This itinerary from Malaga to Madrid heads south-west to explore two of Spain's least visited destinations, Extremadura and La Mancha in Castilla.
After leaving Malaga, KEMPERS 365 rental car park.
Start your journey by visiting some of the region's oldest cities. Trujillo, Caceres and Merida are all fine examples of a rich past.
Finally, before reaching Ciudad Real and Toledo, you'll have the chance to take a break at the Puerto Peña Pond, a great place for water sports enthusiasts.
1. Truchillas and Caseres, Conquistador country
The Extremadura gave Spain two important gifts: conquistadors and Iberian ham ("jamón ibérico"). It is from this region that some of the greatest conquerors of the Americas originated. Hernán Cortés, Francisco Pizarro, Vasco Núñez de Balboa and Francisco de Orellana are just some of the famous names.
Your first point of departure is Trujillo, a beautifully preserved medieval town. It was the birthplace of the Peruvian conquistador Francisco Pizarro and of Francisco de Orellana, the first person to cross the entire Amazon River (the river was originally named Orellana).
Take half a day to admire the main square, the old palaces and churches and the castle. Try a jamón ibérico in one of the bars in Plaza Mayor Square, the city centre, where the impressive statue of Pizarro stands.
Continue your journey towards the provincial capital of Caseres, where the old town is considered one of the best preserved on the European continent.
As soon as you step through the narrow old streets of Caseres, you'll feel like you've stepped back into the Middle Ages. The streets, palaces, churches and monasteries, paved with exquisite golden cobblestones, take you back to the city's glorious past.
Recommendations:
Recommended duration:
2-3 days
Visit
- Toledo Cathedral: Don't miss the impressive art collection.
- Christ the Light Mosque and St. Mary White Synagogue: One of the oldest in Spain.
- Mirador del Valle: A stunning panorama of Toledo against the backdrop of the river on the other side.
Food:
- El Trebol: $$ (medium prices) - Good traditional tapas.
- Bar Ludeña: $ (economy) - Try Carcamusas, a local delicacy.
Accommodation
Camping El Greco: $$ (average prices) - Outside the city, by the river
2. Merida and the Puerto Peñjos pond
Let's go back in time a little further - from the Middle Ages to the Roman Empire. On this wonderful itinerary through the Extremadura region, your next stop will be Merida, a town founded in 25 BC by the Emperor Augustus under the name Emerita Augusta.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, the archaeological ensemble of Merida is one of the most impressive in the country. The Roman theatre and amphitheatre, the Roman circus, the bridge over the River Guadiana and many other buildings and ruins are astonishingly well-preserved and beautiful.
Leave the old architecture behind and enjoy nature. Head east by campervan to the Puerto Peña pond, a secret place known only to locals and ideal for water sports. Swimming, canoeing and motor boating are all fun activities you can try in the pond.
Near Puerto Peña, visit the old town of Puebla de Alcóero, where the castle offers magnificent views of the pond and the whole region.
Recommendations:
Recommended duration:
2-3 days
Visit
- Roman archaeological ensemble in Merida
- The town of Alkosero
Food:
- "De Tripas Corazón" in Merida.
- "Playa Puerto Peña"
Accommodation
Camping Puerto Peña: Located directly on the pond.
3. Ciudad Real province
From Extremadura, we travel to La Mancha, the land of Don Quixote. On this trip you will stop in one of the main cities of La Mancha, Ciudad Real, often called the capital of this region.
Ciudad Real is a small city that is well worth exploring on foot. The impressive Romanesque cathedral and the Church of Santiago are worth seeing. The Toledo Gate, at the northern end of the old town, is a fine example of a Gothic military gate.
The town is also home to the Don Quixote Museum, a small, free museum that displays artworks related to the novel and multimedia resources on the Cervantes period.
Be sure to try the traditional dish migas, which literally means "bread crumbs". It is made from small pieces of stale white bread mixed with garlic and fried bacon or bacon fried in olive oil.
Don't forget that Manchego cheese is one of the most famous Spanish cheeses, and La Mancha also produces a lot of excellent quality red wine. There you have your lunch menu for the day! Afterwards, head towards Toledo, your overnight stop in Ciudad Real.
Recommendations:
Recommended duration:
1 day
Visit
- Ciudad Real Cathedral and St. Church of St James
- Toledo Gate
- Don Quixote Museum
Food:
Mesón Octavio If available, try migas (a traditional dish of bread and other ingredients).
Parking
Ciudad Real city centre: several private parking lots in the city centre
4. Toledo: City of three cultures
Toledo is known as the City of Three Cultures because Christians, Jews and Muslims have long coexisted peacefully in its narrow, hilly, winding streets.
The Old Town is situated on a hilltop, surrounded on three sides by the River Tagus. As you drive your campervan towards the city, you have an unforgettable view of Toledo in the distance.
Toledo has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It is full of medieval churches, synagogues and mosques. There are also old fragments of the city walls with gates and the legendary Roman bridges of Alcantara and San Martino.
Recommendations:
Recommended duration:
1 day
Visit
- Toledo Cathedral
- Christ the Light Mosque and St. Mary White Synagogue
- Mirador del Valle
Food:
El Trebol restaurant
Restaurant Bar Ludeña
Accommodation
Camping El Greco
5. Monfragi National Park: the pearl of the Mediterranean forest
Monfragare, one of Spain's 15 national parks, is the largest and best-preserved area of Mediterranean forest in the world. The park is located at the confluence of the Tagus and the Tietaro rivers. Here you will find as many as 280 species of vertebrates, more than 200 of which are birds. Without a doubt, the brightest star of Monfragüe is the Iberian Imperial Eagle - the Monfragüe Star.
Bring your binoculars and spend the afternoon birdwatching. This is one of the most unique attractions in the Park.
In addition to wildlife watching, Monfrage is also worth a walk, bike ride or horseback ride. There are several marked trails that you can explore, but you will need a permit to access some areas. Watersports are not allowed in the park, but you can rent a kayak outside the park, on both the Tagus and the Tietar rivers.
Recommended duration:
2-3 days
Visit
Monfragüe National Park
Food:
Monfragüe Restaurant (in the park)
"Carbajal" (near the southern part of the park)
Accommodation
Camping Parque Nacional de Monfragüe (near the northern part of the park)
