From Game of Thrones filming locations to Iberico ham production, I was very fortunate to experience this hidden area of Spain for a workshop and familiarisation visit for Tasting Places this Spring.
The Extremadura region is as large as the Netherlands, but only has one million inhabitants compared to the 17 million population of the Netherlands. Consequently there's a lot of countryside, perfect to explore on a self-drive holiday. Merida is less than two hours from Seville and a great place to start. Once capital of Lusitania (Spain and Portugal), Merida was founded in 25BC. Staying at the wonderful Parador in the centre of Merida, complete with storks nesting on the roof, everywhere was within walking distance.
With history dating back nearly 2,000 years Merida has some of the finest Roman ruins in Spain including the longest Roman built bridge (790m) in the world. There's also an impressive Roman ampitheatre and Temple of Diana. The National Roman Museum is well worth a visit and the modern architecture cleverly evokes the feeling of being in a public Roman building.
After Merida we continued to the Dehesa for the chance to learn all about Iberico ham, which involves a five year process including ageing after curing. No wonder Extremadura ham has its own Designation of Origin status.
Only an hour's drive from Merida, the ancient town of Caceres was another delight. Designated a World Heritage City by UNESCO in 1986, it blends architecture from many civilizations throughout history and in 2015 was named Spanish Capital of Gastronomy.
Last destination on the itinerary was Trujillo, a walled town (and one of the locations used for the Game of Thrones filming), which was the birthplace of Francisco Pizarro, conqueror of Peru. There's an equestrian statue of him in the main square. Just outside Trujillo the Habla Wine Cellar is an impressive contemporary vineyard to visit for a tasting.
Never having been to Madrid before I then spent an extra couple of days exploring the city before returning to London. Being able to walk everywhere was a pleasant surprise as Madrid is quite a compact city. Visiting the Thyssen Museum was a highlight. As I'd avidly watched Paul Hollywood's City Bakes television programme on Madrid I was also keen to try some specialities including the famed churros with hot chocolate at San Gines. Unbelievably open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, this renowned place has been going since 1894 (and invariably there's a queue, but worth the wait).
So next time you're wondering where in Europe to go, remember central Spain and the wealth of options off the beaten track.
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