Spain. Mallorca, Costa Brava, the Canary Islands, Barcelona, Andalusia and many more. Cities and places that we all know at least from hearsay and that attract thousands of tourists every year. They are geared towards tourism and holidaymakers from all over the world are welcomed with open arms every year. However, the beautiful west of Spain on the border with Portugal is often forgotten. At best, the vacation should take place by the sea and for any city trips, large and well-known cities are preferred. Yet right here, in the unknown west of Spain, you have the feeling of discovering an original and old part of the country. So if you are looking for old cities, scenic seemingly eternal expanses, little tourism and delicious pinchos, you should undoubtedly pay a visit to this region.

I’m Mel, yoga teacher, social worker and travel around Europe together with my better half in our camper (“Erwin”). We surf, work on “Workaway” from time to time and enjoy every new adventure. I love to record my experiences, experiences and encounters in writing and share them with others. The motto “Sharing is caring” is very important to me and I would like to give others the opportunity to inform themselves in advance about a place or a country, because I myself love to read in addition to writing and of course stock up on reports and tips about the respective country before every trip.

After leaving the wild, green Atlantic coast in Spain’s north behind us, we are now more or less unplanned and involuntarily stranded on our way to Andalusia , but fortunately in the region of Extremadura, which includes the provinces of Cacerès and Badajoz. Our Erwin had problems with the clutch and had to go to the workshop. All good, the insurance covers most and we are first accommodated in a hotel in Càceres. After it turns out that we will be here for at least 10 days (in Spain everything happens with a lot of peace and comfort), we move into a great Airbnb apartment and can explore the city without time pressure.

One of the best tips for me personally when it comes to city trips is always Airbnb. Absolutely reasonably priced, you have a large selection here, your own four walls and can do whatever you want. Especially for vegetarians and vegans, having their own cuisine is worthwhile, especially in countries like Spain, which are very much geared towards meat and fish. So we get hold of an absolutely lovingly furnished small apartment in the middle of the city center and thus have the perfect base for a nice time here. Of course, Càceres also has enough hotels and since the city is not too big, the center of almost every one of these hotels is within easy walking distance.

Cacerès, the capital of the province of the same name, is therefore located in the middle of the Extremadura region, which is known for its remoteness, its lakes and mountains, nature reserves, acorn groves and the Iberico pigs. The capital of the region is Merida, which is definitely worth a visit with its Roman ruins and monuments. Extremadura’s capital is about 45 minutes by car south of Càceres and can be easily reached by train for about 5€. So no matter which city in the province your city trip takes you to, the cities are relatively easy to reach and definitely worth a visit.

Temperatures in the region can quickly climb above the 30 degree mark in summer, so the low seasons are recommended for a city trip with milder temperatures.

The fantastically beautiful old town of Càceres, which has a population of about 100,000, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 and was destroyed in the 15th century by the ordered destruction of Isabella I. From Castile the nickname “Decapitated Capital”. The two palaces, which were intact, are still part of the old town today. If you are interested in the history and culture of the city, you should not miss the “Museo Guayasamin” (dedicated to the painter Osvaldo Guyasamine) and the cistern “Aljibe vin Cáceres”, built at the highest point of the city.

Of course, in addition to the historic old town, Càceres offers countless opportunities to enjoy the famous and lovingly prepared pinchos (the tàpas of the north) with a good glass of wine or cold beer, in one of the restaurants or bars. In the cozy bar “Lizarran” we unexpectedly even found two very tasty vegetarian dishes. This may sound strange, but it is not a matter of course in Spain. Normally, vegetarians eat “patatas bravas” or fries here. Nightlife is also not neglected in Càceres thanks to its countless bars. At the Plaza Major there is an open-air cinema every now and then on weekends, of course in Spanish, but sitting between the ancient walls the whole thing is undoubtedly an experience. Not to be forgotten, of course, are the ice cream parlors, which are essential for every holiday, and offer many different varieties.

As an additional pastime, there are plenty of shopping opportunities. Whether you look around the small, lovingly designed shops of the old town, where you can get everything from Spanish delicacies to handmade jewelry, or whether you want to browse through well-known clothing brands in larger shopping centers, Càceres offers everything and more. The city is remarkably clean and in the lovingly landscaped park/green strip you can relax wonderfully in the shade of the trees.

However, a rental car is definitely recommended in the Extremadura region, as the landscape outside the cities also proves to be beautiful. We are lucky enough to be on the road with the van and are therefore allowed to discover incredible expanses between acorn trees and cows, lakes and mountains. Balmy summer nights with picturesque sunsets and a completely different Spain are granted to us when our camper is not making a detour to the workshop.

So if you are in the mood for a somewhat different and more original holiday in Spain, you should definitely think about a trip to Extremadura. Even if it’s just a short or city break, it’s beautiful. And for all those who have already read the article “Stay free on holiday – drive to the sea with a rental car” – from the coast of Andalusia it is only a few hours to Extremadura. Portugal is also only a few kilometres away, so the region is perfect as a starting point for all surrounding holiday destinations. Enjoy the original and somewhat different trip to Spain, away from mass tourism.

One last short note, as the times, especially when it comes to traveling, are a bit special with COVID-19: In Spain, masks are mandatory no matter where you move, which makes walking through the city a bit more unpleasant than usual. In restaurants and bars, no mask is necessary as long as you remain seated at the table. All of Spain seems a bit more extinct than usual, some restaurants and bars didn’t survive the whole thing. Nevertheless, it is still worth a visit. The people are friendly and public life continues in the best possible way. The only restrictions we have to “complain about” as tourists are the constant wearing of masks and that all bars have a curfew from 01:00. I think these little things are absolutely acceptable in return for beautiful scenery, little tourism, delicious food and great cities.

The region of Galicia, in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, belongs to Spain, but it is very different. Instead of fiesta, paella and flamenco, the region captivates with its naturalness: rough coasts, ancient villages and wide forests characterize the picture. The few large cities are a lively contrast. Galicia is best known as the destination of the Camino de Santiago. But the area also offers picturesque landscapes and places steeped in history in many other places.

Sea and originality

Galicia is characterized by the sea. The approximately 1,500-kilometre-long coastline offers an interesting mix of steep cliffs and long sandy beaches. A special feature are the many fjord-like bays, which are called Rías here. The Rías Baixas in the south invite you to swim with shallow water, while the northern Rías Altas impress with their high rock walls. There are numerous small fishing villages along the entire coast. Fishing and mussel farming still serve as a livelihood for many people here. Countless wooden rafts on which the mussels grow bear witness to this.

The interior of the country also shows itself originally. In the small villages, the stone houses covered with slate stand out. They often have a grain or corn store, the Hórreo, as an outbuilding. Away from the villages, extensive forest stands dominate the landscape. In the east of Galicia, the high mountains of the Cordillera Cantábrica represent the natural border with the rest of Spain.

The climate and cuisine are as varied as the landscape. Due to its location on the Atlantic Ocean, there is a lot of rain, wind and fog. This is reminiscent of other coastal regions of Western Europe such as Brittany. The cuisine is dominated by fish and seafood, which is unparalleled in freshness and variety. Mussel lovers in particular will get their money’s worth. Mussels, scallops, razor clams, barnacles, oysters – here you will find everything your heart desires. The fields also contribute to the cuisine. Galicians are proud of their regional potatoes, corn and cheese. An insider tip is the popular regional white wine Albariño.

By the way, many people in the autonomous region still speak Galician in everyday life. But the vast majority of locals can also communicate well in Spanish or other languages.

Galicia: Lively cities with a long history

The cities of Galicia form a counterpoint to the otherwise rather rural character. There you will find imposing cathedrals, lively promenades and renowned universities.

The Galician capital Santiago de Compostela is the terminus of the popular Way of St. James. There the pilgrims pick up their pilgrimage certificate in the cathedral. The church, like the lively old town, is a World Heritage Site. The port city of A Coruña is also buzzing with life. The extensive beach promenades are excellent for strolling. The city’s landmark, the Tower of Hercules, dates back to Roman times and is the oldest lighthouse in the world still in operation.

Another Roman building is the more than two-kilometre-long city wall in Lugo. Its gates and towers fit impressively into today’s cityscape. The city of Ourense was also founded by the Romans. They already used the hot springs that still bubble up from the ground all over the area today. Some of the thermal springs are located in the Park As Burgas in the center of the city.

One of the most beautiful Spanish cities is Pontevedra. The town is picturesquely situated on the banks of the Ría de Pontevedra. The historic town houses and arcades as well as the many cosy squares and narrow streets transport the visitor to another time. Nearby is Vigo, the largest city and economic center of Galicia. The old fishermen’s quarter of O Berbés and the fortress of O Castro are worth seeing. Those who climb the hilltop site will be rewarded with beautiful views of the city and the Ría de Vigo.

Dream beaches and Celtic villages

Away from the cities, there are countless places in Galicia that are worth a visit. For example, off the coast of Vigo lies the enchanting archipelago of Illas Cíes. These uninhabited islands were called “islands of the gods” by the Romans. Seabirds, dolphins and whales cavort there. The more than one kilometre long dream beach Praia de Rodas attracts with white powder sand. If you like it a little more sporty, you can admire the natural paradise on one of the marked hiking trails. As the number of visitors to the islands is limited, it is advisable to obtain permission for access well in advance.

At Cape Fisterra and the nearby beach of Langosteira, the Atlantic Ocean shows its rough side. The stretch of coast is called Costa da Morte (Coast of Death) because many ships used to crash between storms and cliffs there. Fisterra is considered the unofficial end of the Way of St. James. Many pilgrims still walk the approximately 100 kilometers from Santiago de Compostela to the Cape. With this section and the official part, the Camino de Santiago passes through Galicia for a total of a good 250 kilometres. If you want to avoid the crowd of pilgrims, you will find many alternatives. The various side routes of the Camino de Santiago are much quieter and just as interesting. The O Camiño dos Faros hiking trail along the coast or a tour through the Ribeira Sacra wine-growing region also offer beautiful views.

In many places, Galicia shows its millennia-old history. The oldest testimonies are the dolmen stone tombs from prehistoric times, which are scattered throughout the region. The foundation walls of the old Castro villages, such as the well-preserved complexes in A Guarda and Castro de Rei, date from the settlement by the Celts. The stone village of O Cebreiro, located on a ridge at the beginning of the Galician Way of St. James, is also impressive. This town of only 100 inhabitants exudes a magical atmosphere with its Celtic huts (pallozas) and the pre-Romanesque church. This also applies to the extensive Oseira monastery complex in the centre of Galicia. It combines architectural styles from Romanesque to Baroque and is known as the Galician El Escorial because of its size.

Diverse experiences for all tastes

Hiking along famous paths or off the beaten track, relaxing on deserted beaches, excursions into an ancient history and lively cities – Galicia convinces with incredible diversity. The region between the sea and the mountains offers breathtaking nature and testimonies of the past at every turn. Excellent seafood cuisine and down-to-earth people make the experience perfect. So the trip to Spain’s green northwest will be remembered positively for a long time.