Extremadura: Cities and Dehesa

What should you know before visiting Extremadura: Cities and Dehesa?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €17 (Portugal).

• The route includes three World Heritage sites: the old town of Cáceres, the archaeological ensemble of Mérida and the Guadalupe monastery.
• Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are recommended. In summer temperatures can exceed 35 °C, so travel early or late in the day.
• Under the regional decree, staying in a motorhome with everything kept inside does not count as free camping. Urban and roadside parking is left to municipal ordinances, so ask beforehand.

The drive

In the north lies Monfragüe National Park, where the Tagus and the Tiétar meet, with dehesa, Mediterranean forest and large colonies of griffon and black vultures. The visitor centre is in Villarreal de San Carlos. Further south follows Cáceres with its walled old town (World Heritage since 1986). Mérida, founded in 25 BC, was the capital of Lusitania and has been World Heritage since 1993. The Guadalupe monastery (World Heritage since 1993) lies in Cáceres province.

Planning

Spring and autumn (March to May, September to November) are the usual recommendation; spring offers the greatest variety of birds. Winter is mild and quiet, good for birdwatching. In July and August temperatures often exceed 35 °C, so visit the park only early or in the evening. Monfragüe has marked trails, bird hides and car parks, and a 7.5 km circular walk (Ruta Verde) starts at the visitor centre.

Camping

The regional decree on open-air tourism, published in 2025, sets rules for motorhome areas, among other types of site. A motorhome area allows a maximum stay of 72 hours. Staying in a caravan or motorhome does not count as free camping as long as everything stays inside and nothing is set up outside. Urban and roadside parking is left to municipal ordinances. Ask the municipality on the spot and, if in doubt, read the official text of the decree.

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