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.
Plasencia, known as the Perl of the Jerte Valley, was founded in 1186 by Alfonso VIII of Castile and is the most important city in northern Extremadura, in the province of Cáceres. The gateway to the Jerte Valley, retaining strong links with neighbouring regions: La Vera, Monfragüe, Alagón Valley, Hurdes, Ambroz Valley and Trasierra- Lands of Granadilla.
Accessible and friendly
Plasencia’s open and hospitable trading nature as well as its strategic position and population of more than 40,000 inhabitants is the Northern Capital and a dynamic, friendly, highly tourist-oriented city undergoing significant economic growth.
Traditional and unique
Plasencia is marked by tradition, making it an exceptional destination. Every first Tuesday in August is Martes Mayor (Great Tuesday); the Festival of Tourist Interest in Extremadura that pays homage to the city’s centuries-old market. Another unmissable event in summer is the International Folk Festival. On a religious level, there is special emphasis on the Semana Santa (Holy/Easter Week), as it is the oldest celebration in Extremadura. In 2022, the city hosted the “Transitus” exhibition, holding the 26th edition of the Ages of Man, one of the most important cultural events of a religious nature in Spain in recent years.
Rich heritage
This walled city encloses a rich heritage and legacy; the old town of Plasencia has been listed as an Asset of Cultural Interest. It contains religious buildings that make it unique, such as its two cathedrals, the New and the Old, and other civil buildings of great relevance such as the numerous palaces and stately homes; its aqueduct, or the Convent of San Vicente Ferrer, now a Parador de Turismo Hotel, chosen the best in the country in 2022 by its customers.
Extraordinary setting
Plasencia lies at the foot of the river Jerte, in exceptional surroundings, with a vast range of natural spaces in which to cool off in summertime, with major parks such as La Isla and Los Pinos. The longest rail trail in Extremadura passes through the city; the most spectacular of Spain’s nature paths. Not forgetting Monfragüe National Park, La Vera and the Jerte Valley, just 20 minutes from the city.
Gastronomy
In Plasencia, tapas are both an art and a luxury. It also boasts some excellent restaurants in which to sample typical dishes of Extremadura’s cuisine, with innovative recipes based on the use of excellent regional produce. Gazpacho, migas de pastor (shepherd’s breadcrumbs), zorongollo, stews, chanfaina (goat seasoned with almonds) or cochifrito (spiced lamb dish). Its celebrated cheeses such as Torta del Casar and Ibores are highly recommended.
How to get there
Bus
There are several companies offering bus routes to Plasencia, such as Avanza Bus and ALSA, that will take you to Madrid, Seville, Mérida, Badajoz or to northern Spain.
Car
Extremadura is connected by two major roads: the A-5 highway that will take you to Plasencia from Madrid in under two and a half hours, linking up with the EX-A1 highway from Navalmoral de la Mata; and the A-66 that passes through the capital of the Jerte Valley.
Train
There is a direct rail connection with Madrid, Badajoz, Mérida, Seville or Lisbon and the gradual deployment of high-speed rail now provides a modern, highly efficient service.
Air travel
To reach Plasencia there are direct flights from Madrid, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca to Badajoz airport, 170 Km from Plasencia. It is also possible to fly from Madrid airport, which is 250 Km from the Capital of the Jerte Valley.