Cáceres in a weekend
Escape the daily grind with a weekend getaway in a little-known corner of Spain. Cáceres has enough historic and cultural attractions to ensure your visit is truly unforgettable. The following guide will help you organise your days to make the most of your time and savour some of the culinary delights of the region of Extremadura.
Itinerary day 1
16.00-18.45
Cáceres’ Old Town
Once you’ve left your luggage and settled into your hotel, the best thing to do is start your tour in the Plaza Mayor. This main square is the city’s hub and the springboard for exploring the historic old town. Enter the spectacular World Heritage Site through the Arco de la Estrella, or Star Gate, next to the Bujaco Tower.
19.00-21.00
Cáceres Cathedral
The best time to visit Cáceres’ dramatic 15th-century gothic cathedral is as dusk falls and the night-time illumination bathes the city in a romantic glow. Climb its single Renaissance tower for a fabulous view of the city by night.
21.30-23.00
Madruelo
There is no better way to get your first taste of the cuisine of Extremadura than with dinner at this establishment. Madruelo is one of the best restaurants in this historic part of the city of Cáceres, and is located in an attractive 18th century house. The classic dishes on its menu include paella-style rice dishes and bean stew.
Itinerary day 2
10.00-13.30
Palacio de Carvajal
Start the new day in the old quarter and take a tour of the beautiful mansions and palaces that have survived to this day. Don’t miss Palacio de Carvajal and the secret garden hidden within. Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo, Palacio de Godoy and Palacio de Moctezuma are also well worth a visit. Make sure you take in the churches you encounter as you walk around, including the Church of San Francisco Javier.
14.00-16.00
Restaurante El Figón de Eustaquio
Make your way to Plaza San Juan and sit down at this classic restaurant to try some fabulous traditional dishes. Wash down the speciality game dishes with one of the superb regional wines. El Figón de Eustaquio is a true culinary stalwart in the province.
16.30-18.30
Cáceres Museum
Cáceres Museum is the best way to get an in-depth understanding of the fascinating cultural heritage of Extremadura. You will find it in Plaza de las Veletas and it comprises linked two historic buildings, Palacio de las Veletas and Casa de los Caballos. As well as the many exhibition rooms with displays ranging from the Palaeolithic to the contemporary era, the museum houses an impressive Moorish cistern.
19.00-20.30
Parque del Príncipe
It’s time for a little fresh air after the museum. Parque del Principe is a refreshing green space at the heart of Cáceres. It has a pleasant pond and an open-air sculpture museum, among other attractions. A stroll through the park provides a welcome break from the hustle and bustle.
21.00-23.00
Restaurante Terraza Colón
This charming terrace restaurant at Hotel Barceló Cáceres V Centenario specialises in chargrilled meat and is perfect for dinner. The indoor restaurant also offers excellent regional dishes. Don’t leave without trying the exquisite dehesa ham.
Itinerary day 3
10.00-13.00
Cueva de Maltravieso
Use the morning of your last day to delve into the origins of Cáceres. The Cave of Maltravieso contains fascinating cave paintings and is one of the most impressive examples of Palaeolithic art in the province. It requires prior booking, so if you haven’t had time to call, pop into the interpretation centre that will tell you everything you need to know about the cave.
14.00-16.00
Mastropiero Gastrobar
Make your way back to the old town for a spot of lunch. No visit to Cáceres is complete without some tapas. Mastropiero is a modern and eclectic bar-restaurant that offers great tapas and main meals. It also boasts a garden and chill-out area for a relaxing drink.
16.30-18.00
Yusuf Al Burch Museum
You will see traces of the Moorish occupation of Cáceres in many of its hidden corners. But if you would like a real journey into the past, visit this historic house museum on Cuesta del Marqués. It is an authentic Moorish dwelling with a fully restored hallway, harem, patio and hammam.
18.30-20.00
Helga de Alvear Foundation
If you like contemporary art, you can’t miss the Centro de Artes Visuales Fundación Helga de Alvear, which has one of the most impressive 20th-century art collections in the world. This non-profit organisation always has interesting temporary exhibitions running too.
21.00-23.00
Atrio restaurant
What better way to end your weekend than at this temple of haute cuisine? Atrio is the only restaurant in Cáceres that has two Michelin stars, and it is a point of reference on the Spanish culinary scene. Its impressive tasting menu offers dishes made with the highest quality ingredients and a touch of originality, thanks to the genius of chefs Toño Pérez and José Polo. It’s truly the tastiest way to round off your tour.