The Hidden Gems of Western Spain
- Nimrod
- Jul 15
- 6 min read
Hiking in Sierra de francia, Jerte valley and in Sierra de gredos.
March-April 2025
Content
The Gems of Western Spain – Introduction
A general overview map showing the travel route, accommodations, day trips, and main highlights.
We took the train from Madrid to Seville, and continued the rest of the journey by rental car.
We were looking for a different kind of Spain—the less-touristy version, the real one, not polished or picture-perfect. Last year, we explored Andalusia in depth. Three years ago, it was the north and the Picos de Europa. And even earlier, we roamed the Pyrenees.
After deciding on a week of Spanish language study in Seville, I began to wonder: where to next? That’s when the historic Vía de la Plata caught my eye, along with the Valle del Jerte, cherry blossoms, and the natural parks of Sierra de Francia and Sierra de Gredos.
Our travel route took us through the gems of western Spain, located in the geographic regions of Extremadura and Castile and León—two autonomous communities in the country’s west.
We planned a circular road trip that began and ended in Madrid, blending early spring nature, a week of Spanish language studies in Seville, and city visits to some of the most fascinating stops along the historic Vía de la Plata.
More trips
Our trip was divided into three main parts:
Urban Chapter in Seville (7 days)
Nature Chapter across Extremadura and Castile and León, with short city stops in Merida and Caceres by rental car (12 days)
Urban Chapter in Madrid (5 days)
I know—not everyone has weeks to spare for a trip like this. So a bit later, I’ll share a few ideas for shorter itineraries too.
We kicked things off by landing in Madrid and hopping straight onto a high-speed train to Seville—just two and a half hours and we were there.
Every stop along our route has its own full post, so feel free to explore more and check out the photo albums for each place!
Seville
In Seville, we settled in the charming San Gil neighborhood, just north of the city's bustling tourist center. It gave us a peaceful escape from the crowds—and a chance to experience a more authentic, local side of Seville.
Our week in the city was absolutely wonderful—we truly love Seville. Despite a fairly rainy week, we managed to both attend our Spanish classes and continue exploring this enchanting city from every angle.
Seville is a must-visit destination, especially for anyone traveling through Andalusia.
Merida
From Seville, we picked up a rental car and hit the road—driving along the historic Vía de la Plata toward Merida.
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping back into Roman times, this is the place to do it.
Merida, the capital of Extremadura (once called Emerita Augusta by the Romans), is packed with incredible sites: a stunning Roman theater, a towering aqueduct, a remarkably long Roman bridge, and so much more.
With its well-preserved ruins and deep Roman roots, it’s no surprise that Merida earned its UNESCO World Heritage status. Many even call it the 'Jewel of Ancient Rome' in Spain—and once you visit, you’ll see why.
Caceres and the Barruecos Reserve
We spent a magical half-day wandering the cobbled alleys of Caceres’ historic old town—an absolute gem.
It’s no wonder Caceres is considered one of Spain’s best-preserved medieval and Renaissance cities.
With its ancient stone buildings, towers, and peaceful plazas, it feels like stepping onto a movie set. No surprise it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The whole region draws nature lovers, bird enthusiasts, and anyone who craves a taste of authentic Spanish culture. Ask locals, and many will tell you Caceres is one of the most beautiful small cities in the country—and I totally get why.
The next day, we ventured out to the nearby Los Barruecos Natural Monument. Think otherworldly granite formations, quiet lakes, and—most surprisingly—a contemporary open-air art museum right in the middle of it all. It’s one of those places that leaves a mark.
Three Days in the Sierra de Francia
We spent three blissful days exploring this beautiful corner of Spain, staying in a cozy rental tucked into the peaceful village of Sotoserrano. It was the perfect base for unwinding and setting out on nearby adventures.
During our stay, we checked off three of the four “Art in Nature” trails—each one blending the landscape with creativity in its own charming way.
We wandered through trailhead villages and stumbled upon others during our walks, each with its own quiet magic.
One of the highlights was a scenic hike to a breathtaking viewpoint over the Alagón River, where the water snakes through the landscape in a sweeping bend. It’s easily one of the most striking views we found on the trip.
The hikes here are gentle to moderate and perfect if you’re traveling with kids or just want to take things at a relaxed pace.
Four Days in Jerte Valley
We came for the cherry blossoms, but stayed for everything else.
"The valley is a dream" isn’t just a cliché—here, it truly is. This place has it all: rushing rivers, dramatic waterfalls, gorges with surreal natural pools, and breathtaking views of the mountain ranges that cradle the valley.
Along the way, we also discovered charming villages and small towns, some nearly abandoned, and even one that hosts a unique winter festival.
Come to the Jerte Valley—you won’t regret a moment.
Three Days in Sierra de Gredos
This nature reserve quickly became one of our favorites—it's truly one of the most special places we’ve explored in Spain. Rugged, wild, and stunning, it’s home to some of the country’s most beautiful mountain landscapes.
We stayed in the village of Hoyos del Espino, which sits just above the reserve and turned out to be an ideal base for setting out on hikes and soaking in the natural beauty all around.
There’s a little bit of everything here: peaceful day hikes and more ambitious multi-day treks, rivers and waterfalls, thick oak forests, majestic trees, and wildlife like mountain goats and soaring birds of prey.
If you’re visiting in late winter or winter itself—just a heads-up: it gets snowy and high up here, so you’ll definitely want proper gear.
Madrid
We wrapped up our trip with five final days in Madrid. We managed to catch a match at Santiago Bernabéu (Real Madrid vs. Valencia), visit several museums and exhibitions, go for runs in Retiro Park, and simply wander through neighborhoods outside the main tourist hub—discovering more great cafés, bars, and markets along the way.
Madrid is truly an endless city, and every visit reveals something new.
Itinerary Suggestions
We went for a circular route that started in Madrid, dipped down to Seville, and then took us north along the historic Vía de la Plata. Along the way, we explored Merida, Caceres, and some of the most beautiful nature reserves in western Spain—Sierra de Francia, Valle del Jerte, and Sierra de Gredos—before looping back to Madrid.
There are so many ways to shape a trip out here. Whether you’re planning a full circle back to Madrid or a one-way adventure that ends in Lisbon, it really depends on how much time you’ve got, the season, and what you’re into.
Most routes in this part of Spain are best done with a rental car and offer a great mix of nature, small towns, and cultural gems.
These Are Only General Suggestions.
Feel free — and even encouraged — to add more stops, cities, or attractions along your route.
If nature isn’t your thing, you can swap the hikes and parks for time in charming villages or historical cities along the way. There are plenty to choose from — for example: Ávila, Salamanca, Guadalupe, Trujillo, Plasencia, and more.
Circular Route (without Seville, by car)
Madrid → Toledo → Mérida → Cáceres → Valle del Jerte → Sierra de Gredos → Madrid. Recommended trip length: 10–14 days
One-Way Route from Madrid to Lisbon (by car)
Madrid → Ávila → Sierra de Gredos → Valle del Jerte → Cáceres → Mérida → Lisbon + Sintra. Recommended trip length: 10–14 days
One-Way Route with an Extra National Park
Madrid → Southern Sierra de Gredos → Monfragüe National Park → Cáceres → Mérida → Lisbon + Sintra.
Recommended trip length: 10–14 days
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