On the map of Spain, Extremadura reveals itself as a territory of legendary contrasts, a destination that often feels like one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. It is a land where the footprint of the Roman Empire coexists with the wildest nature on the continent, and where the silence of the dehesa is interrupted by the echo of world-class festivals.
From the regions of La Serena and La Siberia, marked by the immensity of their reservoirs, to the cities declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, Extremadura offers a journey through time and landscapes. It is a place to explore without haste, to be surprised by a castle on every hill, by the flight of an imperial eagle or by the taste of a gastronomy rooted in the land.
This guide is an invitation to discover that richness. A tour of the essential plans, routes, monuments and festivals that make this region an unforgettable destination.
Charming Local Routes: La Siberia and La Serena
Without the need for long journeys, the regions closest to Orellana offer unique landscapes and traditions.
Cerro Masatrigo (51 Km away)
Considered a “geological whim”, this almost perfect cone emerges from the waters of the La Serena reservoir. The road that surrounds it has earned it the nickname “the most beautiful roundabout in Spain”. Its viewpoint allows you to contemplate spectacular panoramic views of the reservoirs and is an ideal point for bird watching.
Zalamea De La Serena (55 Km away)
World famous for being the real setting of Calderón de la Barca’s masterpiece “The Mayor of Zalamea”. Every year, in mid-August, the entire town transforms into a large open-air theater to represent the play, in a celebration declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest.
This municipality is a must-see, especially in winter, as it is one of the most important European paradises for thousands of cranes. The Moheda Alta Interpretation Center (16 km away) offers a fascinating explanatory tour. In addition, La Encamisá is celebrated here every January 16, a spectacular festival of Regional Tourist Interest with horses and bonfires.
Journey to the Greatness of Rome and the Middle Ages: the Heritage Cities
Mérida (89 Km away): the Ancient Capital of the Empire
Augusta Emerita is an authentic open-air museum, with a Archaeological Ensemble a World Heritage Site. You cannot miss the Roman Theater and Amphitheater, the Temple of Diana, the majestic Roman Bridge and the Acueducto de los Milagros. In summer, the city vibrates with the International Classical Theater Festival and the Stone & Music Festival, which brings world-class artists to these unique stages.
Cáceres (109 Km): the Intact Medieval City
The Old City of Cáceres, also a World Heritage Site, has one of the best preserved urban ensembles of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance mejor conservados del mundo. Get lost in its labyrinth of cobbled streets, discover the Concatedral de Santa María, the Palacio de las Veletas (with its incredible Almohad cistern) and climb the Torre de Bujaco to dominate the Plaza Mayor.
Cradle of Conquerors: Routes with History and Flavor
Trujillo (68 Km): the Splendor of the 16th Century
Cradle of conquerors such as Francisco Pizarro, its heart is the spectacular Renaissance Plaza Mayor. Climb its Castle of Arab origin and visit the Church of Santa María la Mayor.
- Stop for Oenophiles: On the outskirts of Trujillo are the avant-garde Bodegas Habla (74 km away). Under the “Viva HABLA” seal, they offer visits to learn about their philosophy of innovation and sustainability, a unique wine tourism experience in Extremadura.
- Gastronomic event: At the beginning of May, the Plaza Mayor hosts the National Cheese Fair, where you can taste the best cheeses in the world, including the jewels with D.O. from Extremadura.
Guadalupe (63 Km): the Treasure of the Villuercas
Recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, its existence revolves around the imposing Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its architecture is an amazing amalgamation of styles that spans six centuries.
Medellín (62 Km): Cradle of Hernán Cortés
On the banks of the Guadiana, Medellín will surprise you with its imposing Medieval Castle, its magnificent Roman Theater and its historic 17th century bridge.
Nature in its Pure State: Parks, Birds and Fishing
Monfragüe National Park (120 Km)
A world reference for bird watching, it is the kingdom of the black vulture (the largest colony in the world) and the threatened Iberian imperial eagle. The route that connects the Castle of Monfragüe with the Salto del Gitano is an overwhelming spectacle that you cannot miss.
For Fishing Lovers
The Orellana reservoir is, in its own right, one of the best fishing destinations in Europe. Its waters harbor record populations of pike, black bass and carp, which attract fans from all over the world. If you want to know all the secrets, techniques and regulations, do not miss our Complete Fishing Guide in Orellana.
Festive Calendar: Experience the most Authentic Extremadura
Planning a trip based on its festive calendar allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.
Winter
- Crane Festival (December, Navalvillar de Pela): Days to celebrate the arrival of more than 80,000 cranes.
- La Encamisá (January 16, Navalvillar de Pela, 13 km away): Spectacular and exciting procession on horseback among bonfires.
- Carnival of Badajoz (February/March): Festival of International Tourist Interest, pure explosion of color and creativity.
Spring
- Holy Week (March/April): Those of Cáceres and Mérida are of International Tourist Interest, unique for their solemnity and their monumental settings.
- National Cheese Fair (Early May, Trujillo, 68 km away): The largest cheese market in Spain.
Summer
- Classical Theater Festival (July-August, Mérida, 89 km away): The most prestigious in the world in its genre, in the imposing Roman Theater.
- Stone & Music Festival (Summer, Mérida, 89 km away): Concerts by great artists in stages with 2,000 years of history.
- Los Rincones (Mid-August, Talarrubias, 37 km away): A magical night in which the town opens its patios to offer a tour of gastronomy and culture.
- The Mayor of Zalamea (Mid-August, Zalamea, 55 km away): The entire town becomes the stage for Calderón’s immortal work.
- Futurvisión (Mid-August, Orellana la Vieja, 7 km away): A unique show of music, light and sound on the banks of the reservoir to inaugurate the local fair.
Plan your Excursions: Distances from Orellana
Given such a range of possibilities, the key is the location. The Orellana Reservoir, due to its central position, becomes the ideal strategic starting point. From here, the great monumental capitals and natural parks are, for the most part, just over an hour away.
Orellana: your Base Camp in the Heart of Extremadura
| Destination | Distance (approx.) | Driving Time (approx.) |
| Futurvisión (Orellana la Vieja) | 7 km | 10 min |
| La Encamisá (Navalvillar de Pela) | 13 km | 15 min |
| Crane Center (Moheda Alta) | 16 km | 20 min |
| Los Rincones (Talarrubias) | 37 km | 35 min |
| Cerro Masatrigo | 51 km | 50 min |
| Zalamea de la Serena | 55 km | 1 hour |
| Medellín | 62 km | 55 min |
| Guadalupe | 63 km | 1 hour |
| Trujillo | 68 km | 1 hour 5 min |
| Bodegas Habla (Trujillo) | 74 km | 1 hour 10 min |
| Mérida | 89 km | 1 hour 10 min |
| Cáceres | 109 km | 1 hour 20 min |
| P.N. de Monfragüe | 120 km | 1 hour 40 min |
It is here where our rural house is located. Conceived not only as a destination in itself, but as the perfect home to return to. After a day exploring the streets of Cáceres, the grandeur of Mérida or the skies of Monfragüe, imagine returning to a sustainable luxury retreat, taking a dip in the pool overlooking the reservoir and dining on the porch under the stars. It is the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation.