glows in the dim light. Afterwards, wander the narrow lanes beneath the old city walls. If you enjoy modern art, the Helga de Alvear Museum makes a surprising contrast to the medieval streets.
Trains run between the two cities, and the ride is relaxed and scenic. Journey times vary, so check them before you book. Check Train Schedules & Buy Tickets on Omio. New to Spanish rail? Read our tips on how to use trains in Spain. Driving takes roughly an hour. If you are already in Spain, get directions. Want to stay longer? Try our 3 day itinerary for Cáceres.
Trujillo: Birthplace of the Conquistadors
Trujillo is a little further, at about an hour and 20 minutes by road. Francisco Pizarro, the conqueror of Peru, was born here, and his statue dominates the Plaza Mayor. From the square, walk up to the hilltop castle for sweeping views over the plains. Along the way, look out for storks nesting on the church towers. Afterwards, stroll the lanes around the square, where old palaces show off grand family crests. Visit the Trujillo tourism website for opening times and events.
Buses here are infrequent, so a car works best. Our guide on renting a car in Spain explains the costs. Ready to book? Hire a car with Discovercars. If you are already in Spain, get directions. Read more in our Trujillo guide. Feeling adventurous? Guadalupe and its famous monastery lie further along the road.
Monfragüe National Park: Vultures and Big Skies
Nature lovers should save a day for Monfragüe National Park. It takes about two hours to drive from Badajoz, but the trip is worth it. At the Salto del Gitano, huge griffon vultures glide past a dramatic rocky cliff. Next, climb to the Castillo de Monfragüe for views across the whole park. Finally, bring binoculars, because eagles and black storks also live here. For a break, wander into the tiny village of Villarreal de San Carlos, where you can find a simple lunch. Plan your visit with the national park information page.
Arrive early, since wildlife is most active at sunrise. There is no practical public transport, so you will need a car. If you are already in Spain, get directions.
Planning Your Day Trips from Badajoz
As you can see, Badajoz is a fantastic starting point for exploring Extremadura and beyond. Choose Mérida for Roman history, Elvas for a taste of Portugal or Monfragüe for wildlife. For a longer stay, our weekend in Extremadura guide is a good next step. Finally, end each day well with dinner in the city. Read our guide on where to eat in Badajoz for local favourites.