Welcome to the land of water, of large holm and cork oak meadowlands; of traditions and legends. Extremadura goes hand in hand with nature, historical and art heritage, tourism and gastronomy. Two united provinces trace the outline of an idyllic land where you can discover a different way of looking at life.
Badajoz, an historic border city, has the longest walled enclosure in Spain and the best alcazaba (citadel) in Europe. The city conserves numerous buildings in its historic quarter with a Conjunto Histórico-Artístico, its Historic-Artistic Ensemble, listed as an Asset of Cultural Interest. As a connecting link with Portugal, Badajoz is a true reflection of what an open city, transformed into Extremadura’s most international city, represents.
Cultural offer
The streets of Badajoz host its Carnival, a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest, and the Semana Santa, the Easter Week, listed as being of National Tourist Interest. Entertainment is also present in other celebrations such as the Festival of San Juan, Los Palomos or the Festival of Almossassa. There is also the opportunity to visit museums, such as El Meiac (Ibero-American Museum of Contemporary Art), the Archeological Museum or the Carnival of Badajoz.
International standing
Strategically situated, Badajoz is a border city 6 kilometres from Portugal via the A6, which gives it an international flavour and is the hub of relations between the two countries.
Heritage
The city conserves an important historical and archaeological legacy in its monumental area, such as the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, the Alcazaba, the Plaza Alta, the Espantaperros watchtower, The Palmas Gate and the numerous Vaubanstyle fortifications of its bastioned enclosure.
Urban nature
Badajoz has an urban ZEPA (Special Protection Area for Birds) on the weir of the Guadiana River that serves as a haven for aquatic birdlife, with a population of over 2,500 pairs of cattle egrets and little egrets. Other natural spaces are the Parque Castelar and Parque de La Legión parks and the Jardines de la Galera gardens.
Gastronomy
Pacense cuisine has its origin in three traditional culinary aspects: dehesa meadowlands cuisine, shepherding cuisine and border cuisine, with an undeniable Portuguese influence that has made its most characteristic dishes popular in the city.
How to get there
Bus
Several bus companies travel to Badajoz. There are routes connecting the city with Madrid, Lisbon, Cáceres, Mérida and other nearby towns.
Car
You can reach Badajoz via the A-5 Highway (Madrid-Badajoz-Lisbon). Also from Seville to the north of Spain via the A-66, with a connection from Mérida.
Train
RENFE has a direct rail connection with the cities of Madrid, Cáceres, Seville and Ciudad Real. The gradual deployment of high-speed rail now provides a modern, highly efficient service. The connection with Lisbon is a train of the Portuguese Comboios company.
Air travel
Badajoz has an airport (BJZ), with direct flights from the cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca.